DIY Floating Hot Air Balloons

I now have this sudden urge of throwing a party that requires hot air balloons. Just so I can make these. Karen, the crafty bride from this gorgeous wedding shot by Paul Von Rieter, made these whimsical hot air balloons using large bouncy balls. They are often found at dollar stores, so they can be made affordably. Thank you for sharing, these are incredible! More DIY details in the gallery and on her blog.

DIY Hot Air Balloon floating centerpieces
DIY Hot Air Balloon floating centerpieces

What you’ll need:

- large bouncy balls
- potted herbs
- square tin pots (or cans)
- acrylic paint
- brush
- twine for tying tins to the “balloons”

hot air balloons centerpieces
DIY Hot Air Balloon floating centerpieces
DIY Hot Air Balloon floating centerpieces
DIY Hot Air Balloon floating centerpieces

hot air balloons centerpieceshot air balloons centerpieces

Instructions:

To make each pattern, I started off by drawing a base guide. I taped a long piece of string to the ball, and then I tied a Sharpie to the end of that string where I wanted to start drawing a guide. Then I rotated the Sharpie along that string “axis” to draw a perfect circle around the ball. I did this several times along different lengths, with the same taped point. Just imagine a bunch of “latitude” lines drawn on the ball with Sharpie. I use those new circles to guide me with drawing a symmetrical pattern for each of the balls. If you want to be really precise, I would measure the circumference of the “equator”, and divide that evenly by a number for an exact repeating pattern.

Once your balloons are dry, attach your herb “baskets” to them using twine. Punch holes on your herb tins with the help of a hammer and nails. Attach them to the ceiling and add your table numbers to the bottom of each.

November 7th, 2011  |  Email to a friend
Category: DIY Projects

Comments
  1. 1
    Jen on November 7, 2011

    So brilliant! Fun, crafty, a bit of math thrown in. Yay! Thanks for sharing!

  2. 2
    Jayne on November 7, 2011

    You have just given me a great idea for a piñata for the kids at our wedding. Thanks

  3. 3
    Eschol Park House on November 8, 2011

    These floating balloons look really great and it can become one of the things that will make wedding receptions more memorable!

  4. 4
    Hannah @ Sparrow+Spark! on November 8, 2011

    Brilliant! I wondered how to make these when I saw them in the wedding post yesterday.

  5. 5
    JAF Gifts on November 8, 2011

    These are absolutely charming! I don’t even need an event, I’m going to try making this for my nephew and niece’s room! I’m sure they’d love it!

  6. 6
    Sara from MarryThis! on November 8, 2011

    This is above and beyond (pun totally intended). I love the detail — what a great decoration!

  7. 7
    Sharon Merchant on November 8, 2011

    How imaginative! These would be perfect for a child’s birthday as well.

  8. 8
    John | Wedding Photography San Diego on November 9, 2011

    Something I haven’t seen before bravo! very cool idea!

  9. 9
    Angelika on November 11, 2011

    That’s great! I like your ideas so much! :) thank you =)

  10. 10
    Julia on November 13, 2011

    This is such a great alternative to hanging lanterns and the possibilities of color and design are endless. What an absolutely terrific idea!

  11. 11
    The I Do Guide for the DIY Bride on November 14, 2011

    I love this idea for hanging planters in a playroom too. Make them for the wedding, save them for the babies!

  12. 12
    Sam on January 1, 2012

    Love this! The table numbers hanging from the plants make them even cuter.

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