Q&A for How to Make an Origami Balloon

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  • Question
    Why can't I use a rectangle?
    Community Answer
    Because it will not fold correctly and turn out wrong.
  • Question
    How big of a piece of paper do I need if I want to make the balloons 10 inches in size and will tissue paper work?
    Community Answer
    Using an 8.5x8.5" piece of paper you will get a balloon about 2.5" in diameter. So paper that is about 34x34 should do the trick. I would advise against using tissue paper, it will probably be too thin for this project.
  • Question
    How do I make an origami balloon with thin paper?
    Community Answer
    The same way. If you can't get it to work, then you may need to try thicker paper.
  • Question
    How can I make my origami balloon look like an Easter egg?
    Community Answer
    Decorate it! Use pastel colors and add designs and patterns. Use your imagination!
  • Question
    Is there more than one way to make an origami balloon?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but this is the easiest and best way.
  • Question
    Can kids do this with adults, too?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course! This is a great opportunity to learn something new (and have fun).
  • Question
    Does the hole need to be big when the balloon is inflated?
    Community Answer
    No. If there is no hole when it is finished, check on the other side, or spread the paper apart a little bit to blow.
  • Question
    How do I make a string for the balloon?
    Community Answer
    Cut a piece of yarn, string, or twine to the length you want. Tape or hot glue one end of the string to the top of the balloon.
  • Question
    What can I use this balloon for?
    Community Answer
    Anything you want! It can be used as a decoration or just a balloon. Let your imagination go wild.
  • Question
    Can I put something in the box?
    Community Answer
    Probably, but you would have to make the hole bigger, and the item would have to be small and light because it could rip the paper otherwise.
  • Question
    Can I add a roll of paper in the hole to make a microphone?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the roll should be thin enough to go through the hole. However, it shouldn't be too thin or it can't hold the weight of the balloon and would bend.
  • Question
    How can I make it fly?
    Community Answer
    Since them can't contain helium, you can't make them fly exactly, but you could hang your balloons from strings from your ceiling.
  • Question
    What if it doesn't open correctly like it shows on the article page?
    Community Answer
    It should open up correctly. If it doesn't, you are not blowing in enough air.
  • Question
    Why doesn't mine puff up as much?
    Community Answer
    There may be a hole where the air is leaking through. Otherwise, you may not be concentrating the air enough.
  • Question
    How do I deflate the balloon when it is finished?
    Community Answer
    To deflate the balloon, push inward on the sides without the falls, then push on the sides with the flaps. Avoid pushing on the top and/or bottom, as you may have trouble reflating it.
  • Question
    What did I do wrong if my origami balloon won't inflate?
    Community Answer
    You probably didn't crease it right. When you crease it, push down multiple times with your fingernail or a pencil.
  • Question
    Will the balloon still blow up if I don't tuck in the flaps?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the flaps will stick out awkwardly and contradict the smooth, uninterrupted surface of the balloon.
  • Question
    Is this for more advanced people?
    Community Answer
    No, this is easier than you might think. This is full of easy folds, so almost anyone can do it.
  • Question
    What side do I put the color on if I'm using one-colored paper?
    Lilyana George
    Community Answer
    You should put the color on the bottom, so start with the white-side up. I tested it several times and it 100% works.
  • Question
    How do I find the hole to blow up the balloon?
    Community Answer
    Check on each side of the cube. You may find it easier to blow in the cube.
  • Question
    How can I make it fly?
    Community Answer
    You could tape any holes and fill it with helium -- the paper might be too heavy for it to fly, though.
  • Question
    Can you explain creating the flaps in step three more clearly?
    Community Answer
    Putting the horizontally folded lines toward the middle of the triangle is an easy way to do it, just fold the newly created flaps once you form them.
  • Question
    How is it easier to use a big piece of paper?
    Community Answer
    The smaller the piece of paper, the smaller all the folds and details, so it requires harder concentration of your eyes and finer/more precise hand motions. But the procedure is the same.
  • Question
    Is this supposed to look like a square?
    Community Answer
    Yes it is, and if you are having any problems with the flaps, just tape them down.
  • Question
    How exactly do I fold the paper in step four?
    Community Answer
    Take each side of the triangle (in step 3) and fold it so that the left and right corners connect with the top point of the triangle (also illustrated in step 3). Then turn the paper over and do the same thing to the other side.
  • Question
    How do I make the hole smaller?
    Community Answer
    Not sure if that's possible, but you could try to cut up tiny pieces of paper and layer them around the circumference of the hole.
  • Question
    Can I make a balloon of rubber?
    Community Answer
    It might work if you seal the holes, because the rubber will constrict and push the air out.
  • Question
    Can you explain how to get the loose flaps into the folds in step 2?
    Community Answer
    If you look at the 2 folds you made into the middle, you should see a gap where you can put the loose flaps in.
  • Question
    Why can't I use a full sheet of paper?
    Community Answer
    A full sheet is a rectangle, not a square. You need a square for it to be perfectly even.
  • Question
    Can I use card stock?
    Community Answer
    Card stock would be harder fold, as it's thicker. Origami paper is recommended.
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