The Twisted Flower

Balloon Twisting in Birmingham, AL

2011-09-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've blogged - Facebook is just so much quicker! But blogging gives us more of an opportunity to talk (er..type) about what we've been working on around the shop at Ann's Balloons and Flowers. Twisting balloons is something you don't see much of in the South. We hope that will change in the future. These two funny looking people were made by the owner.
When all the orders are processed and the shop has slowed down for day, we try to take that time to learn more about what we can do with balloons. We are improving our twisting skills and learning more complicated designs. We hope to share more designs with our followers soon.

As a side note, did you know September is International Balloon Month? (There's a month for everything these days) This works out great for our customers, because when you call to place your order and mention this blog - it's BOGO time! Buy one balloon and get a balloon FREE!

FREE Gift

2011-02-03T08:04:00.001-08:00

Place your Valentine's Day order by next Monday (February 7th) and receive a FREE gift!
Choose a FREE balloon or small box of chocolates to be sent with your Valentine's Day order. We're rewarding you for being prepared and thinking ahead!

Minimum Valentine's Day order is $40. Offer valid with orders on flowers, spa baskets, chocolate baskets, or plush animals!

Don't forget to join us on FACEBOOK for DAILY DEAL$ starting Monday!

Valentine's Day T-Minus 27 Days!

2011-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already noticed, Owl's are the trendiest animal as of late. Designers have started using them in all sorts of items - including balloons! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and the last thing you should do is wait until the last minute to show someone how much you care.
Ann's Balloons & Flowers will be offering daily Facebook deals starting on February 7th. If you haven't already made us your "friend" go to our page and do that so you can score some deals!

Christmas Time Is Here

2010-12-13T08:46:00.001-08:00

Every year a new Thomas Kinkade arrangement is designed for our customers. This hand-painted collectable of Santa's Workshop is softly lit and will be enjoyed for years to come. We have some customers that order one every year for themselves, just for the collectible! Call us today to order this beautiful arrangement. We deliver anywhere in the Birmingham area.

Decorating with Balloons

2010-10-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

What is pretty popular out West has yet to really catch on in South. Balloon decorating is a great and cost effective way to add color and fun to any event. In recent weeks we took a few minutes to take some pictures of an event hosted by CGI. They are a software company that celebrated their 35th anniversary.

Two String of Pearl arches were placed close together for this entryway.

We combined used computer parts with balloons and included "35" on each table to signify their anniversary. Some arrangements were placed low on the tables while other balloon clusters floated high, so as not to block the view.

We love helping them each year and hope their event was a huge success!

Holiday Wreaths

2010-10-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

We're busy making mesh wreaths. These wreaths are so fun! What a great way to adorn your front door on a decorated porch or they look great over a fireplace or even inside on a wall to celebrate the season. Visit our facebook page for more pictures!

Amazing Grace Sympathy Arrangement

2010-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to now offer sympathy arrangements with picture frames with framed hymns and poems. This arrangment is made from silk flowers and can be displayed at the ceremony and later taken home with the deceased's family as a memorial. Call us today for more information on these beautiful pieces.

Prom Season

2010-09-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

We help local Birmingham and Jefferson County schools with their events and well know their budget constraints. Proms, homecomings, pageants, etc. We have props for rent and as you can see here, balloon decorating adds so much to large banquet rooms. Pictured below is a Madri Gra themed prom we decorated for last season: table decorations, picture background, balloon columns and criss cross arch across the dance floor.

Barbie Balloon Column

2010-08-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's been months since we posted, but we have a good excuse - wedding season! We're on facebook, so if you want to follow us there -please do!

The woman who hasn't lost her popularity in the last 50 years - Barbie is still one of the favorite toys of young girls. We decorated for this 5 year olds birthday party at the park in Trussville.

On a windy day, we attached Barbie to a play ground swing set. This column was designed with green and pink latex, small curly balloons, a super sized mylar, regular Barbie mylars and topped with a Barbie Bubble balloon. Stella, thanks for letting us celebrate your special day!

Mother's Day

2010-05-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

We have some beautiful new items in for Mothers Day! We have this small plaque and a matching trivet. Incorporated into gift baskets, these items will be treasured for years!

I took a couple of quick photos to show some of our baskets incorporating both. The plaque is included with one of our spa gift assortments. These spa products are placed in a trunk and wrapped with white tulle and big bow to complete the presentation.

We paired the trivet with some Pampered Chef gift items. A cutting board and parring knife, a Season's Best Cookbook and some of thier delicious Pineapple Salsa. We included some crackers and brie cheese spread. This gift is perfect for the mother who loves to play in the kitchen. This gift basket is wrapped in blue mesh fabrice making a nice finishing touch to this Mother's Day gift.

