Make A Thing: Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons

Welcome to the gazillionth installment of Make A Thing where we make handmade gifts for people. Or ourselves. Or our cats. Mostly our cats.

Header by Rory Midhani

My neighbors have this really pretty hot air balloon porch decoration and I am a little obsessed with it. I’m also a huge fan of actual hot air balloons because they are stunning, but recently I looked up how much it would cost to ride in one and it’s like $200. Is this actually a good deal? Any hot air balloon aficionados out there?

When I mentioned to my sister that I really want to make a hot air balloon porch decoration, she immediately suggested I make a fleet of them for my niece’s room. I was skeptical at first, but then paper mache came to mind and now here we are, with paper mache hot air balloon decorations.

Yes, I’m aware it’s technically papier-mâché, but I cheated and used Mod Podge so I can spell it however I want. Now let’s get over ourselves and do this.

Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons

Supplies Needed:
+ Paper
+ Mod Podge
+ Balloons (I used smallish water balloons I had left over from camp that I forgot to give to my campers [sorry SS Sparkle Motion!])
+ Optional for hanging them to dry: string, safety pins
+ Paint
+ String/Embroidery floss

Level of Difficulty: Easier than keeping a straight face while watching Deanne Smith’s kitten during the video for Nerdy Love Song.

hab_supplies

Make sure to use really thin strips of paper or they’ll bubble on the edges and not create a smooth surface for your paper mache.

hab_modpodge

Seriously, aaaaalllllllll the Mod Podge. Just keep it going. I liked to Mod Podge the balloon, stick the paper on there, then apply MORE Mod Podge. Overlap and do as many layers as you want, but I did just one layer out of laziness.

hab_dry

I think they look like weird coconuts.

Note: in the drying picture, I used thick strips of paper and it went wonky. Don’t make my mistakes, kids! I thought popping the balloon would be seriously satisfying but it just kind of quietly deflated. This is the way the world ends, not with a bang, but with a really slowly and silently deflating balloon.

hab-painting

Don’t worry about painting over your section lines. I just waited for it to dry and then redid them. I feel like Make A Thing could be called “Hansen Crafts: nbd.”

The origami boxes were made using this super easy tutorial.

And yes, I totally used glitter paint what are you going to do about it.

hab_sew

Check out my really well drawn instructions on those. Start on the inside, then go through the side of the basket, then from the outside into the balloon part. This is so much easier than it looks. It’s okay if your balloon gets a little smooshed in this process. They’re really forgiving if you push out the dents from the inside.

hab_top

If your hands are nimble enough to get up inside the balloon to poke a hole, four for you, Glen Coco. I took the path of least resistance and left the knot on top because I got really frustrated and was crushing my balloon. Not worth it.

hab_done

All done! I weighted down the baskets with pennies, but you can use anything handy within arm’s reach. I hung Audrey’s balloons in front of her window so they’d twirl in the breeze and sparkle in the light. I think she’s going to love them.

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Hansen

Hansen is the former DIY & Food Editor of Autostraddle.com and likes to spend most days making and cooking and writing. She teaches creative writing at Colorado State University and is pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts in her free time.

Hansen has written 189 articles for us.

14 Comments

  1. so cute!! I made something similar when I was a kid and loved it so much. Paper mache rules!

  2. Wah those are adorable! As I have a degree in papier mache-ing (sort of, Im a primary school teacher) I would suggest using quite small pieces of paper for a smoother effect, also if you tear them rather than cutting I find that the edges stick better. If you’re on a budget you can also mix the hobby glue with some warm water and it’ll still work just as well, though may need some more time to dry. The more layers you do the more durable your thing will be! :)

  3. Those look awesome!!
    Also – as a person who has been in a real hot air balloon – it is fantastic! – it is expensive so maybe ask for donations towards it for a big birthday coming up. Also – when I did it, they have to have perfect weather, so expect it to be at least several months and a few false alarms before you get to actually go :D

  4. This is the way the world ends, not with a bang, but with a really slowly and silently deflating balloon.

    Best. Line. Ever.

  5. what if you don’t like balloons for irrational reasons? could you use something else?

    • this! the next make a thing should be how to do that. i kinda maybe always daydreamed in college about having a mini hot air balloon on a string that i could use to carry my pencils and literature anthologies across campus. and the basket would detach. so i could carry it into class. i maybe thought this through a little. anyway, teach us how to make that please?

  6. I’m not very crafty, but this looks simple enough, aaaaaaand is going to make an epic house warming present :D Thanks!

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