Amanda Armstrong never imagined that decorating her daughter's birthday party would launch a 27-year career transforming spaces with balloon artistry. As founder of Top Hat Balloon Werks, she's evolved from nuclear power plant employee to award-winning balloon artist who's taught her craft around the globe.

"There's a formula to creating memorable event décor," Amanda explains, revealing the insider knowledge that's made her business thrive for nearly three decades. From entrance pieces that make jaws drop to centerpieces that spark conversation, she approaches each installation with both artistic vision and practical expertise. This blend of creativity and technical knowledge becomes particularly valuable for outdoor events, where factors like heat and wind create unique challenges that many clients don't anticipate. "Once temperatures climb past 80 degrees, especially with darker balloons, you're in the danger zone," she cautions.

The versatility of balloon art becomes apparent as Amanda describes her portfolio, which spans from intimate gatherings with simple bouquets to spectacular commercial installations like the 50-foot spider currently being created for Great Wolf Lodge. She's particularly excited about the trending "organic" designs—those bubbly-looking arches that have taken social media by storm. For clients without specific themes, she suggests focusing on color stories instead: blues for underwater vibes or black and gold with feathers for Great Gatsby elegance.

What began as a practical solution for childcare has blossomed into a passionate career that continues to evolve. Beyond installations, Amanda is exploring teaching opportunities through Airbnb Experiences, sharing her expertise with visitors wanting to learn the craft. Discover how balloon artistry might transform your next celebration by visiting tophatballoonwerks.com or following @top_hat_balloon_werks on Instagram, where Amanda's creativity takes flight with every new project.