Solid Color Balloons

Tips for filling balloons evenly

To create a uniform look to balloon structures such as arches and clouds it is important that all the balloons are blown up to the same size.

• For air filled balloons we suggest using a balloon pump. Insert the same pumps of air into each balloon (can be purchased at party supply stores)
• For helium balloons, a balloon template (made from poster board) will help to get consistent sizing. Cut a round hole in a piece of poster board, foam board or a box the size you want the balloons to be, and when inflating pass the balloon through the hole.

Here are some fun do-it-yourself ideas to incorporate balloons into your next party:

Floating Balloon Clouds

Balloon clouds are very popular wedding decorations. If you have high ceilings and a large room, balloon clouds will provide the height for filling up a very large venue. Groupings of 3-5 balloon clouds look great floating above a buffet area, or over a large stage. Cloud displays look especially nice when made in clusters then linked together by attaching ribbon or tulle swags in matching colors.

Supplies needed for making a balloon cloud:

• 27 latex balloons
• 10-15 lb. clear fishing line
• Helium tank or air inflator. (If your budget is tight use non helium filled balloons)

Directions to make a balloon cloud:

• Tie a clear 10-15 lb fishing line to a helium-filled or air-filled, knotted 11" balloon. Allow a two foot tail. Determine length of longer line by measuring desired finished height, and then add one-foot of line for securing. If you are using helium-filled balloons temporarily secure bottom of line at your work area (table or chair back).
• Tie two balloons at necks with one knot (all balloons should be inflated to same size for balance). Repeat step to make a second pair.
• Twist the balloon pairs together at the necks to create a cluster of four balloons.
• Attach the single balloon in the center of the cluster by pulling the line and tail down through the intersection of the four balloons. Wrap both the long line and shorter tail together tightly around two opposite balloons in an alternating figure 8 pattern.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make a second cluster of four balloons. Pack second cluster of four balloons tightly under first group, and attach using only the longer line (not the tail) by again wrapping it around the balloon necks in alternating figure 8’s.
• Using the line and tail, tightly tie off line and tail by making a knot under the bottom cluster. Trim tail to the knot.

Make a balloon tree!

Flank a doorway with a couple of balloon trees, or stand a tree next to buffet table, around a dance floor or wherever you are looking to make a big decorating statement!

Supplies needed:

• 5 gallon flower pot filled with dirt or gravel
• 5-6 foot long wood dowel (length is dependent on how tall you want your tree)
• Latex balloons

Instructions for assembling your tree:

• To make the bottom row of your tree you will need 5 balloons filled to equal capacity. Using a balloon pump (can be purchased at party supply stores), insert the same amount of air into each balloon.
• After all 5 balloons are tied off individually you will then tie 2 of the necks together and the other 3 necks together.
• Place the two tied balloons on top of the 3, pushing the necks together and giving a twist to attach all 5 balloons together.
• When all 5 balloons are secured, place the bundle on top of the flower pot with the necks meeting around the dowel. Twist two of the balloons around the dowel to secure the bundle. Arrange the balloons so they are laying flat against the flower pot. This is your first row.
• Repeat the same process for each row, decreasing the amount of air in each row of balloons until you get to the top of your dowel. You are now ready to put your tree in place!

Create an archway

A balloon arch can be used to create a grand entrance to any party event, a fantastic party attraction as well as provide the perfect decorative frame for pictures at the event. It’s important to use balloons inflated to the same size and to attach them securely to the string so they don’t float away. The helium will begin to fade after about ten hours, depending on how much they were filled and the surrounding temperature.

Supplies for a balloon archway:

• 20 feet of string
• 144 helium quality 12″ balloons
• One helium tank (you can rent these from party stores)
• 2 balloon weights of approximately 5 pounds each (a brick covered in wrapping paper or filled sandbags work great!)

Directions for assembling the archway:

• Attach the ends of the 20 feet of string to the weights that will hold the arch in place.
• Place the weights 12 feet apart.
• Use the helium tank to inflate two balloons. Instead of tying them off, tie the two ends together.
• Twist the two pairs of balloons together and then wrap the balloons around the string at the base. Loop the string around a balloon stem to attach the set securely.
• Repeat steps 3-4 to make the second layer and attach them to the string above the first layer, making sure to rotate the colors so they form the appearance of spiraling around the string. Make sure the layers are nestled tightly together – no gaps in the line.
• Complete the process until you reach the other end of the arch.

More ideas to incorporate balloons into your next party:

• Create raindrops by hanging air filled balloons of different sizes and colors upside down from the ceiling.
• If it’s a night event, tie balloons to a string of rope lights to create a unique effect that makes the balloons twinkle.
• Simple balloon bouquets can be utilized as centerpieces and easily created by filling 3 or more balloons with helium and tying the entire bundle to a weight (a mini gift bag with a large rock and some tissue paper works great and is inexpensive)