Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons

This project was started last year and had been a work in progress but finally thanks to Easter i was able to find the baskets i was searching for and we could complete it! With some blown up balloons we started paper mache by ripping newspaper strips and dipping them in a flour/water mix then placing them onto the balloon. We did about 4 layers of this It got very messy and turned into an unexpected sensory activity. The final product was left to dry for a few days

Once completely dry Tara painted hers red. We popped the balloon inside and cut around the bottom to allow us to get our hand inside

Then i used a knife to pierce a whole in the center top of the balloon, threaded some fishing wire through and tied it off with a button. This will give the balloon some strength to be able to hang up

At the bottom of the balloon i made 4 holes and threaded some rope though to attach to the basket. These are the baskets i was having trouble finding but check your local shops now and im sure you will find them stocked up for Easter.

My blue one was made slightly different with thin ribbon glued onto the paper mache and attached straight to the basket

And your hot air balloon is ready to take people for rides!

Eventually these will be put in the kids rooms, Easy and cheap room decor!