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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Hello Teamliquidians!!
Many moons have passed since last I rambled here, in blog. Most may not even know who I am...I'm still trying to figure that one out...Ill let ya all know asap though...When I find the time to do so.
Three days ago I came home. Eleven days ago I left...
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ps4k1ph.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TYBrhHz.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/HDEbtYc.jpg)
I had a road companion, a traveling rainbow family (Hippie) named Storm Clouds....I was on my way to Denver and would drop Storm Clouds off in Albuquerque. In Denver, In the heart of downtown, over 900 delegates from 53 countries came together, along with vendors, sponsors, and staff. We all had come together for the 3rd Bi-annual World Balloon Convention. Excitement permeated me, fantasies of awards won and respect and friendship from my peers, kept me going the 14 pl;us hours it took to get near my destination.
Downtown Denver I was soon to find, with its many one way streets and roads that merge and cross at diagonals, traffic lights that go turn first then straight (backwards to me). Is a bit confusing at first to someone used to the wide, straight and grid-like structure of his hometown. Not to mention the prices of parking.Tucson has loads of parking and rarely does it cost to do so.
Ill spare you the parking woes, a ticket, and some up and downs late at night trying to keep my parking taken care of. 27 dollars a night for the Hotel.....all Im saying wtf......
No matter I was here to help compete with the best balloon artists in the world. I was part of team USA and we had a plan! We had from Tuesday at 9am until Wendsday 12pm noon. To create our Tiger/Jungle/temple scene. Here are some of the first crew (i was taking pics) to arrive. We would have more balloon artist joining us as their flights came in.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/49aR0XL.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BbQ9lZF.jpg)
It was a long day of inflating, double stuffing balloons, building framing, and creating all the pieces we would need to complete our large piece. As the day wore into evening 3 of us split off to do the Medium build. This team was lead by Jason S. and included myself and another balloon artist. We were going to create a Carnival Girl from Brazil. Which was insane as I was running back and forth helping in both builds. Anytime I had downtime on one I would go and help on the other. The medium build finished up at midnight and it was back to the large. This is all happening in the same room, with all the other teams from all over. And to be honest it was scary the procession and teamwork some of the teams showed (Japan, and Taiwan)
Unfortunately I was testing at 7 am for my CBA (7am-12:30pm) and then after that had to start one of 4 individual contests I had entered....All that said I was running ragged and went to bed around 3:30am to get back up at 6:30. The Testing was crazy 64 people including myself were testing. I thought I did well on the oral areas, and felt just lost when trying to build some of the things asked to build. I knew I got them eventually just struggled (I think due to lack of sleep,forgetting some balloons,and my hands had been going almost nonstop)....We would not find out till the next day if we had passed or not...I was more concerned about getting up and seeing our finished large sculpture, and preparing to build my Deliverable sculpture.
As I walked into the competition area I was overwhelmed with the art and all the pieces around the room. Ours was in the back corner and as I approached I was impressed with what we had done. Though I knew there was no way we were taking home 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Though I was sure we would get an Achievement Award (based off points). These first three are from the USA team I was on. The rest are from around the Competition room.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ER3xPLE.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TJGOBC9.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/oS6Pg32.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/kjSsvX9.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/afKXhpM.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/FeaMiCo.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/l3D1DVl.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/X1ofsHW.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/0TjeEBB.jpg)
Now I was off to do my first individual competition.I ended up scraping the idea I had sent in and just went with a free flow Yoda design. I was not happy with it at all. I turned in my sculpture after the 2 hours we had to work on it. Got a picture with it, had it entered and set up. I then got my head form for the hat competition which you could work on in your room, no time limits etc.! This is what I made.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/k9Oo9eL.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BxvBeL8.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/UCw6Cxz.jpg)
The competitions were done for the day. I was able to relax a bit. There was the WBC Rocks The World costume gala. With buffet, drinks, dancing and many crazy times. It was great hanging out with my hero's and jamming talking and having a great time.(I plan on editing in details/pics later about this)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/o4VotAp.jpg)
Morning time rolls around and I jump up, I had missed my next competition I was signed up for...So I joined an amazing artist from Taiwan for a smoke (e-smoke here). My whole plan was ruined as I went back into the lobby....A bus had pulled up....It was the mother fucking Harlem Globetrotters (ive seen a total of 21 times in my life) Plans of taking classes for the day were ruined as I formulated an Idea of building a Harlem globetrotter!! Long story short I hung out with many HG's and had the time of my life...Offered free tickets and vip access for the game Sunday. I had to decline as I had signed up to twist balloons for the public....Bummer...
