One of the more interesting types of balloon decorations is the “exploding balloon”. Well they don’t really explode as you would normally think of an explosion but it does provide a great effect. An exploding balloon is a large balloon stuffed with many small balloons so that when the large balloon is pierced, the small balloons spray in every direction to make it look like an explosion. Typically you use a 36” clear balloon stuffed with 60 to 70 five inch balloons.

The difficulty is if you want to pierce the balloon from a distance or to have multiple balloons explode at once. You could have a person stand next to each balloon with a stick pin. Well maybe not! For a professional who decorates for large events many times a year, there is a “Balloon Exploder” http://www.conwinonline.com/shop/shop.asp?pid=86200 kit that works well but this is expensive for some one wanting to decorate their own event.

So an alternative is to use the DIY Exploding Balloon. The idea is to be able to burst one or more large balloons at a specific time and from across the room. It is very surprising to the guests when the balloon explodes in the center of a wedding or anniversary reception.

For more information, go to DIY Exploding Balloon for assembly instructions.

What is it about the DIY lifestyle that is very appealing to some people but not others? I have always found completing home projects and doing things for yourself to be empowering. Especially for small projects, you can usually complete them in less time and expense then trying to hire someone.

The DIY movement is alive and well on the internet. Instead of hiring some bloodsucking service to do a job, you can Do It Yourself. There are so many services out there trying to get your money, doing some things for yourself are invigorating.

You have access to the web “how to” information. More and more people are turning to the DIY lifestyle not only to save on expenses but to also help prioritize what’s important. Instead of spending 2-3 hours watching TV, learn “how to” fix your lawn sprinkler system or something that interests you. Today the internet provides the knowledge and access to the tools for just about any DIY task.

There are many large web sites like Squidoo, Yahoo Groups and Google’s new Knol site where all types of information can be found. Some offer more in-depth and detailed information then others. And then there are many other sites, just like this site, that are more focused.

Most DIY lifestyles help improve one’s ability to “think” a problem through and plan the steps to completion. When searching for information on the internet, you need to be able to reason clearly and critically. There is a lot of people providing information, usually partial information, that don’t know squat about what they are discussing. You learn what makes sense and what does not. You need to be able to discriminate between the good and the bad. Another great thing about the internet is that you can verify and compare.

The web is a tremendous resource, a facilitator, a catalyst for a DIY lifestyle. Most tasks are not as difficult as one may first think. It usually takes a little common sense, some research and some motivation. With the current economy in the tank, more people seem to be taking time to embrace the DIY movement.