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Decorative hot air balloon are great talking points; are easy to make. They look good hanging in windows but don't have to be.

  1. [1]
  2. Make sure there are no wrinkles in your papier mache.
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  3. Then make four equally spaced holes around the bottom of your papier mache balloon. [2]
  4. Then secure the string around the rim of the basket(equally spaced) with either glue or by tying. Make sure the basket hangs level under the papier mache balloon. [3]
  5. You may have to paint different sections at different times and apply more than one coat of paint. [4]
  6. [5]
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  • Question
    Could I use material instead of painting?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Material over the paper mache needs to be well secured with glue. A layer of white needs to be put down first to brighten the colored material. Without this layer, the colors will appear dull or dirty, as the ink on the paper mache will show through.
  • Question
    What do I do if I don't have papier mache?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Use layers of tissue with brushed on glue on the balloon. Start with a white base layer, then add colored tissue to eliminate the painting step. The white layer will brighten the colors applied. It will also be a more delicate structure, as this is not as thick as newsprint.
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      Warnings

      • If a child is making one they should be under adult supervision and the adult should do any gluing, if with a glue gun, and make the holes in the papier mache shell.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Glue
      • Papier mache - paper, water and PVA glue
      • A hook
      • String
      • A basket
      • Paint
      • A balloon

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