A Very Spirited Balloon Wall...
For those who know me - Halloween is my favorite! I am lucky that as a balloon artist I get to celebrate all sorts of special events and Holidays, but Halloween is that special time of year when everything ramps up for the Holidays! School is in session and people are settling into their fall routines. Just as the leaves turn and the air gets chilly it’s time to start celebrating all the fun of the season! Spooky Hayrides, Pumpkin Patches, Fall Festivals, and Costume parties are being planned and attended by all ages. I like to make a big list of spooky movies to watch, many being cozy watches that happen year after year. Along with regular seasonal fun, I also LOVE to plan a few special Halloween Balloon tricks and treats.
In the past Lauralloons have done special Halloween Balloon Builds at Boo at the Zoo, and the Superior Spooktacular Parade. This year (2024) for the first time I am building a piece for a local Halloween- themed art show North Shorror!
This exhibit is featuring artists from around the Northland and will be open October 12th- November 2nd 10am-5pm at the St. Louis County Depot.
This is the chance I had been waiting for! I have had this idea in my head for so many years and now it is finally able to be shared. Behold the Spirt Board Balloon Wall.
Spirt Boards, Talking Boards, Witch Board, Ouija Board, many names to describe what I consider to be a very iconic spooky boardgame. There is some very interesting history to these boards. The Library of Congress has links to historic newspapers talking about Talking Boards! Also the Smithsonian Magazine has a great article with an overview of the boards in both history and how they have shown up in pop culture.
Did you ever play with one? They remind me of sleepovers with scary movies, staying up too late, and too many sugary snacks. I wanted to make such an iconic spooky symbol out of balloons! Balloons offer whimsy to any subject (in a good way!) and I think it’s fun to bring a little lightness and silliness to an object that is often associated with darker themes. Plus it is always a joy to play with scale- balloons are a fun way to really ‘inflate’ the size of a common object. This classic board game size was increased to approximately 14 ft wide by 8ft tall. Now its a whole wall of spooky! Take some pictures and have some fun!
Special thanks to The Depot and North Shorror! For having us be a part of your Spooky Event!
Have any Spirit Board stories to share? Let us know in the comments?