Shirley Ray began her career in magic as a third generation magician, a versatile and experienced performer.

She first began twisting balloons as part of her magic show and is now one of the worlds leading balloon figure artists.

Shirley was born in Edinburgh and brought up in the world of magic tricks. She has always loved art and crafts and found an outlet for her creativity in balloons and she is now one of the top elite instructors teaching at balloon conventions around the world.

In the world of both magic and balloons, Shirley has won a number of prestigious industry awards including the Scottish Shield for magic and whilst teaching in Phoenix, Arizona in January 2007, Shirley was awarded “Twister of the Year” given for Balloon Excellence and promoting the art of balloon twisting through her abilities, innovations and quality of character.

She has designed a great many original balloon figures and developed a range from simple, very commercial pieces to multi-balloons creations which are real works of art.

Balloon Biography
Colin first worked with balloons in 1993, but it was not until 1994 when Colin attended the first EBS – European Balloon Symposium in Amsterdam, that he realised the potential that balloon decorating held. In 1999, Colin started competing and has collected a number of awards over the past few years at both the International Party & Halloween Show and IBAC.

In 2001, Colin won the prestigious title of Decorator of the Year, and early this year took 2nd place in the delivery category at IBAC. Colin’s meticulous attention to detail makes him a great instructor, sharing his knowledge with delegates across the UK and Europe.

I feel passionately that the balloon industry is ready to take off in the very near future, which is the main reason I compete and teach. I am always trying to learn from other artists whilst also trying to create new techniques myself, I believe that only through top class instruction will the industry be able to take the opportunities that will be presented in the coming years.

Balloon Biography
Dee's background rests firmly in the arts, from a young age he was always creating and drawing and at 14 began studing for his chosen career in Graphic Design. At the age of 20 Dee realise that the entertainer side of his personality was much stronger so decided to make his then part time job of entertainment, which included balloons, a life long career.

Dee has now been entertaining with balloon for the past 15 years and in that time has ran his own Balloon & Entertainment business in Ireland before moving to England. He has now dedicated his work to helping and teaching others within the Balloon & Party Industry.

Dee’s balloon creations have gained him many industry awards over the years as well as teaching all over the world. Dee is very passionate about his work and loves sharing his skills with others; his teaching methods are very flamboyant and exciting …. not to be missed!

He began teaching 3 years ago and since then has taught all over the world and at many industry conventions. His popular style as push him to start work on a series of educational DVD's which will be available in the Summer of 2007.

Dee is currently hosting the successful Q-Jam (Qualatex Balloon Jam) days around the UK on behalf of Pioneer Europe Ltd. These days allow delegates to experience the full range of Qualatex latex balloons which are popular with twisters. They have been highly successful in helping to raise the twisting standard in the UK.

Dee runs Bezonline.com and Twistingonline.com along with his partner Jodie Norris.