" I have to get the proportions correct." Rachel carefully measuring

In fact, we put together a very talented team of dedicated, creative balloons artists from 9 states across the country to assist make Rachel’s vision come alive.  These men and women worked non-stop for the 12 hours we had to build Rachel’s design and there is no way it would have completed without each of their talents, energy and knowledge.  We are so blessed to have had them on our team!

Rachel’s inspiration for the sculpture “Spring in the Smokies” came from the beauty that surrounds us daily by living in East Tennessee.  For 2 years she knew what she wanted to create–a scene of our Smoky Mountains.  Last fall, she began drawing her vision.  Then worked diligently for months to develop techniques that would bring the sculpture to life and incorporate balloons in a unique manner.  You should have seen the studio when she was practicing, there were strange objects often found lying around and other crew members would ask, “What’s that?”  To which the reply was, “Rachel’s working on designing….”  It became comical at times-a rock here, a flower there, then tree bark.

Finally, in February, she and I began working on the frame for the bear.  The first one looked like a wart hog.  The second one was much improved.  We attempted numerous techniques to make bear fur most of which we really disliked or found were too commonly used in our industry.  We wanted something different and new.  We thought we had it figured out after stumbling on a new technique but Rach wasn’t “digging it.” So back to the drawing board or should I say the “Let’s try this” process.  We tried several other techniques and finally again stumbled onto the one we wanted to use at competition.  Problem solved. NOT!  

Down to the wire adding final touches on the bear

When we started competition, we discovered that our teammates couldn’t efficiently use the technique, so on the spot, Rachel came up with another new technique that we used.  BRILLIANT!  Suffice it to say it took 5 women who ended up with very sore fingers 6 hours to create the fur, while I was attaching the fur to the bear’s frame for a full 8 hours.  Grueling to say the least, especially when we got down to the wire we thought we were not going to have enough balloons–even though we used 1,855 balloons on the bear alone!!

Now isn't he precious!

The backdrop of the Smoky Mountain scene used the rest of the 6,500 balloons we used to create it.  The 9′ tall backdrop featured the green foliage of the mountains, with rocks that led to a mountain stream which our bear was heading for.  As in our mountains, there were pine and dogwood trees, with wildflowers hidden amongst the rocks and water.  Each of the leaves and bark on the trees were made individually, some double-stuffed (that means one balloon inside another).  The flowers were all created with individual balloon petals to create a very real likeness of the iris, bellwort, trillium and other flowers found in the Smokies.   There is so much more I can tell you about this sculpture, but I think photos will tell the story in a more interesting manner, so I’ll stop here and add in several photos.

The exception being that it is with much unending gratitude that we give to our team for giving us their time, talent, energy, advice, support and love.  Thanks Joette, Jani, Su, Pat, Janice, Phil, Linda, Joan, Joy, Chanequa, “B”, Teresa, Eddie, Anne, and moral support from Peggy!  No way this would have ever happened without you.  Thank you for blessing us so very much!

Su & Joy Creating the Smoky Mountain Backdrop Frame

Pat & Jani preparing tons of pine needles

Janice & Phil diligently making Fantasy Dogwood Flowers and Pine Tree Bark

How many of these do we need for the bear? Linda Zeller

Joette, Chanequa and Jani diligently making bear fur for 5 hours!

Rachel creating pine bark

Even the flowers were made from balloons

The dogwood tree takes form.

Close up of Dogwood Fantasy FlowersEven the flowers were made from balloons

Spring in the Smokies, an award-winning balloon sculpture

An exhausted but awesome team!

How Rachel REALLY felt about winning! Now that's a smile!

Glowing Bubble Vases Lit the Room

reception was held at The Foundry.  It was our honor to provide the decor.  Our client wanted fun but elegance with a masculine flair.

The Foundry itself is a beautiful venue so not much was needed for this event to enhance it other than stage decor and centerpieces.

