Fast and Cheap Minion

Tired of traveling life's journey alone? Still looking for that special someone? why not build your own minion cheap and easy.

1 salvaged onetime use helium tank (free)
1 pair toddler shoes ($2 thrift shop)
2 recycled canned chicken cans (free)
assortment of cheap paint brushes ($3)
5 minute epoxy ($1 harbor freight)
1 roll masking tape ($1)
paint: yellow, blue, white, black, green, brown.

1. something to cut metal. I used a small grinder.
2. tin snips
3. hammer
4. sander / sand paper.

let's start from the bottom up...Feet.
Using a grinder I cut the tank's handles close to the base.
This allowed me to bend the handles slightly to create feet for my new buddy. I then had to try on the shoes.

Due to the orientation of the new feet the balloon inflation nozzle created an unfortunate visual distraction. Luckily it was resolved with a few wacks with a sturdy hammer.

Next up was the fitting of the iconic specticals.
For the goggles I used a couple canned chicken cans I had saved from the recycle bin.
I cut them with the tin snips to the desired goggle shape. This was just trial and error.
Once I got the right shape I mixed up some 5 minute epoxy and glued them on.

Now it's time to paint. I'd like to say that I spent a lot of time sanding and priming but I didn't. I just taped off the goggles and shot my new buddy an awesome banana yellow.

Now it's time to add all the detail that make your new little buddy special.
I orginally was going to do this with spray paints, but instead I raided my daughter's art supplies and used her acrylic paints. Which were much easier to clean and easier on the nose.

Now you'll always have someone to watch your back.
Your very own minion.