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/WuqpDnD.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/XWqT7YO.jpg)
Myself, Jake Levy (announcer for HG) Scott Nichols(balloon artist lepord hair) Prafiseey (HG tattoo artist/recording artist) Dizzie Ramsey (MC for the HG)
I was so excited!!!
The convention was winding down, I entered my hat and then did the 12 minute balloon figure contest. and generally just played and hung out with my balloon, and HG hero's!!
Awards night I was nervous and excited. I was called up along with all the other people who had Passed the CBA testing!! I earned my pin and card!! Awards were given out and to my surprise!! Our large piece got the Silver Achievement award!! And My Yoda got the Bronze Achievement !!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gsu93Cb.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/94rbVSB.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/v5rVWcJ.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1DobJ2n.jpg)
Brian Asman (Of the Unpopables tv show on TLC) and I worked on this Denver Bronco on and off for 2 1/2 days to be ready for the Festival Of Balloons on Sunday the 30th
Out of time ...Ill leave it like this and come back and clean up/ answer questions/ something Hopefully as soon as I can!
Daniel "FuDD" Ravia C.B.A. !!!
More pics
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1w3xkGt.jpg)
Arizona People at WBC
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qBnhg6Q.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fenqq50.jpg)
Aftermath of the Awards Gala
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DXTJnDR.jpg)
Takehiro Kai and I (in my opinion the best balloon artist in the world from Japan)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/KWm8Bwo.jpg)
A neat peacock column
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/AJoQJqD.jpg)
Part of one of the Medium Taiwan team builds
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CUErEuA.jpg)
Japanese teams large sculpture
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/elcmFWw.jpg)
A dragon I made while jamming
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Fogq7cf.jpg)
My CBA certificate!
+ Show Spoiler +Winner list!
Large Sculpture Competition
3rd place - Cheng-Hao Lee, CBA from Taiwan - Temple
2nd place - Masako Nomura, CBA from Japan - Owl
1st place - Olga Baranova, CBA from Russia - Turtle
Medium Sculpture Competition
3rd place - Megumi Honne, CBA from Japan - Pelican
2nd place - Takehiro Kai - Kabuki
1st place - Kao Wen-Hsiang from Taiwan - Elephant sailing
Balloon Fashion
3rd place - Fumiko Yamashita, CBA - White flowing dress and flowers
2nd place - Nandor Schreiter, CBA - Black with red trim
1st place - Jie Sun - Black, orange trim and hat
Deliverable sculpture
3rd place - Lee Cheng Feng - Girl sitting
2nd place - Po Hsun Liao, CBA - Nutcracker on horse
1st place - Takehiro Kai - Kangaroo with cupcake
Table arrangement
3rd place - Fumiko Yamashita, CBA=20
2nd place - Jie Sun=20
1st place - Hitomi Nakayama, CBA
Delivery bouquet
3rd place - Raquel Reynolds, CBA - girl holding balloons
2nd place - Valter Saladino, CBA - couple hugging
1st place - Federico Onida, CBA - Mickey Mouse
Balloon Hat
3rd place - Teri Stokes, CBA - Native American Headdress=20
2nd place - Kowk Cheong Wong=20
1st place - Hitomi Nakayama, CBA
Balloon Column
3rd place - Daigo Sugata
2nd place - Edward Munoz, CBA
1st place - Valter Saladino, CBA
Balloon Figure
3rd place - Kowk Cheong Wong - Snowman
2nd place - Rob Balchunas - Fox
1st place - Takehiro Kai - Bunny
New Artist of the Year - Federico Onida
WBC 2014 Master Designer - Federico Onida
Golden Light Award - Norma Roberts
 
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lol your blogs always bring a smile to my face ^^
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FuDD blogs are always a treat. ^_^
The tiger looks pretty badass!
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Grats!
always awesome to read/see!
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intrigue
Washington, D.C9933 Posts
wow, yeah. USA's looked amazing imo, not just the tiger. how'd you guys split up the work? also i really like balloon column entry #22, the yoshi with the tongue going straight up
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FuDD you are the coolest <3
Those balloons are amazing!!
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Wow! That tiger looked really impressive, the jungle background too, very bold, they really "leap" out at you.
The Yoda is a nice contrast, I'm amazed at the level of detail of his head and lightsabre, and that it was done so quick.
I got to see the Globetrotters once with a friend for his birthday (courtside, even!), it must have been awesome to hang out with them.
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Usually on the internet "awesome" is a overused term, but the moment I saw the jungle+tiger picture I was with my mouth open wide.
Wow... really awesome.
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These are incredible if only I didn't have a fear of balloons
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you are just the best guy ever. much love
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This is amazing!
Thanks for sharing!
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Estonia4644 Posts
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dam that's one hot spice girl.
sick stuff.
