‘It blew me away’: Guelph, Ont. woman wins big at balloon design competition
A Guelph business owner is blowing up internationally for her creative balloon creations.
Tess DeMarco has won the Balloon Designer of The Year award in the Netherlands and now she plans to use her new credentials for a bigger purpose.
"It blew me away, being voted is huge," DeMarco told CTV News.
The award was presented at Nozzle Up, a convention and competition put on by balloon manufacturer Sempertex every two years.
"It was a combination of convention and competition so I learned a lot but then we had to submit a portfolio in advance,” she said.
More than 200 balloon designers from around the world attended the event so when her name was announced for the Balloon Designer of the Year award, DeMarco was stunned.
"It was such a huge shock! The level of competitor’s skills there are beyond anything I've ever seen."
But, balloon designing wasn’t always in the cards for the Guelphite. DeMarco owned her own floral shop in Hawaii. When she moved to Guelph, she didn’t want to compete with other florists in the area.
Then when the pandemic hit, she decided it was time to do something new.
"So I was bored and with my flower shop, I had done a few little balloons, nothing to this degree and I'm like 'oh I'll just throw up on Facebook some designs and see where we go' and it has taken off."
After over three successful years with her business, known as Looney Ballooney Designs, this was her first time entering herself into a competition.
"You know, when we announced that I was going to go do this, the support coming in was overwhelming, absolutely overwhelming and I just want to say thank you.”
DeMarco won her title for three portfolio submissions including a table centrepiece, a Paw Patrol twister design and a large installation.
While her design popped off in Europe, DeMarco isn’t finished making moves in the balloon industry. With her new credentials and experience, she aims to mentor other balloon designers and teach classes in Guelph.
"How these go together and what to do with them, that's what I am doing so we're launching what’s called The Looney Ballooney Learning Centre and we're launching that soon."
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
Special national Liberal caucus meeting called for next week after regional chairs meet: sources
A special meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national Liberal caucus has been called for next Wednesday, sources say.
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
Canada pausing applications for parent, grandparent permanent residency sponsorships
Canada will not accept new parent and grandparent permanent residency sponsorship applications until further notice, according to a ministerial directive.
Soldier who blew up Tesla at Trump hotel left note saying blast was to be a 'wakeup call' for the U.S.
A highly decorated Army soldier who fatally shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck just before it blew up outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas left notes saying the New Year's Day explosion was a stunt to serve as a “wakeup call” for the country’s ills, investigators said Friday.
Sea and Himalayan salts recalled in Canada: 'Do not use, serve or distribute'
Two brands of sea and Himalayan salt are being recalled in Canada due to pieces of plastic found in the products.
'Inadmissible' foreign nationals to pay more upon return to Canada: CBSA
Foreign nationals who refuse or are unable to pay their own way home after being denied stay in Canada will soon face steeper financial penalties should they ever attempt to return.
'It's about time': Experts in Canada support call for warnings about cancer risk from alcohol
While Canada hasn't mandated cancer warnings for alcoholic beverages, a few experts are supporting a new push in the U.S. to have the labels on the products.
London
-
Heritage protection might save this 200-year-old oak tree in London
Recognition that certain trees contribute to the heritage of the Blackfriars-Petersville neighbourhood might save the life of a centuries-old oak.
-
London Knights blow out Niagara on home ice
The London Knights ran up the score against the Niagara IceDogs Friday night at Canada Life Place, earning a 9-4 win.
-
'Justice has been done': Man who fatally shot teen at bush party guilty of second degree murder
Carlos Guerra Guerra has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2021 bush party murder trial.
Windsor
-
2.99% tax increase in proposed 2025 Windsor budget
The proposed 2025 City of Windsor budget includes a 2.99 per cent tax increase.
-
-
'It was a privilege to work alongside him': Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex joins worldwide memorial for Jimmy Carter
Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is joining a worldwide memorial for late U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Barrie
-
Georgian College faculty 'energized' after union issues strike notice
Faculty at Georgian College are energized as their union has put a possible strike on the table with students set to head back to class next week.
-
Persistent snow squalls bring heavy accumulations to Barrie area
Environment Canada is maintaining its snow squall warning for most of central Ontario on Friday.
-
Warrant issued for allegedly armed and dangerous man wanted for attempted murder
Police in York Region have issued an arrest warrant for one man following a reported shooting at a motel in Queensville.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Northern staff react to Ontario college faculties issuing five-day notice of labour action
College faculty in Ontario gave its five-day notice of starting labour action on Friday, which could include a strike or some other work stoppage at the 24 schools within the province.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Northern staff react to Ontario college faculties issuing five-day notice of labour action
College faculty in Ontario gave its five-day notice of starting labour action on Friday, which could include a strike or some other work stoppage at the 24 schools within the province.