The centerpieces consisted of 3 glass containers varying in height and shape, some round, some square.   For the tallest piece we created glowing bubbles by placing lit balloons inside the vase.  When the lights were down, the entire vase cast a turquoise glow.  The middle vase was filled with gel, covered with a bit of ribbon and ting added.  Then we lit the vase.  Finally, the shortest was a square vase filled with black topped with glittery turquoise embellishments, all placed on black satin.  Glittery turquoise snowflakes completed the tablescape.

Even though they wanted a more elegant look for the room, for the stage they wanted a touch

String of Pearl Arch

of frivolity.    The guest of honor at one point in his career had dressed as Elton John–that came back to haunt him right in center stage (and on the gift table)

My client made the special request of a Balloon Buddy of “Elton Larry” so the honoree could be duly embarrassed and honored.  So on the gift table we placed a 20″ sculpture of Elton Larry complete with the hot pink boa.

The event was successful and many compliments were given on the atmosphere we had created.

If there is a dedicated person at your place of employment who is about to retire, we can

"Elton Larry"

create a respectful, yet fun or elegant atmosphere for your celebration.

No matter how you want to celebrate–Employee of Month, Promotions, Moving, Fantastic Sales, and more, let us take the stress of planning the event decor off your hand. Visit our website at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com or call at (865) 719-8110 and we’ll be delighted to serve you.

Okay, so I’m not a song writer, but that is a very true statement!  At the end of our first week of “Where’s Above the Rest,” four businesses have spotted and contacted us to let me know where and when they saw our new van.  That means we are in the process of delivering four F.R.E.E. holiday bouquets to them as

Beth Gladden, UT Special Events Office, spotted us on campus.

an award for being eagle eyes!  The first will go to the Special Events office at the University of Tennessee.  Beth Gladden from that office spotted us in Circle Park on Tuesday.  Wes Harmon from the UT Parent’s Alumni Office also spotted us at Circle Park and sent a text message letting me know he saw us.  So that office will also receive a holiday design.

Today, Martha Riordan, from Cumulus Broadcasting (aka WIVK, WOKI) spotted us at the

Good Eyes Martha Riordan!

Farragut Chamber’s a.m. networking outside of Coachman Clothiers.

We’ll be delivering a fun Christmas design to her office on Friday afternoon.

Then we were spotted again by Meredith of The Cup at Turkey Creek.

Here’s How You Can Win a F.REE $50

Balloon Design for Your Business

1.  Be an employee of a business/office that has 5 or more employees.

2.  When you see us around town, simply call the number on the van and let me know when & where you located our van.  Or send a photo via text or email message and give the same information along with your name, company name and location of your office. (Your photo will be posted on Facebook or my Blog along with your company name)  There is a QR code located on 3 sides of the van, which you can use to get our email address.

3.  Limit one delivery per business, f.ree delivery limited to Knoxville area.  Outside Knoxville, delivery charges will apply.

So as of this writing, we are 4 down, 21 more deliveries to be made!  Be on the look out and WIN!

Feel free to spread the word to your friends, family and co-workers  so they can be watching for the colorful

Above the Rest Balloon Van!

Plain White Cargo Van

Here it’s a plain white cargo van.  NOW…

It's a Piece of Art

Here’s our special announcement:

Do You Remember Where’s Waldo?  An Above the Rest Contest

In case you don’t remember Where’s Waldo, it was a book in which there are numerous illustrations.

Thanks Melissa for Designing an Awesome Look!

In each illustration is one of “Waldo” and your job was to find him. It was a search book.

Well, now you get to play again, but this time it’s “Where’s Above the Rest?” and WIN!

The Contest: 
Be among the first 25 businesses who spot our new amazing van and call or text (865) 719-8110 or email dianna@abovetheresteventdesigns.com  to let us know where and when they saw it and we will deliver a festive balloon design valued at $50 to your office as a thank you.

Now that's a VAN!

