Some people create art with paints and clay; others prefer chalks and metals. But for Gary Moody and Nancy Key, the material of choice is balloons.

Moody and Key took over Brentwood’s Party’s 4 You in June and decided they wanted to find a new way to attract attention to the decade-old party supply store, and balloons became a natural choice.

“If you go to other party places and ask for balloons, they’ll just blow them up for you and send you on your way, but we take it a step further and create a design with them,” Moody said. “Balloons can be used to create arrangements just like flowers. There are so many options. You don’t have to tie them to string and let them hang there. Balloons can be more than an addition of color. They can be the centerpiece.”

Together Moody and Key use balloons to create archways, sculptures, columns, kites and bouquets. While their work has been featured at birthday parties and other private gatherings, they’ve also provided decorations for large community events such as the Liberty High School Athletic Booster Club’s annual Truck Raffle dinner held in August, which isn’t too shabby considering Moody and Key have no prior experience in the party business.

“We were both recently unemployed, and when we saw that this place was for sale, we thought it might be something fun to try,” Moody said. “We went home and did the research and developed a business plan and decided to go for it. I have a background in business and Nancy has Martha Stewart skills when it comes to designing and decorating, so it seemed like a good fit for us.”

Moody and Key are learning as they go, designing new balloon sculptures and bouquets on a weekly basis, but their initiation into the business has been enjoyable.

“People generally come into a party supply store in a good mood,” Moody said. “They’re ready to celebrate, and it’s nice to be able to play a part in making that celebration special. With the balloons, we like to design something that people are going to remember.”

So far the plan is working. While Moody and Key have done little advertising, new customers have come in on a regular basis to inquire about balloon decorations they’ve seen at events or parties. With a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, the only limit in balloon design is how far your imagination will take you, so Moody and Key are able to help customers come up with concepts to go along with any theme. And using the Hi-float process, balloons are inflated with a special material that keeps latex balloons floating for up to five days, so the decorations last beyond the big day and customers are able to keep them on display just like a bouquet of flowers.

While the balloon designs are helping bring business back to Party’s 4 You, the party supply store remains a one-stop shop for all your party needs. From invitations to plates and napkins in 20 colors, Party’s 4 You has everything you need to throw a festive event. And it’s never too early to start thinking about upcoming holiday parties. The Halloween display is complete and the Thanksgiving inventory is already taking shape. New items are on display weekly.

“We’re trying to get new stuff out on the floor as soon as possible,” Moody said. “People like to come in and look around to get ideas, and then they’ll come back later to buy what they need. But there are always those last minute planners who come in the day before or even the day of the event ­– but we can help them, too. We’re flexible, and we’ll find a way to make sure you have a memorable party whether you give us two weeks’ notice or two days.”

Party’s 4 You, located at 3901 Walnut Blvd. in Brentwood, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 925-516-8102.