BOISE, Idaho — It's hard not to smile when you see the unique balloon art of Zeppelin Balloons. The woman behind these colorful Made in Idaho designs is bringing some extra happiness to local parties and events.
Lydia Purcell is the owner and designer of Zeppelin Balloons.
She creates beautiful balloon garlands and installations in all different colors and shapes, inflating, tying, and wrapping dozens of balloons together with twine.
"It's all muscle memory at this point for me," Purcell said, as she tied two balloons together.
Purcell also owns an online party supply store. She taught herself this modern balloon design style and perfected her technique with lots of practice at her own family celebrations.
"Someone had seen something that I did at my sister's baby shower and told me, 'you need to make a business out of this.' I was like, 'oh no, I don't think Boise is into that,' and then I just did it anyway," Purcell said.
The artist just started her Boise-based business in March 2019 and it has quickly grown here in the Treasure Valley.
"I'm really shocked. I thought that maybe I would be where I am at right now a year from now, so it's been really exciting. It's just really fun too. I see it as an opportunity to make something really fun and I get to be creative," Purcell said.
Purcell does the majority of her balloon work at home, then loads it up and delivers it to the customer.
"I just have a small SUV, so I just put the seats down and put it in there," Purcell laughed.
On the drive, she rarely accidentally pops any, and when she arrives, the customer has a big smile.
"It's really awesome having a business where I get to go to somebody's home and they're super excited to see me, and they love what I have made for them," Purcell said.
"Everyone's just happy. I'm surrounded by happy people constantly."
Purcell says she tries to be environmentally conscious with her work. She uses hemp twine and biodegradable balloons. Also, Purcell does not use helium to inflate her balloons, just air.
You can find Zeppelin Balloons online at www.zeppelinballoons.com, or Instagram @zeppelinballoons.
