Crafting A Paper Hot Air Balloon For A Dreamy Wedding

Hot air balloons are a beautiful sight in the sky and even better as decorations for your wedding. You can make your own wedding hot air balloons using paper lanterns, and they are perfect for bridal showers, birthday parties, and more. They can be hung from the ceiling, tent tops, tree branches, and so on. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make a hot air balloon using a paper lantern, fabric, and other materials.

Choosing the right paper lantern

Size

The size of the paper lantern will determine the overall proportions of your hot air balloon decoration. Choose a size that is appropriate for your display area. If you're creating multiple hot air balloons, consider varying the sizes to add visual interest.

Colour

Select a colour or colours that complement your wedding theme and venue. You can choose soft colours, bold colours, metallics, or a blend of these. Consider the effect you want to create – a monochromatic colour scheme can be elegant, while a variety of bright colours can be fun and festive.

Material

Paper lanterns come in various materials, such as rice paper or synthetic fabrics. Consider the durability and transparency of the material. If you plan to paint the lantern, choose a material that will hold paint well.

Shape

Paper lanterns come in various shapes, including round, oval, and star-shaped. Choose a shape that will enhance the overall design of your hot air balloon. For example, a round lantern may give the appearance of a traditional hot air balloon shape when combined with the basket.

Assembly

Some paper lanterns come pre-assembled, while others require assembly. Consider your time constraints and skill level when making your choice. Pre-assembled lanterns can save time, while assembling the lantern yourself may allow for more customisation.

Additional Features

Paper lanterns can have features such as LED lights or hanging loops. Consider whether you want your hot air balloon to light up or be suspended from the ceiling or another structure. Choose a lantern with the necessary features to achieve your desired effect.

Remember, creating hot air balloons from paper lanterns is a fun and creative project, but it requires patience. Take your time to select the right paper lantern, and don't be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch to your decorations.

Selecting an appropriately-sized basket

Diameter of the Basket

Consider the diameter of the basket in relation to the size of your paper lantern. A basket that is too small may look disproportionate and might not provide enough stability. On the other hand, a basket that is too large may overwhelm the lantern and affect the overall visual balance. Aim for a basket that is approximately half the diameter of the paper lantern, or slightly adjust the size to ensure it looks harmonious with the lantern above it.

Height of the Basket

The height of the basket is also important. You want the basket to be tall enough to provide a secure base for the lantern, but not so tall that it becomes the dominant feature of the hot air balloon. The ideal height will create a sense of proportion and allow the lantern to shine as the focal point. Play around with different basket heights to see what looks best with your chosen lantern.

Colour and Material

The colour and material of the basket can enhance the overall aesthetic of your hot air balloon paper lantern. Consider using natural materials such as wicker or rattan for a rustic or vintage look. For a more modern or elegant approach, a sleek metallic basket in silver or gold can add a touch of sophistication. If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate a simple cardboard box with colourful paper, ribbons, or other embellishments to create a unique basket.

Stability and Functionality

While the visual appeal of the basket is important, don't forget its functional purpose. The basket should be sturdy and stable enough to support the weight of the paper lantern and any additional decorations you plan to add. Ensure that the basket has a flat, even base so that it sits securely on a surface without wobbling. Additionally, consider how you will attach the basket to the lantern. You may need to add string or glue to securely fasten the two together.

Occasion and Theme

Finally, consider the occasion and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're creating these hot air balloon paper lanterns for a wedding, you may want to incorporate the wedding colours or theme into the basket design. You can add ribbons, flowers, or other decorations to the basket that complement the overall style of the event.

Attaching the basket to the lantern

Firstly, decide on the size and type of basket you want to use. You can use a small basket, such as a mini basket or a produce basket, or even upcycle a cardboard box by cutting it to size and decorating it with paper or ribbon. If your basket has a handle, use scissors to cut it off.

Next, you will need to cut four pieces of string or yarn for each lantern. The length of the string will depend on the size of your lantern and basket. For an 8-inch lantern, cut each piece of string to be around 6 inches long.

Now, it's time to attach the string to the lantern and the basket. Apply a thin line of hot glue inside the paper lantern along the paint line, if there is one. Carefully place one piece of string on top of the glue and press it down using a skewer or toothpick—be careful, as the glue is hot! Repeat this process for each piece of string.

Once the glue on the lantern has dried, apply a thin line of hot glue on the inside of the basket. Again, use a toothpick or skewer to press the string into the glue, making sure not to use your fingers. Repeat this step for all four pieces of string.

At this point, you should have four strings attached to the lantern and the basket. Now, tie the other end of each string to the corners of the basket. You can use a simple knot or add extra security with a drop of hot glue.

Finally, you can add an optional step for more security. Create a smaller loop with the string and slide it up onto the cup or basket. Use four small lengths of string or yarn to secure this loop to the basket strands.

And that's it! You have successfully attached the basket to the lantern, creating a beautiful and elegant hot air balloon decoration.

Decorating the lantern

Paint the Lantern

Choose paint colours that match your wedding theme or the colours of the rainbow for a fun, vibrant look. Open up your paper lantern and follow the paper lines to paint each section. You can use one colour per lantern or mix it up and use multiple colours. Let the paint dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Add Fabric or Paper Strips

Cut strips of fabric or paper in your chosen colours and glue them to the lantern using a hot glue gun. You can also use Mod Podge, a type of glue that can be painted on in layers, to attach the strips and create a paper-mache effect. This will give your hot air balloon a textured, three-dimensional look.

Embellish with Ribbons and Jewels

Add some sparkle to your hot air balloon by gluing on ribbons, curly ribbon, or iridescent garlands. You can also add some bling with press-on gems or crystal garlands. These embellishments will catch the light and make your hot air balloon really stand out.

Create a Fuel Source

To make your hot air balloon look more realistic, create a coiled paper "flame" at the bottom of the lantern. Use iridescent or coloured paper, roll it into a coil, and attach it to the undercarriage of the balloon with glue. This will give the impression of a burning flame keeping your balloon afloat.

Add a Personal Touch

If you're making these hot air balloons for a wedding, why not match the colours to your wedding theme? You can also fill the baskets with fresh floral arrangements or candies for a unique touch. For a baby shower, you could add small plants or Easter eggs to the baskets.

Adding the finishing touches

Now for the fun part: adding the finishing touches to your hot air balloon paper lantern!

First, let's work on the basket. If your basket has a handle, use scissors to cut it off. If you want to get extra creative, you can use a box instead of a basket. Cut the box to size and cover it with paper or ribbon. You can also add some ribbon or pretty string to hang sandbags from later.

Next, let's create the burner or fuel source for your hot air balloon. Simply roll up some iridescent or colourful paper and attach it to the undercarriage of the balloon. You can also add some curly ribbon to the burner to represent the flames.

If you want to add some extra decorations to your balloon, consider gluing on some jewels, beads, or curly ribbon. You can also add a satin ribbon to the top of the balloon to hide any hanger pieces.

Finally, you can fill your basket with some small plants, candies, or other treats. You can also add some cotton batting around the base of the basket to make it look like your balloon is floating in the clouds.

And there you have it! Your hot air balloon paper lantern is now ready for its big debut. Whether you're using it for a wedding, baby shower, or just as a fun decoration, it's sure to be a show-stopper.

Frequently asked questions