How to Make a Glitter Bomb

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Creative DIY glitter bomb ideas to scare off package thieves
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Glitter bombs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. However, they all have the same purpose – they explode when opened to create a cascade of glitter. [1] [2] Glitter bombs are great at concerts, outdoor parties, and sleepovers. While fun, they can be messy and a pain to clean-up. If releasing a glitter bomb indoors, ask permission first from a parent, boss, or landlord, and never use glitter bombs for malicious purposes. [3] [4]

Creative Way to Make a Glitter Bomb

  1. Cut a tissue paper square that covers the bottom of a toilet paper roll.
  2. Trace the end of the toilet paper roll onto card stock and cut out a circle.
  3. Hot glue the card stock circle in the center of the tissue paper square.
  4. Puncture the center of the circle and thread string through the hole.
  5. Tie a bead to the end of the string, then attach a trapdoor to the tube.
  6. Fill the tube with glitter and add a cone-shaped top made out of card stock.
  7. Pull on the string extending down from the trapdoor to release your glitter bomb.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making a Glitter Bomb Popper

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  1. Glitter bomb poppers are similar to confetti poppers used to celebrate New Year’s Eve, weddings, birthdays, or other holidays. Party poppers or crackers first appeared as British party favors in the 1840s. Save money on poppers – and fill them with glitter – by making them at home. You will need:
    • Paper towel roll cut in half or toilet paper roll
    • Glitter (different colors)
    • Scissors
    • A Stapler with staples
    • Bakers twine or string
    • Scotch tape
    • Hot glue gun and sticks
    • Beads
    • Ribbons for streamers
    • Cardstock
    • Tissue paper
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Glitter bomb poppers explode when someone pulls a string attached to a ‘trap door’. [5] Cut a tissue paper square that is large enough to cover the bottom of your tube (about 3 inches or 7.5 cm). Trace the end of the tube onto a piece of cardstock and cut out the circle. Use the hot glue to glue this circle to the center of the tissue paper square. Let dry for several seconds. Use scissors or a needle to puncture the center of the circle and thread an arm’s length of string or twine through the hole.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Before gluing the tissue paper and cardstock trapdoor to your tube tie a bead to the end of the string, making sure it is on the side that will face the inside of the cardboard tube. Attach the trapdoor by using the hot glue to glue the edges of the tissue paper to the sides of the tube. At this point, your glitter bomb popper should look like a tube with one end sealed off, and a string ‘tail’ extending from the base. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Be creative when decorating the body of the tube. You can wrap it in colored construction paper or metallic foil, or glue ribbons or streamers to the sides and bottom. Before sealing the opposite end, use a funnel or measuring cup to fill ½ to ¾ of the tube with glitter.
  5. Turn your popper into a rocket by adding a cone-shaped top. Draw a 3.25 inch (8.3 cm) circle on a piece of cardstock. Use the scissors to cut this out, and then cut a single snip from the edge to the center. Pull the edges of the cut together until they overlap about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) to form a cone. Stable the edges together. [7]
    • Attach the top by punching two small holes just below the opening of the tube. Thread a string through the holes. Bring the two ends of the string together over the opening and thread them through a bead. This will help keep the string centered. Next, thread the string up and through the hole at the top of the cone. You can use this string to hang your popper from the ceiling or attach it to a string of garland. [8]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Pull on the string extending down from the trap door. This will cause the trap door to rip-off and cause the glitter to rain down on unsuspecting partygoers.
  7. Modify this design so you can include them as party favors, rather than party decorations that need to be hung up. The glitter is released when you "crack open" the ends of the tube, instead of pulling on a string. Wrap your cardboard roll in tissue paper. Use enough tissue paper that it extends several inches beyond each end of the roll. [9] Next, glue cardstock, construction paper, or metallic foil onto the body of the roll (over the tissue paper). Twist one end of the tissue paper and tie it off with ribbon. Use a funnel to fill the tube with glitter. Finally, twist and tie the tissue paper at the opposite end to seal-off the roll.
    • Release the glitter and crack-open the tube by gripping both ends with your hands and pulling them apart. Instruct people to pull as hard as they can so the glitter will explode and not simply fall out.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making a Glitter Bomb Stick

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  1. This glitter bomb is easy to make and a great way to add some sparkle to Birthdays or New Year’s Eve parties. [10] You will need:
    • Paper straws (different colors)
    • Glitter (different colors)
    • Scissors
    • Tape
    • Scrap paper
    • Bowl (optional)
    • Hot glue gun and sticks
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Bend the straw in half and cut it in the center with scissors. You will use the paper straws to hold the glitter. By cutting them in half, you double your number of glitter bombs. They are also easier to hold and break open than full size straws.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    You will want to plug one end of the straw, but keep the opposite end open for now. Use a few drops of hot glue at one end to create a plug. This will make it easier to fill the straw with glitter. Let the glue dry.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Hold the straw vertically over the bowl so the open end is facing up. Use your piece of scrap paper to make a funnel. [11] Place the funnel over the open end and tilt it upright to fill the straw with glitter. Once the straw is filled, pour extra glitter back into its container. Tap the end of the straw to remove excess glitter. Plug the open end with hot glue and let dry.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Pull both ends of the straw with your hands until it breaks open. It should release a small explosion of glitter. Wave the ends around to release extra glitter trapped in the straw.
    • At a party, countdown and have everyone release their glitter bombs at the same time.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making a Peanut Glitter Bomb

