When Barbara Fricke conceived the idea of building a new N1979R she was already an accomplished balloon builder, having previously sewed three experimental envelopes. Encouraged by her partner, Peter Cuneo, they reached out to three other friends to assist in the project. Bert and Joanie Padelt, owner/operators of the Best Aviation balloon shop were enlisted to produce the inlaid panels depicting the two cartoon characters. Finally, local pilot, Judy Nakamura was invited to become a joint owner of the balloon.