Take your creativity to new heights with our Decorative Hot Air Balloon family art workshop! In this hands-on activity tutorial, participants will use papier-mache to form a hot air balloon. Once dry, the balloon’s surface can be transformed using paints, markers, or other drawing tools to add vibrant colors, patterns, or personalized designs. To complete the look, a miniature cardboard basket will be securely attached to the balloon using string. For display, a sturdy hook will be placed at the top of the balloon, allowing it to hang.

Materials:

• Balloon
• Newspaper
• Modge Podge
• Pin
• Cardboard
• Hot Glue Gun
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Acrylic Paint
• Paintbrush
• Oil Pastels
• Markers
• String

Instructions:

Step 1: Inflate a balloon slightly smaller than you would like your hot air balloon to be. 

Step 2: Cut strips of newspaper. Dip each strip in Modge Podge. Use your pointer finger and middle finger to remove the excess Modge Podge. 

Step 3: Apply the Modge Podge-soaked strips to the balloon. It is ideal to overlap the strips to create a strong shell slightly. Cover the balloon,, leaving the bottom portion, the area with the knot, bare. Make sure that your papier-mache is smooth and wrinkle-free. 

Step 4: While you wait for the papier-mache to dry, use cardboard and hot glue to construct a hot air balloon basket. Cut five equal-sized squares of cardboard. Glue four pieces vertically to a horizontal base.

Step 5: Use a hole punch to create one hole in each side of the cardboard basket. The hole should be placed in the upper middle of each square side. 

Step 6: Cut four equal pieces of string—thread one piece through each hole. Place aside. 

Step 7: When the papier-mache has dried, gently pop the balloon and remove the remaining pieces inside the hardened papier-mache. 

Step 8: Use the hole punch to create four equally spaced holes in the bottom section of the papier-mache balloon. 

Step 9: Thread the string attached to the cardboard basket through these holes and secure it with a knot. 

Step 10: Paint the exterior of the papier-mache balloon and the cardboard basket. Alternatively, you can use Modge Podge and scrapbook paper to create a decoupage surface. 

Step 11: Glue a hook to the top of the balloon for hanging.

Ways to take your decorative hot air balloon to the next level:

•  Incorporate Lights: Add small LED fairy lights or battery-powered tea lights inside the balloon to make it glow when hung. Cut small holes or windows into the balloon to let the light shine through.
•  Mixed Media Decorations: Add 3D embellishments like buttons, sequins, glitter, or small faux flowers.
• Personalized Themes: Design the balloon around specific themes, such as “Fantasy,” “Travel the World,” or “Seasons.” For example, a winter-themed balloon could feature snowflakes and a frosty palette.

Further Learning and Discussion Questions:

1. Discussion questions for reflection:
   What inspired the design or theme of your hot air balloon?
   Discuss how your creativity or interests influenced your color, pattern, and detail choices.
   What challenges did you face during the papier-mache process, and how did you overcome them?
   Reflect on the construction phase and share problem-solving strategies for shaping or decorating the balloon.

2. Further Learning
   Some real-world artists use the themes of balloons and/or papier-mache in their work!

Artists Using Balloons as a Theme

Jeff Koons. Famous for his “Balloon Dog” sculptures, Koons creates monumental works inspired by the form of balloons. While his work is typically crafted in stainless steel with mirror finishes, the theme of balloons as playful, nostalgic, and celebratory objects is central to his art.

Jason Hackenwerth. Hackenwerth creates large-scale, intricate sculptures entirely from balloons. His works are colorful, organic, and often resemble fantastical creatures or otherworldly forms.