The Rules:

1. You must be employed by a business that has 5 employees or more.
2.  When you call, text, or email, you must provide your full name, name of company, contact information, WHERE & WHEN you saw the van.  If you text, take a photo of the van and send it to us–we’ll post it online–how fun is that!
3.  Deliveries will be made within 15 miles of our office at no charge.  Outside that, a delivery charge will be added to cover fuel expenses.
4.  Your business may win ONE time only please–but feel free to spread the word to businesses near you.

WHEN:
The contest begins NOW! It will last until we get 25 businesses to Find Above the Rest.

We will regularly make postings to show you where we’ve been and some hints as to where you can spot us.  Look for them on our Facebook page (Above the Rest Balloon)

Here we were at Karns High School! First time behind the wheel!

Today’s hint in the search for “Where’s Above the Rest?”

We’re heading WAY west early this morning—all the way to Murfreesboro.  It will take lots of gas and right now we have an empty tank.  I hear Kroger has it at a good price.

Friday’s Hint:
I hear floats for the Christmas Parade are being prepped somewhere downtown today, like close to where the Ice Bears play. Hmmmm….. 

Santa made his annual arrival at West Town Mall to the delight of about 300 youngsters. His grand entrance was brightened with Santa’s Workshop arch and spire and a busy elf wrapping up new toys.  We LOVE creating the decor for this annual event because we get to design newdecor every year.  This year was exceptionally fun for us because we got to incorporate a brand new advanced technique the we learned at the West Coast Balloon Convention earlier this year.

The tall spire to the left of the arch has two large red and green 3′ balloons at the base.  Note that there are several other balloons twisting up the pole.  So, how in the world did we stack all those balloons?

Santa's Workshop Spire

Actually, there is a 10′ pole running up through the entire spire.  The trick was the “magic” technique we learned this summer. It was cool to do and learning that has opened a world of ideas for us for future events.

To the right of Santa’s workshop entrance, one of his elves was busily

Santa's Elf Preparing Presents

working to wrap up some newly made presents.  After Santa’s arrival, the elf went inside the mall to continue his hard work decorating the outside of Godiva chocolate store.

With Christmas season rapidly approaching, we’d love to take planning stress off of your plate by creating fun or elegant holiday decor for your private parties, company dinners, stores, or special events.  You can reach us at 865-719-8110 to schedule us today or email me at  dianna@abovetheresteventdesigns.com

Celebration of a Job Well Done

A few times a year, Honor Air volunteers organize an unforgettable day trip to Washington, D.C. leaving McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville at 7 a.m.  As the entourage leaves, a small group sends them off with smiles and a fire truck sprays water on the tarmac as a symbol of honor. After being led by a police escort into D.C., the veterans get to spend time at the WWI Memorial as well as other war memorials.  The end of the visit lets them experience the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery.

On the return flight home, there is a mail call for each veteran on board. The mail is thank you letters from Knoxville area students.   Emotions are running high as they land in Knoxville.

But what they don’t know is… On the airport’s ramp, over 700 people are waving American flags as they anxiously await the arrival of the veterans. Boy Scout troop stands at attention. A band is playing patriotic music! Television and newspaper crews have cameras ready!  

Finally a Big Thanks!

AND 10 red, white and blue balloon arches are standing proudly waiting for the veterans to walk under them!  The scene is full of proud energy as we wait for the veterans to see the celebration. For me, it is truly an honor to provide the balloon arches for this well overdue celebration!  I love seeing the spark in their eyes, the humbleness, and the joy that these men and women feel when they walk through the arches and throngs of greeters.

Waving Appreciation

This time I created a custom-designed arch that spelled “Thanks.” Using a special technique, I turned the normally solid-colored foil letters into American flag style balloons.  This arch was the first thing the veterans saw they disembarked and came onto the exit ramp.

Overcome with Emotion

As the men and women go under the arches into the throngs of waving, appreciative people, many smile from ear to ear, others ham it up laughing loudly, some quietly walk through shaking hands, and a few are overcome with emotion. It’s quite an emotional celebration for all.

