Product Description

A smile is universal. And if there's one thing destined to bring a smile to faces the world over, it's The Inflatable Crown--as this one-of-a-kind, step-by-step guide to the most fabulous adornments ever to be put on a human head proves. Armed with a backpack full of balloons, a sturdy pump, a camera, and good intentions, balloon-twister Addi Somekh and photographer Charlie Eckert set out on an expedition that would take them to 34 countries around the world. Wherever they went, they brought joy and laughter, blowing, twisting, and turning balloons into tiaras, crowns, and Master Blasters. But readers of The Inflatable Crown don't need to travel any further than their own living rooms. This kit brings together 30 durable balloons, the best professional quality pump on the market, as well as a book filled with pictures from the authors' adventures and clear instructions for 14 magnificent crowns. Whatever the age,

The Inflatable Crown's perfect for parties, show-and-tell, and anywhere an element of fun is required.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1125977 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

From Amazon.com
When "certified balloonatic" Addi Somekh and his photographer friend, Charlie Eckert, got a bee in their bonnet to travel the world, spreading good cheer through... balloon hats, they had only a vague idea where this madness would lead. Three years and six incredible journeys later, the creative pair had brought smiles to the faces of thousands of people--and they had the makings of this book and balloon hat-making kit. The small, imaginative book describes Somekh and Eckert's experiences of showing up in towns and rural areas of Europe, Africa, Central America, the Balkans, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, and making balloon hats for people in their natural, everyday environments. The bulk of the book, however, is a step-by-step pictorial guide to creating fantastic headpieces out of balloons. Numbered boxes with black backgrounds reveal crisp photos of hands twisting, pinching, and squeezing colorful balloons to create swirlies, ballies, dingies, teddy bear twists, loops, locks, and other cleverly named techniques that ultimately result in latex tiaras, polar bear loungers, unicorn hats, Martian helmets, and the spectacular Dysfunctionally Large Hat. Three international balloon photo galleries showcase gorgeous snapshots of people (and a camel or two) wearing or playing with Somekh's balloon creations.

Part sociological study, part entertainment, part how-to book, this kit, which includes the 152-page book, 30 colorful balloons, and a super piston-action pump (as well as a very convincing list of 7 reasons to make balloon hats), is pure fun. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
Armed with a bag of balloons, a sack of cameras and film and the idea that curly colorful hats could unite the world balloon artist Addi Somekh and photographer Charlie Eckert set out on a global adventure. The result: the Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Kit, which comes with 30 balloons, a "super piston-action pump" and guidebook. Full-color photographs of the balloon-bedecked children of all ages in Cairo, Kenya and East L.A. make a most artful instruction manual, with photos that serve as a step-by-step demonstration.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Now that they've completed their around-the-world adventures, Addi Somekh and Charlie Eckert live in Northern California.

Customer Reviews

Downright fun!
This is a great gift for any age. I got this book and kit for my 44th Birthday and did I have a ball with it. The book itself is beautifully photographed. It is amazing to see where the authors went and who they shared their wonderful, creative talents with. Even if you don't want to make balloon hats the book is a coffee table must. The kit part is loads of fun. The directions are easy to understand and within minutes we were making wonderful, goofy, silly hats, including my 5 year old son and his friends. A gift that will bring lightheartedness and lots of laughter and fun to all. I suggest buying extra balloons, once you get started you won't want to stop.

Great for beginers
This book has all the basics. What you learn in this book will help you make any kind of balloon hat you can think of!

The Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Kit
I've order several balloon book but this is the best! The colorful balloon pictures are magnificant and the instructions are easy to follow. What really stands out in this book is how they have traveled all around the world to bring smiles to people faces with their creativate balloon hats that they have made.