Experiment:

1. The first step is to inflate the balloon until it's nearly full size and then let about a third of the air out. Tie a knot in the end of the balloon.

2. If you carefully examine the balloon you'll notice a thick area of rubber at both ends of the balloon (where you tied the knot and the opposite end). This is where you will pierce the balloon with the skewer ... but not yet. Keep reading.

3. Dip the tip of the wooden skewer into the cooking oil, which works as a lubricant.

4. Place the sharpened tip of the skewer on the thick end of the balloon and push the skewer into the balloon. Be careful not to jab yourself or the balloon with the skewer. Just use gentle pressure (and maybe a little twisting motion) to puncture the balloon.

5. Push the skewer all the way through the balloon until the tip of the skewer touches the opposite end of the balloon where you'll find the other thick portion of the balloon. Keep pushing until the skewer penetrates the rubber. Breathe a huge sigh of relief and take a bow! Ta-Dah!

6. Gently remove the skewer from the balloon. Of course, the air will leak out of the balloon, but the balloon didn't pop.