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Yeah 5 of the USA team (all guys) decided to dress as the spice girls.... was fun!!
Oh and just in case Yes Rekrul I have new shoes with my suit!!! hahah
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Shit those balloon sculptures are amazing!
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It seems like a ballooning award should NOT have any sharp points....
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anyone else think holy fucken shit thats amazing when they saw the balloon pics daaamnn thats pro
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United States97276 Posts
wow all these balloon designs are incredible. Congratulations on your achievements!
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China6327 Posts
These things are incredible... I never imagined that balloons can be made into such beatiful art masterpieces.
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This is so amazing. holy shit.
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congrats on getting the certificate fudd and those are amazing as always.
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2nd Worst City in CA8938 Posts
You've really outdone yourself this time, FuDDx. Bravo.
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SoCal, USA3955 Posts
This is so amazing. :O Congrats Fudd! :D
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Next stop!!! Ireland in July!!!!
Thank you all!!
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Seeker
Where dat snitch at?36945 Posts
Unbelievable stuff FuDDx... MORE BLOGS LIKE THESE!!!
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FuDD, this is absolutely fantastic! I've never imagined balloons could be contorted as such!
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I'm totally floored by the things you guys are capable of making with balloons.
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1001 YEARS KESPAJAIL22272 Posts
holy shit those balloons are amazing
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Wow. I had no idea balloons could be that badass. I mean ive read some of your other blogs and seen some of your work but damn that shit is off the hook.
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ALLEYCAT BLUES49647 Posts
On April 04 2014 07:55 FuDDx wrote:
Next stop!!! Ireland in July!!!!
Thank you all!!
ohhh, I might be there, if I am I'll definitely let you know.
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You may have met a friend of mine, a guy called the Balloonatic, from the UK. He spends most of his time doing family shows but also does large balloon sculptures.
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Michael!!! He is who I will be ballooning with!! Ive had him share my room in St. Louis!!
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Physician
United States4146 Posts
Man I remember your first tries with them balloons, talk about taking it to the limit FuDDx! Are you ice sculpting skills equally good these days too?
Respect ~
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I didn't think it could get any better than your usual balloon blogs. They were already awesome, but this is a whole new level of gosuness.
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Really cool stuff FuDDx, I recall seeing you do some balloon blogs years ago, glad to see you've reached some insane heights within your industry!
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It truly is incredible what can be done with a bit of imagination. Great stuff!
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awesome stuff
i forget if i've asked before, but is this your main source of income??
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Goddamn that's real art!!!
Can we get a peek at which balloon sculptures won?
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Canada11307 Posts
...
I don't know how you do what you do.
But I thank you.
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So good 
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In a million years I never realized "Balloon Animals" were such a huge thing. It's incredibly interesting, so much talent. I know how hard it is to do creative things with limited or specific supplies. This stuff is just phenomenal. Congratulations!
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Your blogs are always amazing.
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
http://balloonhq.org/galleries/wbc2014/
You can find many photos from the event here. As for the winners. As soon as they post the pictures, and info Ill pass it along here!!
Thank you all for your kind words and the stars!!!
Looks like Things are gearing up for some more dates Ill be traveling... Nothing 100 percent confirmed ....But it looks like Illl be in Orlando in Jan 4th ish-12 ish Vegas Jan. 19th-27th ish...
The offer is there, anyone near me at the time hit me up Ill buy the first beer!
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TLADT24920 Posts
wow these things are freaking amazing! How do you manage to even do that stuff in a day's time? Don't these balloons breaks if stretched to a certain amount? so many questions lol. Also, had no clue about that there is an actual certification, the CBT. Congrats on getting that and the other achievements!
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Congrats FuDDx! These pictures always take my breath away
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Nice to see and hear something from you again!
I have to admit, I'm totally not following the balloon scene, but this looks pretty amazing! A pity they don't last.
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The passion is really amazing FuDDx, really admire what you do. You bring smiles to many faces, you're definitely one of the coolest people on this site. Great job!
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Hey, I signed in for the first time in years just to rate this shit 5 stars. Love your blogs man!
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Much appreciated!!
I also think that one of the most beautiful things about this art form is that it does not last....I think it adds so much more to the piece when you consider all the work just to have it die so soon....
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Canada11307 Posts
Also. How is this not a pure 5 star blog?
What more do you people want!!!
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Wow fuddx, congratulations. The competition was amazing, I'm glad it turned out great!
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On April 05 2014 05:41 Falling wrote:
Also. How is this not a pure 5 star blog?
What more do you people want!!!
Bells and whistles, there weren't enough bells or whistles. In fact, there weren't enough horns or trombones for my liking either.
5/5 tho. I love balloon sculptures, except when my ents manager asks me to fill up 500 balloons and turn them in to a balloon arch before the venue opens in 2 hours........
