Sunday, May 29, 2011

Need a Unique Graduation Gift? This is your solution!

http://www.ceballoondeliveries.com/products/Amazing-Graduation-Centerpiece.html
Amazing Graduation Centerpiece!
Well, yes, it is graduation time and I had some time to create a Graduation delivery/centerpiece option for this year. This is a fantastic gift for your grad! It will LAST FOR WEEKS and it is a whole lot of fun!

Check it out! This is a fun picture of my daughter with the graduation gift. Click the picture for all of the details including pricing. Thanks for your time and I hope you are having a FANTASTIC weekend!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Friday, May 20, 2011

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Twister Tess

If you have seen me balloon twisting this year, you have seen a part of Twister Tess. Those super cool balloon dog earrings that I wear were hand-crafted by this week's Facebook Featured Fan! Sadly, I have not had the pleasure of meeting Twister Tess (Chelsea) in person - she  lives in Indiana, and well, I don't  - but I enjoy following her and her amazing twisted balloon creations on Facebook. Seriously, this is one talented lady. Actually, it isn't even just her - her mother and sister are in on this fun career, also. Anyone who has a Skee-Ball machine in their house is way cool in my book.

Enjoy reading about Twister Tess.  -  "Wax on, Wax off."

If you want to learn more about how to become a featured fan, I made a video about it. : )
Click here to view it.  Have a balloontastic day! - Christine

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Are you a dog or a cat person?
Both! I love animals. I'm also a horse person, a ferret person, and a balloon animal person!

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Veggies, especially olives. I'm a vegetarian, and have been my whole life-- I’ve never tasted meat at all!

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school?
I was home schooled, so we always had lots of music and instruments around-- guitar, piano, autoharp, and a Native American flute (part of a project that included a full size Indian tipi in our backyard for a while!). As for sports, I’ve always loved the outdoors, and hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and biking are among my favorite activities! Oh, does Skee-Ball count? We have an old-time, full size Skee-Ball machine in our basement. (At amusement parks we always win long strings of tickets at the Skee-Ball, which always makes people stare. Comes from lots of practice. :)

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?
Hmmm...... Um, the chicken? I mean, an egg wouldn’t hatch unless it had a chicken to sit on it, right? Don’t tell me you really find that at all interesting. :)

What would you like readers to know about you personally?
My real name is Chelsea. Tess was a nickname given me back when my younger sister was too little to pronounce “Chels,” and Twister refers to my job as a balloon twister! I'm a creative person. I love to paint, sculpt, twist balloon sculptures, make jewelry, and otherwise create things! I also love the outdoors, and traveling. I got to visit the ocean for the first time a few years ago, and can't wait to go back!

What is your business? What "do you do?" I am a balloon artist, like Miss Balloon Heart! I'm one of the "Talented Trio of Twisters" at Balloongenuity, our balloon business in central Indiana! Balloongenuity was started after my mother, sister, and I went on a vacation where we saw some tourists wearing big, crazy balloon hats. They looked like they were having a great time, and something about it stuck in our heads when we returned. We got out our balloon kit we’d had when we were little, and started playing around with different designs. One incredibly amazing year later, we’ve expanded our art to décor, deliveries, entertainment, a balloon show, and more!
I am also an artist, sculptor, and jewelry maker. I paint oil paintings, and experiment with other mediums like charcoal and airbrush art, but right now I am mostly creating and selling my handmade jewelry. My jewelry is all inspired by balloon animals, from the classic balloon dog earrings to the Hula Monkey necklaces!

Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work?
My mom, and my sister-- the other two of the talented trio!

Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by lots of things. I paint a lot of animals, especially horses. With the balloons, it's the expressions on the faces of the kids (and grown-ups too!) who receive our creations that inspire me to make each creation amazing and unique!

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it?
Definitely art, balloon and otherwise. I'm always searching for new ways to take things to a new level, new ideas, new designs. I always want things to be as original and unique as possible! I can be a little bit of a perfectionist about details. I’m also passionate in my love of animals-- any and all of them! We have rescued many dogs, cats, and horses, found homes for and care for many of them. I also volunteered at the local zoo, getting a taste of a zookeeper’s life for a while! (Not that it was all that different from being at home….)

What is your favorite quote?
I have to say “Wax on, wax off” from the original Karate Kid movie! Here’s why: When my sister and I were little and would ask our mom “Why do I have do this?”, instead of arguing with us about it, she would simply say “Wax on, wax off!”, complete with arm wave motions. I had no idea why she said this, but I understood it meant “do what you’re told without asking why.” How do you argue with that? Years later my sister and I saw The Karate Kid for the first time. When we saw the “Wax on, wax off” scene, we both pointed at the TV and yelled “That’s it!! That’s where that came from!”

