balloon animals

in anticipation of YSMP, I bought a how to make balloon animals kit from the local toy store. i had one as a kid, but the balloons that were included in the kit were old and crusty and the pump didn't really work.

so an hour and a half later, i have one balloon dog and one balloon flower. Balloon animal making is kind of satisfying because the product is made quickly and without too much real talent or skill. i can for one can never finish long craft projects because i get impatient with the little details and never stay put long enough to reach the end. but with balloon animals, badah bing badah boom, here's a balloon dog, kid. now, i concede that they're not the cutest things in the world and probably don't deserve much artistic kudos, but I think you would be pretty hard pressed to find a more cheerful looking hat than one made out of balloon.

see exhibit A:

this one is also funnie

i imagine that balloon animal making could be handy in many occasions. awkward moment? whip out a balloon and make a giraffe. Waiting in line at the post office? Make a balloon hamster. Can't get a table at a crowded restaurant? Make a balloon rabbit for the hostess. Absolutely foolproof.