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Don Caldwell, a.k.a. Buster Balloon, and his wife, Laura Caldwell, a.k.a. Annie Banannie, work on a witch's hat during a regular gathering of balloon artists at L.A.'s Griddle Cafe. See full story
8 Images

Photos: Balloon artists

Balloon artists

Don Caldwell, a.k.a. Buster Balloon, and his wife, Laura Caldwell, a.k.a. Annie Banannie, work on a witch’s hat during a regular gathering of balloon artists at L.A.’s Griddle Cafe.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

Eddie Medrano, a former Marine and circus clown, shows off his monkey creation.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

Don (Buster Balloon) Caldwell looks on as Carmen Tellez, who learned the craft from him, tries on a balloon ghost he made.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

Rob Balchunas, who has been making balloon creations since he was 4 years old, shows off a stripper he fashioned during the SoCal Twisters gathering at the Griddle Cafe.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

Brian Potvin, wearing his unfinished hamburger creation, enjoys a plate of pancakes at a meeting of balloon artists.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

Eddie Medrano with his bag of balloons.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

David Brenion, holding a balloon dog, with Carmen Tellez and Ramon Medellin during a meeting of a balloon artists group, which has been gathering for five years.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Balloon artists

A ladybug finger ring is displayed at the meeting of balloon artists.
See full story  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Photos: Balloon artists

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