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On April 05 2014 05:37 FuDDx wrote:
Much appreciated!!
I also think that one of the most beautiful things about this art form is that it does not last....I think it adds so much more to the piece when you consider all the work just to have it die so soon....
See this man gets it. I love freestyling with some friends, you create this awesome piece of art and even more so with freestyling its gone so soon. You might hear this once in a lifetime piece of art that no one ever will hear or see again.
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These balloon masterpieces are incredible, thanks for sharing!
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On April 04 2014 05:59 Shock710 wrote:
anyone else think holy fucken shit thats amazing when they saw the balloon pics daaamnn thats pro
Exactly.
Great blog.
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I love how it starts with some relatively boring road trip pics and ends with the most awesome stuff ever! Easy 5/5 of course.
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So sick, Fudd! You're work and stories never cease to be awesome and amazing. <3
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I never could conceive that balloons could be transformed into such great works but you made me a believer.
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Holy shit those team scultures are amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing. So detailed and colourful @_@
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Katowice25012 Posts
damn FuDD these are unreal, seriously amazing work. You have stepped it up a hundred fold since it seems like I saw your last blog.
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I cant get enough of your blogs. just..... incredible.
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Congrats on your Certified Bad-Ass qualification! Well earned.
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Netherlands6181 Posts
WOw, those were amazing! Good read too! Congrats on your silver achievement, and your yoda was super cute!
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Korea (South)1897 Posts
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love it!, especially that tree and dragon!
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Those things are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
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Amazing, simply amazing......as always FuDDx, never seems to surprise me how much awesomeness you can fit into one blog.....this one takes the cake though I think , the Japanese ones, and Yoda..... loved it, thanks!! Keep on truckin bro.
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Super cool! Did you all have a great balloon popping party at the end? ^^
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
SO much love!! Thank you so much all of you!!!
The WBC is the Olympics of Ballooning. And it happens every other year. Ill update the op with the list of winners. Or better yet as soon as WBC page puts up the info Ill share it (they have pictures as well as who and where the artist/teams were from) Better than a list with no pictures.
2016 is in New Orleans!!!
Yes there is a popping party kinda... When the Festival of Balloons finished up, any balloons left on the floor were fair game. It was rather amusing watching familys carrying large columns or life sized princesses and trying to squeeze them into the car hahaha I should have got some pictures!! So any of the big big stuff that is framed etc. gets destroyed after that.
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FuDDx
United States5007 Posts
Large Sculpture Competition
3rd place - Cheng-Hao Lee, CBA from Taiwan - Temple
2nd place - Masako Nomura, CBA from Japan - Owl
1st place - Olga Baranova, CBA from Russia - Turtle
Medium Sculpture Competition
3rd place - Megumi Honne, CBA from Japan - Pelican
2nd place - Takehiro Kai - Kabuki
1st place - Kao Wen-Hsiang from Taiwan - Elephant sailing
Balloon Fashion
3rd place - Fumiko Yamashita, CBA - White flowing dress and flowers
2nd place - Nandor Schreiter, CBA - Black with red trim
1st place - Jie Sun - Black, orange trim and hat
Deliverable sculpture
3rd place - Lee Cheng Feng - Girl sitting
2nd place - Po Hsun Liao, CBA - Nutcracker on horse
1st place - Takehiro Kai - Kangaroo with cupcake
Table arrangement
3rd place - Fumiko Yamashita, CBA=20
2nd place - Jie Sun=20
1st place - Hitomi Nakayama, CBA
Delivery bouquet
3rd place - Raquel Reynolds, CBA - girl holding balloons
2nd place - Valter Saladino, CBA - couple hugging
1st place - Federico Onida, CBA - Mickey Mouse
Balloon Hat
3rd place - Teri Stokes, CBA - Native American Headdress=20
2nd place - Kowk Cheong Wong=20
1st place - Hitomi Nakayama, CBA
Balloon Column
3rd place - Daigo Sugata
2nd place - Edward Munoz, CBA
1st place - Valter Saladino, CBA
Balloon Figure
3rd place - Kowk Cheong Wong - Snowman
2nd place - Rob Balchunas - Fox
1st place - Takehiro Kai - Bunny
New Artist of the Year - Federico Onida
WBC 2014 Master Designer - Federico Onida
Golden Light Award - Norma Roberts
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Holy shit! Epic balloon-fest!
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THEY HAD A BALLOON CONVENTION LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM MY HOUSE? WHY DOES NOBODY INFORM ME OF THESE THINGS.
This is awesome. Thanks for putting a smile on my face today FuDD
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Never knew such awesomeness existed in the balloons. That's sick!
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EPT