How can people reach you?
You can reach me through any of my websites, or through my Etsy shop or Facebook page! You can contact me if you have any questions about my art, jewelry, or balloons!
Website: www.balloongenuity.com (balloons), www.artwithatwist.etsy.com (jewelry), www.crystalroseartstudio.com (fine art)
Facebook: Balloongenuity--Ingenious Balloon Creativity

Here’s a photo of me and my family, the Talented Trio of Twisters at Balloongenuity! That’s me on the right, in the blue hat. :)

Thursday, May 12, 2011

I hope this finds you doing well. Here is what I have been up to.

Hello. I hope you are having a spectacular day!

Laser back pack made at a recent event.
I have been busy, busy, busy... much of my work right now is focused on getting "things in place" by the time my daughter finishes her school year so that I will be able to enjoy our time together as much as possible. Which is why if you follow me closely, you'll see I'm busy putting a handful of different things in place in different areas.

The Facebook Featured Friday posts, I continue to love, love, love! So far, the featured fans have been a nice mix of local fans as well as some not so local as well as some other balloon artists. I am enjoying learning about each one, immensely and hope you do, as well.

The Easter/Admin. Professional Delivery Site that I tested in April and May worked well for deliveries ordered and I even was able to add a last minute Mother's Day Shippable item. Yes, some shipped out successfully to those who were cool enough to be the first to order this offering. Since these items are shipping in a box through the postal service, I am beginning with offering items that are not the most complicated to make and should hold up well in transit. In June, my goal is to offer at least two more shippable items. One will be a birthday cake and the other will be a box of bracelets that may be used for birthday favors. In addition, I will also be adding a balloon twisting kit that may be ordered online. I have been asked by more than a few people - it is coming!!!!

Look for these offerings at the end of May/Beginning of June. Shipment dates will be available based on my schedule and at least to start... I will be shipping to PA, USA Postal Addresses only.

I am continuing to update my decor catalog online on the same delivery site. Finding the time to choose the pictures, upload them and correctly catalog them along with my other projects is the only limiting factor there.

As if I don't have enough going on.. most of you know that I have become a HUGE fan of Facebook. Being a prior software programmer I have been learning and educating myself on how to best use FB for my business. I am in the process of putting together a list of things that have had the biggest impact on my FB page and how to do the most important (top list of things to do with your business FB Page) items. I hope to offer a class on this locally in the fall. If you have an interest let me know. You will be the first to know about my upcoming class. No, it won't be free but if you are in the first class - you'll get the best price, guaranteed!

If you took the time to read all of this, thank you. I know how busy you are and I appreciate your time. I hope you have an excellent rest of the week and weekend ahead.

A recent guest at Red Robin - How cute is she?
This week's schedule: I will not be at Red Robin, Exeter this coming week but will return the following week.  I will be out of the office most of the upcoming week, checking email on a limited basis.

May you be a blessing and be abundantly blessed in all that you do!


Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day. You know you're a mom when...

I stumbled on a webpage from www.lotsofjokes.com/ and identify a bit too well with the list. I thought I would share it with you.
****

You know you're a mom when...

  • You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.
  • You want to take out a contract on the kid who broke your child's favorite toy and made him/her cry.
  • You have time to shave only one leg at a time.
  • You hide in the bathroom to be alone.
 ....There is more... click here to view the rest.



This is a picture from a few years ago of my mother with my daughter at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. We went to see Mulan and my daughter dressed the part (not uncommon for her).

While my daughter is blurry, it captures one of my favorite moments with our three generations. I love you, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Christine : )

Friday, May 6, 2011

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Kristi Barclay-Smialek

I'm thrilled to announce Miss Ballooon Heart's Facebook Featured Fan for this week, Kristi Barclay-Smialek. I had the pleasure of meeting Kristi and her children at Friendly's while I was twisting balloons. She began following me on Facebook and recently left one of the kindest, sweetest comments on my blog after reading about our first Facebook Featured Fan, Stephanie Conlon.

She really dove into these questions and I absolutely LOVE IT! Kristi, thanks for taking the time to share your life with us and best of luck with your upcoming move!

Grab a cup of coffee and take the time to get to know Kristi, yet another amazing and totally cool fan.

Enough of my typing... let's learn about Kristi!
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Are you a dog or a cat person?

I am a dog person. Growing up, my father bred Brittany Spaniels, which are excellent hunting dogs. He trained them to point game in the field when we would go hunting.  We also adopted several mutts, which were always such loving and loyal pets. My favorite dog was our blond Cocker Spaniel, Duke. We lived in Lancaster County at the time and we lost him suddenly to a hit and run driver.

I love cats, very curious animals, but I was born deathly allergic to them :(

What is your favorite pizza topping?

I love BBQ chicken pizza with ranch dressing on the side for dipping, but in general I am not actually a big pizza fan. However, if I have to pick one, I do enjoy Pizza Hut's deep dish with green pepper (picked that topping up from my mom...)

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school?

