DIY Paper Lantern Hot Air Balloons

There’s something almost magical about seeing a hot air balloon soaring high in the sky.  They look so peaceful and beautiful.  It’s easy to bring that beauty into your home or to your next party with these gorgeous paper lantern hot air balloons!

These would look amazing hanging in a nursery or child’s bedroom, or blowing in the breeze druing your next party.  You could even add bulb lights to these beauties and have them light up the night in a unique way… the sky is the limit!

Would you like to make your own set?  Here’s how!

Paper lantern hot air balloon supplies:

• Paper lanterns in various colors
• 2 inch mini baskets
• Craft paint
• Foam brush
• Kite string
• Glue gun

I had originally intended on using tissue paper on the lanterns instead of paint, but realized later that they might get ruined when you try to fold them up to store them.  With paint, you can easily close them up to store without causing any damage.

1.  Open up each lantern and insert the metal frame.  I used 8″ paper lanterns, but any size will work.  Follow the natural lines on the paper lantern to paint each section in your desired colors.  This was really easy to do, because the lantern was made using multiple sheets of paper, so you can just paint every other section of the paper.  I stuck with one paint color per lantern, but you could also use multiple colors as well.  Let the paint dry.

2.  Use scissors to cut the handle off of each mini basket.  

Cut four pieces of string for each lantern.  If you use an 8″ paper lantern, then cut each piece of string 6″ long.  If you use a larger lantern, then you will need to cut the string longer.  Use the glue gun to place a thin string of hot glue inside the open lantern along the paint line.  Carefully place the string on top of the glue line without touching the glue.  Use a toothpick or skewer stick to push the string down into the glue.  Repeat for all four pieces of string per balloon.

3.  Glue a thin line on the inside of a mini basket, and carefully place a piece of string over the glue without touching the hot glue.  Use a toothpick to push down on the string and press into the glue.  Let cool, and repeat with all four pieces of string.

Now you have a gorgeous hot air balloon, ready for its’ first voyage!  Make multiple hot air balloons in various colors for a lovely effect.

And remember how I said it was easy to store these when not in use?  Simply remove the metal frame, press down, and voila… it flattens for easy storage!

I hope you give these pretty paper lantern hot air balloons a try!