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  1. Empty peanut shells make great impromptu glitter bombs. They are lightweight, portable, and easy to add to small packages. You will need:
    • A bag of unshelled peanuts
    • Scissors
    • Glitter (different colors)
    • Hot glue gun and sticks
    • Acrylic paint (optional)
    • Paint brushes (optional)
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Use scissors to carefully crack the peanuts. Place the peanut lengthwise between the blades of the scissors and gently apply pressure. Once the peanut splits, use your fingers to separate the two halves and remove the nut from the shell. [12] Repeat until you have your desired number of “peanut glitter bomb” cartridges. Make sure you keep associated shell halves together.
    • Discard peanuts that develop any cracks.
  3. Place associated shell halves next to one another and fill one side with glitter. Repeat until all shell halves are filled.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Apply hot glue to the edges of the shell half with the glitter. Position the half without glitter so the edges line-up with the glue and press the two halves together. Let the glue dry. [13]
    • Once you glue the halves together, you can paint the exterior of the shells with acrylic paint. Consider pouring the paint into a plastic bowl or cup, and mixing glitter into the paint. This will turn the dull peanut shell into a colorful, sparkly glitter bomb.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Give the peanut to a friend. Tell them to hold each end and quickly crack the shell. Watch as glitter is released from the center.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Making a Glitter Bomb Balloon

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  1. Sparkle balloons are great decorations for adult or children’s birthday parties. Once you are finished using them as decorations, you can pop them with a pin to release the glitter inside. You will need: [14]
    • Balloons (different colors)
    • Glitter (different colors)
    • A plastic funnel
    • Helium tank with helium (optional)
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Insert the long portion of the funnel through the neck of the balloon. Pour the desired amount of glitter through the funnel.
    • You can use this same technique to fill a balloon with paper confetti. Simply cut tissue paper into small circles. Grab a small handful of the tissue paper circles, fold them in half, and then fold them in half again. Use the bottom of the funnel to poke the ball of tissue paper into and through the neck of the balloon. [15]
  3. You can either blow the balloon up with your mouth, or inflate it with helium if you want it to float. Tie off the neck of the balloon. You can also tie a string or ribbon the balloon for decoration.
    • Inflate balloons at least one hour before your party. This allow enough time for the static electricity inside the balloon to pull the confetti and/or glitter up and along the sides. [16]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Glitter Bomb
    Tap the side of the balloon with a pin or needle until it bursts. This will cause glitter to fly out in every direction.
    • Attach balloons inflated with air and not helium to a length of garland. Either tape the balloons directly to the garland or tie them on with string. String banners with glitter and/or garland filled balloons along the wall or ceiling. Give you guests pins and tell them to pop the balloons – coating everyone (and everything) in a sparkly layer of glitter. [17]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I make a glitter bomb that explodes on impact?
    Community Answer
    You can try using a water balloon filled with glitter and/or confetti.
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  • Question
    Is it possible to make a glitter bomb with a walnut shell?
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    Of course! If you're creative enough, that is.
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      Tips

      • Whenever crafting with glitter, place a piece of newspaper under your project to catch extra glitter. If you have a glitter spill, fold the newspaper and funnel the glitter back into its container.
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      • Use a lint roller to remove glitter from clothing, especially before placing it in the washing machine.
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      • You can fill anything that is hollow with glitter, such as plastic Easter eggs or a hardened ball of play-doh.
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      Warnings

      • If you have pets or will be releasing the glitter outside, make sure the glitter you use won't cause any harm if accidentally ingested.
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      • If throwing a party at someone else’s house or apartment, get permission from the owner or landlord before your release glitter bombs. Also, take responsibility for cleaning any messes or repairing any damage.
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      • Do not throw the peanut glitter bomb at someone with peanut allergies.
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      • Be careful not to get glitter in anyone's eyes.
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      • Never use glitter bombs as a form of revenge or malicious prank. [18] [19]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJkLdr5Q6qw
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY63ggdU_-o
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJkLdr5Q6qw
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY63ggdU_-o
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF--ekfU1ec
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4f_5tEPnyo
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qrI1YSS6V4
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTkhaBAPvSU
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qonEpsnPmUs
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qonEpsnPmUs
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qrI1YSS6V4&t=2s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWQwTs4dOEc
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWQwTs4dOEcx
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bewbA8bXKQE
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bewbA8bXKQE
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvJzLbHXt68
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvJzLbHXt68
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/202203/don-t-be-gaslit-social-media-pranksters
      10. ↑ https://embolden.world/the-psychology-of-pranking/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a glitter bomb balloon, start by inserting the long portion of a funnel through the neck of a balloon and pouring some glitter in. Once you’ve filled the balloon, blow it up with your mouth, or inflate it with helium if you want it to float. When the balloon is fully inflated, either tie off the neck of the balloon or wrap a piece of ribbon around it for decoration. Make sure you inflate the balloon at least 1 hour before you plan to use it to allow the static electricity to pull the glitter up and along the sides. In order to pop the balloon, tap the side with a pin or needle until it bursts, causing glitter to fly out in every direction. To learn how to make a glitter bomb popper, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jan 11, 2017

        "I really loved the balloon bomb popper. I will totally try out all of these ideas."
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