Edible Petals

2010-04-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Before shop owner, Sally Hurst, bought Ann's Balloons and Flowers she had a little side business known as Edible Petals. From time to time she still gets orders for these candy arrangments. This was made for a 16 year old birthday party this week. What teenager doesn't like all these goodies ?? And it makes for a great centerpiece with some balloons attached to come out the top! Given a days notice, our designer can create a candy arrangment especially for your tastebuds!

Administrative Professionals Week

2010-04-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

It's not too late! The once, Secretary's Day, has now turned into a whole week. Don't forget to say "Thank You" to those assistants who help you daily. We have balloon bouquets tied to sweets, junk food baskets, beautiful flower arrangements, dish gardens or plants for a cube or office and much more. Birmingham bosses - Call us today!

Crazy about Corsages

2010-04-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

What a prom season! Juniors and seniors from all around Birmingham have been ordering their corsages and boutonnieres the past few weeks. We managed to snap a few photos before some of them went out the door. The picture quality isn't great...but we're not photographers - we're florists!

It's Prom Time...Know Your Role!

The responsibility of purchasing the corsage lies with the gentlemen. It’s a good idea to ask your date in advance exactly what color her dress is so we can match the ribbon colors. For an additional charge, our wrist corsages can be made on a bracelet that can be worn and treasured long after your special night is over.

Ladies, if your date is purchasing a corsage for you, it is most common that you purchase him a boutonniere to match. Corsages and boutonnieres are ready the afternoon of the prom. Both should be stored in the refrigerator at home until it is time to pick up your date.

Most traditionally the wristlet is worn on the left arm if your date is right handed. Proper placement of the boutonniere is the left side of the lapel of a man's formal jacket or sport coat. Men's coats traditionally have a buttonhole in the top lapel where the boutonniere can be placed.

Easter Baskets

2010-03-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ann's Balloons and Flowers loves to help the Easter bunny by making unique Easter baskets to be delivered the Saturday before Easter Sunday. April 4th is quickly approaching! Order your speciality basket today and we will try our best to include the kiddos favorite toys & treats! Plush bunnies and chicks, coloring books and Easter candy favorites are always popular items in our baskets and don't forget to include a Happy Easter balloon!

Funeral Sprays

2010-02-26T11:27:00.001-08:00

Funeral sprays are still the most popular type of flowers to send to funeral homes. We recently made these two. Our sprays start at $65 and go up. We try to work with everyone's budgets.

Some people want to send flowers or plants that the family can take home with them. Two items we suggest are our triple baskets which contain three different plants or a flower basket or urn that someone can easily take home with them after the services.

We also have beautiful metal crosses that we add flowers to which is really special for someone to keep and display in their home after the services. Whatever your budget, we can help you send your deepest sympathies.

Valentine's Day - SUCCESS!

2010-02-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Whew! We're still trying to catch our breath after this past weekend's Valentine's Day rush. We were pleased to serve so many special customers and even more pleased to be apart of a marraige proposal that took place at the Macaroni Grill at The Summit. Congratulations to Mr. and (the future) Mrs. Troy Morrow! He ordered a dozen roses for his bride to be and we thought it would be nice to add a little extra bling to her night. See those pins inside the roses? We hope she liked this extra little sparkle just as much as Troy loves the sparkle in her eyes! Making her Twisted Flower blog debut is shop owner, Sally Hurst, pictured above. Now we've got to get busy preparing for Gardendale High School's pageant in their fancy new auditorium next weekend. Stay tuned and as always take time to smell the roses!

Valentine's Day is This Week!!

2010-02-10T05:57:00.001-08:00

We have so many different ways to tell someone you're thinking about them this week. We deliver most eveywhere around the Birmingham surrounding area. The unique vases pictured above are great for a woman who loves fresh flowers. No design skills are needed for her to cut a couple of fresh flowers out of her yard and drop them in! We have glass in several different shades - call or come in today and let us show you.

Valentine's Day Conversations...

2010-02-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Tim from Trussville: I need to order flowers. How much are your dozen roses?
Ann’s Balloons & Flowers Designer: A man who knows what he wants to give – we like that. Call us directly and our dozen roses start at $60. It’s true, prices go up for red roses on Valentine’s Day, but it’s not the florist making those prices, we pay more for them too! Our customer’s that call us directly won’t see a price change.