-
Blind River, Ont., roommates charged with taking car without consent
The first impaired driving charge of the year for Ontario Provincial Police in East Algoma involved a missing vehicle and roommates.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Ottawa
-
Highrise fire on Ramsey Crescent displaces 39 residents, injures 16
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says four adult women were taken to hospital following a fire that happened in a highrise on Ramsey Crescent, in the west end of Ottawa, in the early hours of Friday morning.
-
Man, woman seriously injured following multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street
A man and a woman were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street at Lester Road Friday afternoon, according to the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
-
OTTAWA'S LRT
OTTAWA'S LRT All aboard Ottawa's new LRT line: What you need to know about the new north-south Line 2 and Line 4
Ottawa’s new north-south rail line will open to the public on Monday, Jan. 6, connecting downtown Ottawa and Riverside South with a spur to the Ottawa International Airport.
Toronto
-
2 Royal Military College students jumped into action to save a man from a burning car in North York
A black Ford Mustang had lost control while traveling north along Bayview, crashing into cement pillars near the stores loading dock.
-
Union representing Ontario college faculty issues five-day strike notice
Ontario college students could soon see their winter semester cut short as the union representing faculty at the province’s 24 public colleges could walk off the job as early as Thursday next week.
-
Ontario aiming to send out $200 rebate cheques later this month or early February
Ontarians should receive their $200 rebate cheque from the province by the end of January or early February, a government spokesperson confirmed in an email Friday.
Montreal
-
Lachine tenants have been out of heat and hot water for 2 months
A 47-unit building hasn't had hot water for nearly two months, and the heat is out too, forcing the city to intervene.
-
More homeless people hiding from the cold in Montreal's crowded ERs
When warming centres are full, homeless people with nowhere to go are turning to emergency rooms.
-
Montreal police make 2 more arrests in killing of Claudia Iacono
Montreal police have arrested two more suspects in the slaying of Claudia Iacono.
Atlantic
-
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
-
Saint John man charged with second-degree murder in wife’s Christmas Eve death
A man accused of murdering his wife on Christmas Eve made his first court appearance in Saint John, N.B., Friday morning.
-
Winter storm watch issued in Cape Breton; Weather statements expanded in N.S. and P.E.I.
A major winter storm is expected to hit eastern parts of the Maritimes Sunday into Monday.
Winnipeg
-
'Hopeful that we can make this go': Potential $5.25 million bid made for Lemay Forest
There is a new offer to buy and preserve the Lemay Forest.
-
New train detection system on track to alert motorists, first responders about railway traffic
Winnipeg may soon see a new train detection system that lets motorists know when to use alternate routes and avoid railway crossings.
-
Manitoba authorities investigate record number of homicides in 2024
Manitoba hit a grim record in 2024 – reaching the highest number of homicides being investigated.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
-
Third person charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
A third person has been charged with first-degree murder after a woman was found dead in a Lethbridge motel room over the weekend.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead on Edmonton riverbank
Police have identified a woman who was recently found dead on the shore of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton.
-
Gas leak slows traffic on 111 Avenue Friday night
Drivers were asked to avoid 111 Avenue near 110 Street due to a gas leak on Friday night.
Regina
-
Sask. RCMP investigating woman's death on Piapot First Nation
Saskatchewan RCMP says it is investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman on Piapot First Nation as suspicious in nature.
-
SaskAbilites Yorkton enhances relaxation room
SaskAbilities Yorkton has enhanced their relaxation room to help people with disabilities experience a more comfortable and calming environment.
-
CTV Regina's top trending stories of 2024
Whether it was hard news or light-hearted features, the year of 2024 hosted some very compelling stories – with several being widely shared online and reaching new audiences.
Saskatoon
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
-
Inmate who escaped federal prison in Saskatchewan arrested
After about five months of searching, police have arrested Jareth Gardipy-Taypotat, who escaped from the Willow Cree Healing Lodge, a minimum-security federal institution north of Saskatoon.
Vancouver
-
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
-
Former Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver to be demolished
A former luxury hotel tower in downtown Vancouver is slated to be demolished.
-
Accused in armed robbery at Vancouver Holt Renfrew has prior convictions
The 66-year-old man accused of holding up a Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver this week has prior convictions, including for two other robberies that involved fake guns.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. driver who tried to apprehend suspected impaired driver was impaired: RCMP
Mounties on Vancouver Island say a 50-year-old motorist who tried to apprehend a suspected impaired driver on New Year's Eve, was, in fact, impaired and was issued a 90-day driving prohibition by police.
-
Attending hundreds of serious crash scenes each year takes its toll, B.C. first responders say
Just days into the new year, officials are already pleading with British Columbians to follow the rules of the road.
-
Woman, 63, dead after collision on Vancouver Island
A 63-year-old woman is dead after the car she was driving collided with a truck on southern Vancouver Island.