Honor Air Knoxville is always looking for volunteers to serve as “guardians” on trips, WWII and Korean War Veterans who have never been to D.C. and for financial backing. If you are interested, I invite you to visit the Honor Air Knoxville site at www.honorairknoxville.org for more information. You will be blessed when you do.

Steven and I constructing the top burger bun

Nine of us flew from the Eastern Time Zone way out to the West Coast to begin competing bright and early the day of competition.  The energy was high in spite of a bit of jet lag as we began Steven’s  ”cooking” process.  He and I began tackling the job of building the framework for the burger, which involved using our math skills to get the correct proportion, our strength to cut and bend metal, and determination to wrestle with the fencing.

At the same time, Amy Bible (CO) and Robyn Bosma (CA), worked for at least 6 hours weaving the lettuce and onion condiments.  They were assisted by Vicky Kimble (OH).  Another “crew” including Sandy Pressley (MI), Bonnie Fisher (MI), Ilisa Alpert (MA) and Rachel Glandon (TN) got busy inflating thousands of balloons and building the pickles and tomatoes.

Rachel Rolling out the Pickles

Once the framing was constructed, part of the crew, including Leah Scott (OH), began attaching the golden balloons to the make the top of the bun.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Well, not exactly!  Because our team was full of perfectionists who wanted the sculpture “just right,” we actually added balloons to the frame and took them off THREE times before we were pleased with the result!  The great news is that in the midst of that process, we created a new way to add balloons that was much faster and definitely much easier on our very tired fingers!!! (We give Brazilian artists kudos for their inspiration!)  YEA FOR NEW IDEAS.

After working for almost 12 hours, we had all parts made and the top of the bun complete. Finally! An unsettling feeling was setting in–not panic–just unsettling and much tiredness!  You see, the top had to be done as the rest of the design was based upon it for proportion and because it had to be secured to the base framing before we could add balloons.  And that bun was one stubborn item indeed!

A second wind set in for the team once the top was done. Rather quickly, the top layer of burger was “cooked”, then a layer of lettuce, and the middle bun was started.  Rachel came up with a brilliant idea to use a classic technique for the bun layers that saved our fingers and lots of time.  Way to go girl!

Adding those Important Details

As the burger began to take shape, it was really exhilarating to see everyone’s energy return, even if it was short-lived!  About the time we “thought” we were almost finished, the “meat” began popping in a chain reaction. Geez, we had to start ALL OVER again inflating the balloons for that part. Some frustration and a lot of tired began setting in, but we endured.

Finally, after building framing, inflating 3,000 balloons, 18 clock hours, about 144 man hours, and NO SLEEP, we were finished! One Big Ole Burger was ready for consumption, well at least ready for viewing. We finished well within the competition’s time limit and only one hour over the team’s original completion time. SUCCESS!

Convention delegates took numerous photos, commented on the quality of the structure and voted our design as the Favorite of the competition.  Additionally, at the final night gala, the judges chose the “Big Ole Burger” as the Best Large Sculpture design!  Yep, First Place!  Our great team won a Double Decker Award!

So what did we do with the 7′ cheeseburger at the end of the convention and after it had been viewed by a few hundred people?  In this case, we actually popped it and took it back down to the framing before breaking apart the frame.  Guess you can say it was “Completely Digested.”

Double Decker Award Winning Team After 18 Hours Work

Thanks Steven for asking us to be part of this exciting experience! For Rachel and I, this competition was full of amazing learning experiences!  We got to work with balloon artists we had admired from afar and learn from them, made great new friends, got to practice persistence and flexibility.  Plus, we were both inspired to compete in Large Sculpture Competition at the upcoming World Balloon Convention that will be held in 2012!  Watch out world, we’re going to compile one Above the Rest team!

To any of our great clients who may be wanting something very unique for your special event, remember to think “Outside the Bun” and know that we can design a great sculpture for you!  See some of our other sculptures at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com.