Gary from Gardendale: My wife doesn’t like flowers – I’m looking for something different. What else ya got?
Ann’s Balloons & Flowers Designer: What about balloons and junk food basket or what about a Gourmet Chocolate basket! Did you know about 99% of women love chocolate? We also have stuffed animals and gifts like picture frames and mugs filled with Hershey kisses.

Tina from Tarrant: I want to send something to my mom. Any suggestions?
Ann’s Balloons & Flowers Designer: We have beautiful blooming plants if she has a green thumb. If not, what about a pamper basket with all kinds of spa products.

Harry from Hoover: I want some flowers delivered to my wife, but I want something different than roses.
Ann’s Balloons & Flowers Designer: We have a wide assortment of flowers for Valentine’s Day. If she loves a particular flower, like tulips, we can arrange a vase entirely of tulips. Or our favorite is a mixed flower arrangement. If she loves the color purple, we can do an arrangement with all kinds of different purple flowers. Take a look at our website – there’s tons of designs.

Bill from Birmingham: My wife doesn’t want flowers because they die. I want to have something delivered to that she can use.
Ann’s Balloons & Flowers Designer: Is she a sports fan? What about a University of Alabama basket with Magnolia Lane pottery, or a zebra print mug with the UA logo filled with coffee and hot chocolate? We also have cute collapsible totes that you could use to take to the grocery store or pack a picnic.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the big day is less than 2 weeks away? A balloon is an inexpensive addition to a beautiful arrangement that makes it appear that much larger! We have a wide assortment of Valentine's Day balloons & I love you balloons. We also have balloons with different messages like "You Rock" or "You're Awesome" if you're looking for a little less traditional.

"Move Night In" Bucket

2010-01-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Check out our "Movie Night In" Bucket! Men have really come to love it, but it's a great gift to give me anyone. Plan a date night without paying $9 a ticket. Plus, give a little advance notice and we can attach a Movie Gallery or Blockbuster gift card. What a gift!

17 Days to Go

2010-01-28T12:15:00.001-08:00

Giving flowers from a florist is different than buying them at the grocery store or having them shipped to your door in a box. How? Because we're designers!! We're working on some unique design ideas for Valentine's Day. Look at this little bud vase holding a hershey kiss! More pictures..coming soon!

Beautiful Tulips

2010-01-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

Tulips are a hot item once spring rolls around. We have some customers that order a vase every Valentine's Day. If you want a little something different for your Valentine - we'll have a wide assortment of colors available: pink, purple, red, white, yellow. Can't decide? Order a mixed vase with all the colors!

Passionate Purple

2010-01-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Purple is quickly becoming THE color of 2010. This mixed arrangment shown above would be a lovely gift to send this Valentine's Day or any other day! The lavender roses and purple monte look so lush gathered with the white hydrangeas. This is definitely one of my favorites.

25 DAYS UNTIL VALENTINE'S DAY!
Speaking of 25, don't forget our special deal on a Dozen Red Roses. Call us today to pre-order!

Valentine's Day!

2010-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since we've posted. Christmas is over and just as soon as we pack up the stockings and the tree, it's time to bring on more RED! We've got a pretty special deal for the first 25 customers that pre-order a Dozen Red Roses to be delivered for Valentine's Day - pay only $50!! That's right - not only do we not mark up the price of our roses on Valentine's Day, but we're lowering the price for a special few. The classic Dozen Red Roses is a sign of romance and love. Ever wonder what other colors meant? Here's a little guide:

Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom
Pale Pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.
Light Pink roses express fun and happiness.
Deep Pink roses say "Thank you."
Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted. White roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also send other messages: "I miss you" and "You're heavenly."
Peach roses speak of appreciation and gratitude.
Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color: Desire.
Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender.

For someone who likes something a little less "traditional", stay tuned for more pictures of Valentine's arrangements.

Holiday Open House

2009-12-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Please Join Us for a Holiday Open House!
Our shop is filled with new retail items including one of a kind glass bead jewerly, collegiate ornaments, gift baskets and more.

Stop in and browse our Christmas decorations while you enjoy light appetizers and some of our delicious cider!

December 9th between 10:00 - 5:30

We're located right beside the Tarrant Post Office.

Criss Cross Arch

2009-11-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

We love helping out local schools with their decorating needs. The pictures above were taken at a Halloween dance last month. We also decorate for proms, pageants, homecomings, talent shows - most any event you can think of! Most teachers have enough to worry about, instead of working their fingers to the bone on decorations. Let Ann's Balloons and Flowers take the stress off of you. We give every school a good discount because we realize how tight that money is stretched!