I was a cheerleader, and played softball in high school. I took up Karate (Tang Soo Do) in my teenage years, but my true passion is dance. I danced from a young age and as I got older participated in many competitions, conventions, and attended a professional dance school in Lancaster. As an adult I later taught dance through an arts in therapy program for under privileged children as a volunteer. I have participated in the adult "parent" dance numbers in my children's recitals for a few years now, and of course it embarrasses them!

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?

Such a random question, I am unsure if this should be a philosophical answer, or just off the cuff... so I am gonna say the chicken. Only because I believe in God, but am still undecided about the theory of evolution.

What would you like readers to know about you personally?

I love to be entertained! I love socializing...this butterfly sure can talk, ask anyone who knows me! I love to laugh, especially by making others laugh!

I am very proud that I earned my BS degree with honors (Magna Cum-Laude), in addition I earned scholarships to finish my business degree at a private university. I was selected as a recipient for my dedication as a single mother, my volunteer work through Our Lady of Charity Catholic Parish (where my children attended school and I was faithfully involved for six years as a Children's Liturgy teacher) and for a special creative writing submission I entered. Writing is an expressive outlet for me and I love to put my often random thoughts, or emotional tangents, into words and watch them form a meaningful personal story.

What is your business? What "do you do?" : )

I am the mother of three beautiful and unique children; two daughters and a son. Autumn is 14, Tamara (AKA: Mara is 10) and Leahm will be turning 6 in May and they are all looking forward to this summer. We will be moving into a farmhouse in Boyertown this June and it is a very exciting time for us. I am engaged to a wonderful man, Brian, who is the Ying to my Yang!

We moved here from Delaware County to be closer to family almost two years ago. I was unable to keep my home after my divorce because I was laid off from a management position in the automotive collision repair and insurance claim field, for which I still hold a motor vehicle damage appraiser's license. I am also a notary public and transferred my commission to Berks County last year.



I currently work full time at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center in the Emergency Department. I process patient admissions and registrations. It is a very high stress, fast paced job in which one must carry a great sense of humor, and the ability to deflect, rather than absorb the sullen emotions from sad situations. In addition to this I recently became an Independent Designs Representative for Silpada Jewelry. I am truly looking forward to growing this new business venture so that I may work less overtime at the hospital and focus on my children's extracurricular activities.

 Who wouldn't want to spend time having fun and enjoying the company of guests while earning an income versus 12 hour shifts in a hospital?  If you know anyone interested in hosting a Silpada party, have them contact me. The benefits are fabulous!!!

Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work?

I have an awesome, supportive family from all over the country. From my grandmother in Arizona, to my Dad and step-mother in Illinois they are always just a phone call away. I must say that I turn locally to my mother and step-father for everything though. My mom, in particular, has always been my biggest fan! She loves me unconditionally, for which I have no doubt. Since childhood she has pushed me each time I needed motivation. She has presented me with hard ultimatums in which she paints a moral picture about my choices each time I struggle with a life altering decision. She is my 24 hour help line. When I was finishing my degree last year and started my last class, I was exhausted. Mom was there to support me right to the end; she has always been there to remind me of my potential and how much she believes in me.

Who or what inspires you?

Mahatma Gandhi:
Meaning of his name is "Great Soul." He fought for independence with a focus on peace through non-violence. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." was the motto, and the final theme quote of my graduating class from Neumann University in 2010. I have a ring with this quote engraved on it. I picked it as a graduation gift from one of my closest friends, Catherine. I was delighted when she asked me to be the maid of honor in her wedding this summer. She has always been my peace of mind, a rock, when I have struggled for my own independence.

Mother Teresa:
She earned the Nobel Peace Prize for emphasizing love and kindness... there is no one more inspirational in my eyes. My favorite saying, from which her spirit still speaks is, "Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it?

Everything almost to a fault... but, integrity is most important to me.

My aunt, Judith Barclay, passed away in a house fire last February and it is one of the hardest losses I have ever experienced in my life. We were very close, it was like losing a best friend. She is with me every day in my heart, in my thoughts. She was a very brave woman, her strength and honesty inspire me to be me; to always be who I am without embarrassment of my faults.


What is your favorite quote?

Any change, any loss, does not make us victims. Others can shake you, surprise you, disappoint you, but they can't prevent you from acting, from taking the situation you're presented with and moving on. No matter where you are in life, no matter what your situation, you can always do something. You always have a choice and the choice can be power. ~ Blaine Lee

How can people reach you?

I would love your referrals!

Website: www.mysilpada.com/kristi.barclay
Email: kristileah77@yahoo.com (or) kristi_smialek@yahoo.com
Twitter: krazileah

Facebook: Kristi Barclay (Smialek)

Monday, May 2, 2011

So, what is this Facebook Featured Fan Friday thing anyway?

I thought I would take a few minutes to explain what my Facebook Featured Fan Friday posts are all about.



Also, I will be at Red Robin, Exeter, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3rd from 5:30-7PM twisting balloons.

Be sure to arrive early!

Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Yep, I'm on Facebook!
Twitter, too! @balloonheart
Serving Southeastern PA