To other balloon artists who read this blog, you definitely need to step in the world of competing at convention!  The learning is second to none and the benefits are far more than a little lack of sleep and fear.  See you in competition–or on our team!  Let us know if you’d like to join the fun!

Here is a link to a time-lapse video of the 18 hours our crew spent on building the Big Ole Burger!  Hope you enjoy!

No More Big Ole Burger

VERY IMPORTANTLY, her mother had learned that doing all of the planning and decorating made for a very stressful time that she didn’t want to repeat!  So, she enlisted our help about 8 months prior to the wedding.  We met with them, listened to what they wanted, discussed budget limitations and then proceeded to create decor of Ashley’s dreams.  What exactly did we do?

Sanctuary Decor

Ashley’s desire was to enter the church under an elegant arch and then to proceed down the aisle that was created just for her.  Thus, we made that happen exactly.  The best way to share is to show you. Just after the arch, the aisle was draped on both sides with beautiful, romantic fabric swags, bright, colorful silk flower pew “bows” and 50′ of  matching flower petals, shaped into the butterflies that Ashley so loves.

Butterfly Kisses for Our Bride's Walk

To add further romance to the aisle, we added lighting to each of the fabric drapes on each pew. This softly illuminated her walkway. As she walked down the aisle, the butterfly designs disappeared but what remained was a colorful spring mixture of flower petals that was stunning.

250 yards of luxurious white sateen fabric was draped across the 50′ wide pulpit area and was raised 12′ high.  This created a very personal look for Ashley as it hid the maroon choir loft and created a neutral backdrop for her eight bridesmaids who were wearing bright colors. We added purple uplights to shine on the wall as that was her favorite color. Atop the wall were fuchsia organza fabric, ribbons, and flowers. Then an additional Bridal Arch was centered under which Ashley and her groom stood.

12' Tall x 50' Wide Fabric Draping

Reception

Ashley wanted a completely different look from elegant for her reception. She wanted fun, fun, fun full of flowers and butterflies. 


A FUN Looking Reception

So, we transformed the gym into just that! The focal point was a 20′x 20′ dance floor that had four flower columns. Then, overhead were super-sized butterfly imprinted balloons in all of her colors and twinkling lights. The table centerpieces featured our well-known balloon flowers. Her wedding cake even shouted, “Party!” as it was very bright and covered with party flowers. We created a soft, flowing gazebo to highlight the beauty of the cake.



Suffice it to say, the mother of the bride and Ashley were delighted as were their guests. Mom got to relax more than she did previously and Ashley got both looks she desired–romantic elegance and PARTY!! Great way to start her marriage.

The fabrics we use are absolutely beautiful for draping as lighting just bounces off it creating gorgeous atmospheres. Whether you know a bride to be who wants fun or elegance, we can create that look, and we’d love to take decorating stress off of them and their family. When you refer someone to us you can rest assured that we will take care of them to give them an Above the Rest wedding atmosphere. Visit our website at www.abovetheresteventdesigns.com or call us at (865) 719-8110 to see how we can best assist you.



Bright & Beautiful Cake Gazebo

Let us Drape Your Wedding with Elegance

Second, Above the Rest Balloon & Event Designs was asked to create the balloon decor to start the maiden voyage off in a very positive way!   As passengers arrived to check in, they were greeted with five tall green and white columns which started their early morning check in off with a smile.

Then, when they arrived at the waiting area, they were indeed surprised!  The scene included quite a welcome!  Free food! Frontier Airline officials!  Mayors!  Airport Dignitaries!  Animals from the Knoxville Zoo (because Frontier airline’s tag line is “A Whole Different Animal.”) and, the best part (in my unbiased opinion) –an 8′ balloon airplane flying amongst numerous balloon clouds!

Frontier Airline Takes Flight in Knoxville

"A Whole Different Animal" for Flying Arrives in Knoxville

Welcome to Frontier Airlines