Collegiate Gift Basket

2009-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last week we received an order for a high school senior who was recovering from surgery. He's going to Ole Miss next year and we incorporated school colors into his Get Well Soon Basket. We have a wide selection of collegiate mugs and hand painted marble ornaments in our store. You'll be hard pressed to find these products anywhere else in Birmingham. The ornaments have become a big hit for students, alumni and fans. Each ornament comes with a stand, so sports fanatics can add this to their collection to enjoy all year long!

It's not Christmas yet!

2009-11-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

A beautiful fall wreath serves as a warm welcome for your Thanksgiving guests. Don't forget to order yours today!

2009-11-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a column we recently did for an event at the Cahaba Grand. If you can't tell, that big balloon on top is a map of the Earth! Our customer thought it was pretty cool that it went along with their theme and Debby (one of our balloon decorators) would have a bigger smile on her face, but we were working on the best camera option and she got tired of waiting on us.

Beautiful Memories

2009-11-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

We help in honoring the memories of our customer's loved ones. You can make a funeral piece personal when ordering a spray or arrangement. Just yesterday, we designed a spray for a University of Alabama fan -red and white flowers with an Alabama football. And we can personalize ribbons, include favorite flowers or stick with a certain color scheme. Just let us know what you want and we'll do our best to make it personal.

Fall Weddings

2009-10-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ann's Balloons and Flowers just purchased several new sets of candelabras. Perfect in time for fall weddings. Call us today about rental information. Discounts are available when we design the wedding flowers.

Boss's Day, Firday, Oct 16th

2009-10-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Good rule of thumb...don't forget about the person who keeps money in your wallet! And I'm not talking about that sweet old lady in the payroll department. Boss's day is this Friday! Don't know what to get your boss? Brighten their office with a balloon bouquet, do some kissing up with a mug filled with gourmet coffee and Hershey's kisses. What about a nice flower arrangement or a plant for their desk? If your Boss is a health nut - try one of our fruit baskets with an assortment of nuts.

Call us and we'll deliver it right to their desk - from you - the new favorite employee!

Princess Wand

2009-10-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's a fact that most kids are completely enamored by balloons. Pictured above is a new favorite of our's at Ann's Balloons & Flowers. It's called a Balloon Wand. What's great about these balloons is that they last for a few months or even longer! The Balloon Wand is a handle (for those less imaginative) that holds an 18" mylar and is filled with air instead of helium. These make great gifts for Dance Recitals, Birthday parties, or just to brighten a little one's day. And don't worry - it's not just for girls! We can attach any kind of balloon to these wands! For only $10 it's a great toy to enjoy for months!

2009-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Our coolers are stocked with beautiful fresh flowers for the fall season.
Take our survey and let us know your favorite fall flower!

Fruit Baskets

2009-10-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our fruit and snack baskets make a great gift whether it be to wish someone a Happy Birthday or sending it in hopes that the recipient Feel Better Soon. Our baskets are beautifully decorated with colored cello paper and a bow. Add a couple of balloons for an even greater effect!

Autumn Begins

2009-09-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

What drab weather to welcome autumn into Birmingham. Despite the rain and dark clouds over the past week, our shop is filled with warm colors of the fall season. We're busy making memorial arrangements, decorations for the home, and my favorite -harvest wreaths!

Baby Wreaths

2009-09-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Our baby bows have always been a big hit for hospital doors. But recently we also started selling welcome wreaths. These beautiful baby blue and pink wreaths are $30. The rattles and butterflies can be removed easily and used later if you wish!

What's the Twisted Flower?

2009-09-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that Ann's Balloons and Flowers has been a florist in the Birmingham, Alabama area for over 27 years. But what's unique is that we are also balloon decorators!

Not only do we make big arches and columns, but our balloon bouquets are a big hit and make an impact when delivered. I snapped a quick picture before we delivered this one last week. Our balloon flowers with curly q's in the middle are super cute matched with the bright polka dot latex balloons. This bouquet is topped by a Bubble. It's a new kind of balloon that blows up kind of like a beach ball - much rounder than a regular balloon. Our customer wanted a small snack basket to be delivered with the balloons, so we used that as the weight for this bright birthday bouquet!

So one the reasons we named our blog The Twisted Flower is because we'll be showcasing our floral arrangements along with our balloon designs. Give someone a smile today!

2009-09-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

We have toyed with the idea of a monthly newsletter for a while now. After trying one method with no success, we thought a blog might be easier. We're florists after all - not very tech savvy!

So to all our customers, we hope you'll come back and see our little news posts and most importantly our specials that will save you money!