Looking for a unique and charming DIY craft that doubles as a gift or party favour? This DIY hot air balloon, made with colourful pom-poms and a jute-wrapped paper cup, is the perfect project. It’s whimsical, budget-friendly, and versatile. You can fill it with treats, small gifts, or use it as decor for birthdays, baby showers, or seasonal displays.
This hot air balloon craft is:
- Beginner-friendly and quick to make
- Budget-conscious, using simple supplies
- Customizable with colours and embellishments
- Perfect as a treat holder or party decoration
- A great addition to handmade gift ideas or craft fairs
Supplies List
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- Paper sauce cups
- Jute Twine
- Pom poms (assorted colours and sizes)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Wooden dowels, skewers or sturdy straws (4 per balloon)
- Styrofoam ball
- Foam Cutter
- Scissors
- Candy or small treats to fill the cup
DIY Hot Air Balloon: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wrap the Paper Cup
Start by applying a small amount of hot glue at the base of your paper cup. Attach the end of your jute twine and begin wrapping it tightly around the cup. Continue upward until the entire cup is covered.
Secure the end with glue and trim any excess. This gives your “basket” that rustic hot air balloon look.
Adhere lace trim(optional) for a more polished look.
Step 2: Create the Pom Pom Balloon Top
Cut the bottom third off a styrofoam ball.
Starting at the center of the top, start gluing pom poms to the styrofoam ball.
Continue gluing around the ball, keeping the pom. poms close together (no gaps)
Mix and match colours for a vibrant look or stick to a theme (pastels, neutrals, rainbow, etc.).
Step 3: Attach the Supports
Insert 4 wooden skewers or straws evenly around the base of the styrofoam ball. Secure them in place with hot glue for stability. Wrap each support with thin twine and secure with hot glue.
Add a bead of hot glue to the base of the supports and adhere to the jute-covered basket.
Let everything dry.
Step 4: Fill with Treats
Add candy, chocolates, small toys, or even a rolled-up bill inside the cup. This transforms your craft into a functional and adorable gift/treat holder.
Creative Ways to Use Your DIY Hot Air Balloon
- Party favours for birthdays or baby showers
- Grad Party favours with tags that say “Oh the places you’ll go.”
- Easter or spring-themed treat holders
- Nursery or kids’ room decor
- Handmade gifts for friends and family
- Craft fair items or Fundraisers in team school colours.
Tips for Best Results
- Use low-temp hot glue if crafting with kids
- Choose sturdy cups to hold heavier treats
- Choose a dense smooth polystyrene styrofoam ball and not a loose cell type, as they can melt with hot glue.
- Keep skewers evenly spaced for balance
- Use short yarn pom pom sizes for a more realistic “balloon” look
- Stick to a colour palette for a polished design
This DIY hot air balloon craft is the perfect blend of cute and creative. With its soft pom pom texture and rustic jute basket, it stands out as both a decoration and a functional treat holder.
Whether you’re crafting for a special occasion or just want a fun afternoon project, this is one DIY you’ll want to make again and again, with endless colour and style variations.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).