Like I said, the process was relatively simple, I used this tutorial from Ruffled for reference and it was fantastic! I also came across a great tutorial from Project Wedding that is not exactly the method I used for these, but gives you an idea of how to make them into more traditional lanterns, which I also love!
Your basic supplies can all be purchased for around $20 at a craft store (or craft section!), maybe even cheaper if you hunt for deals =). What you'll need:
-balloons of all sizes (I used large, medium small and plan to go with extra large, too but depending on your needs you could get away with only one or two sizes. My samples (pictured) are smaller for decoration, I'll use larger ones to hang like in the Ruffled tutorial).
-A large mixing bowl or disposable turkey pan
-Trash bags or paper bags to lay out while doing this (messy!)
-2 parts Elmers glue (I bought an extra-large bottle as I plan to make a lot)
-1 part water
-1 part corn starch (I didn't use on my first batch, but did on my second, it will make them 'sturdier')
-fishing line or wire (optional, for hanging)
-twine or yarn in the color of your choice
-spray paint (optional, use cheapest color yarn and paint later)
I can't stress enough - this is messy! But it's lots of fun and sometimes you need to get a little messy. Here's what I did:
1) Inflate all balloons, you should have a variance of sizes and they should be round/oval with no points at the ends (which will happen if under-inflated and can mess up your lanterns...I did this by accident on a few don't do it!) You can also mark off a point at the tops of the balloons where you want to put a light in (if you have a specific bulb size in mind). If you don't want lights, just make sure that you leave at least a 1-2 inch in diameter circle to pull the balloon out after or you'll have to get crafty with scissors snipping out the balloon pieces (again, did this too...trust me don't do it!)
2) lay out trash or paper bags on the floor for your work station
3) mix 2 parts Elmers glue, 1 part water and 1 part corn starch (optional, if desired for more stiffness use starch) in a large bowl or disposable turkey pan
4) take a length of the yarn/string off (do NOT cut yet) and soak it in the mixture
5) begin wrapping the yarn/string around the balloon, careful not to overlap your marked spot at the top for a light and balloon removal. When you come to the end of the string that's been soaked, pull off another length and repeat until your balloons is covered as you like6) you'll need to hang these to let them dry. I have a clothes line setup in our basement where the laundry is, and chose to lay out paper bags on the floor and clip them up with clothes pins...as per the Ruffled tutorial, you can get creative here and hang them any way that works for you! Let them dry at least 48 hours, more if you feel they are still damp, if they aren't dry removing the balloons will mess up the shape, not cool.
7) once dry, you'll need to take a sharp pin and pop all the balloons, and then pull out the balloon guts from the opening you left. Some of the balloon may stick to the string, just use your pin to gently free them!
Happy DIYing!
