The Rural We: Heather Dexheimer
The balloon artist from Adams creates huge balloon installations and even balloon costumes.
A self-described diy-er and craftaholic, Heather Dexheimer became immersed in the world of professional ballon decor when she was planning a prom-themed birthday party for her sister-in-law several years ago. “You can’t have a prom party without balloons,” she thought, and promptly studied up on the art, joining a beginner professional balloon decor group on Facebook and diving into Youtube tutorials. Her business, Alluring Balloon Creations, has only grown thanks to COVID, when outdoor balloon installations, particularly during graduation time, became popular. From simple yard sticks with balloons Dexheimer has expanded to creating balloon drops, sculptures, mosaics, and costumes.
I was born and raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Adams with my husband and three daughters five years ago. In the 20 years since I started having kids, I’ve had multiple businesses, making gourmet cakes, candles, and woodworking. I am a licensed massage therapist, and did that for a while, and worked as a para in the school system.
Balloon decor just landed in my lap. I learned how to do it for my sister-in-law’s party, and then I found out through a professional group that someone was closing her business and giving her materials away. I drove out and got all of her professional equipment. I’d been working on my other businesses — woodworking and sublimation (customizing items for centerpieces, invitations, shirts, etc.), but that got put aside when the balloon business went bonkers because of COVID.
I pick up things quickly, and I love having concepts come out the way I want them to. I get a lot of requests for larger-than life sculptures. I’m very proud of the Excavator, which is about five feet tall and ten feet long. I like doing the eight-foot robots, and any project that challenges me. I do balloon mosaics, which start with a foam board cut in a shape, then filled with balloons, but I like doing sculptures better than mosaics. Garlands and arches are two of the biggest trends right now.
The hardest thing about what I do was when I started was learning to get over the sound. I couldn’t deal with the squeaking of the balloons when I tie them together. That’s why I don’t do much twisting; the sound is like nails on a blackboard. It took about three or four months until I got over the sound. Now I don’t even hear it anymore.
I’ve always been a crafter and love woodworking. This past holiday season I created woodwork and laser products, which I sold at holiday craft fairs. When do I sleep? Never. My family has a big history of being insomniacs. I can’t stop. If I did, I’d probably go insane; I’ve always got to be going.
