Set imaginations soaring with these delightful hot air balloon crafts! Perfect for a rainy day activity, a classroom project, or a birthday party theme, these crafts cater to a variety of ages and skill levels.
From simple paper crafts to 3D masterpieces, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab your supplies, gather the little ones, and get ready to take flight with creativity!
Paper Crafts for Easy Breezy Fun:
Tissue Paper Magic:
This classic is a winner for toddlers and preschoolers. Cut out a simple hot air balloon shape from construction paper and let the littles go wild with colorful squares of tissue paper. Glue them onto the balloon, layer by layer, for a vibrant masterpiece.
Doily Delights:
Upcycle doilies into charming hot air balloons! Use a round doily for the balloon body and a smaller one for the basket. Decorate with markers, glitter, or buttons. Attach a string and hang them for a whimsical mobile.
Washi Tape Whimsy:
Transform a plain piece of cardstock into a hot air balloon masterpiece with colorful washi tape. Create stripes, patterns, or even add a basket shape. Cut out paper passengers and glue them inside the basket for a touch of personality.
Cupcake Liner Creations:
Cupcake liners come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them perfect for hot air balloon crafting! Stack several liners together and glue them onto construction paper. Punch holes and string yarn to create a basket hanging below.
Paper Plate Paradise:
Paper plates are another fantastic base for hot air balloon crafts. Paint, decorate, and cut the plate into a balloon shape. Use another paper plate or construction paper to create a basket. Attach them together with yarn and let your child add paper passengers or animal friends.
Dimensional Delights: Taking Crafts to the Next Level
3D Paper Balloon:
For a more challenging paper craft, try creating a 3D hot air balloon! Cut out several balloon shapes from construction paper. Fold them in half accordion style and glue the sides together to create a 3D sphere. Decorate and attach a paper basket for a stunning effect.
Egg Carton Extravaganza:
Recycle egg cartons into whimsical hot air balloons! Cut out individual egg cups and glue them together to form a balloon shape. Paint, decorate, and add a paper basket made from construction paper or another egg cup.
Straw Stackers:
Turn colorful straws into a unique hot air balloon! Cut straws into varying lengths and secure them together with pipe cleaners or string to form a balloon shape. Decorate with ribbons or yarn for the basket and add paper passengers for an extra touch.
Pom-Pom Perfection:
Craft fluffy hot air balloon baskets with colorful pom-poms! Make your own pom-poms or use store-bought ones. Glue them onto a construction paper base and add a paper balloon shape on top. Decorate with markers, glitter, or buttons.
Balloon Bonanza:
Here’s a fun twist! Use an actual balloon (deflated!) as the base for your hot air balloon craft. Cover the balloon with construction paper or tissue paper squares, securing them with glue. Once dry, pop the balloon (safely!) and you’ll have a lightweight 3D hot air balloon ready for decoration.
Unconventional Crafts for Creative Sparks
Recycled Bottle Rockets:
Repurpose plastic bottles into whimsical hot air balloons! Cut the top part of a plastic bottle to resemble a balloon shape. Paint and decorate it. Use cardboard or construction paper to create a basket and attach it to the bottle.
Leafty Lanterns:
Embrace the outdoors with a nature-themed craft. Collect large, flat leaves and use them as the base for your hot air balloon. Decorate with paint or markers. Attach a string and create a basket from twigs or natural materials.
Salt Dough Delights:
Make your hot air balloon crafts durable with salt dough! Mix flour, salt, and water to create a dough. Shape the dough into balloons and baskets. Bake them according to recipe instructions and then paint and decorate once cool.
Button Bonanza:
Got a jar of mismatched buttons? Put them to good use! Glue buttons onto a piece of construction paper in a rounded shape for the balloon. Create a basket with additional buttons or construction paper and attach them together.
Crafts with a Twist: Adding a Touch of Science
Fizzing Fun:
Combine science and creativity with a baking soda and vinegar experiment! Cut out a simple hot air balloon shape from construction paper. Attach a paper basket. On a separate piece of paper, create a cloud shape using baking soda. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and hold it near the cloud. The fizzing reaction will simulate the hot air balloon rising!
Hot Air Balloon Race:
Turn your crafts into a learning experience! Create multiple hot air balloons with different weights (use construction paper for lighter balloons and cardstock for heavier ones). Attach them to strings of varying lengths and race them to see which one reaches the “finish line” (a designated spot on the wall) first. Discuss concepts of weight and buoyancy.
Extraordinary Embellishments:
Fingerprint Fun:
Get little hands involved with a fingerprint craft! Use different colored paints for kids to create colorful balloon patterns with their fingerprints. Let them dry and then add a paper basket and string for a one-of-a-kind hot air balloon.
Yarn Yarn Everywhere:
Add texture and dimension with yarn! Wrap colorful yarn around a balloon (uninflated) to create a web-like pattern. Once complete, pop the balloon and carefully remove the yarn structure. Attach a paper basket and hang it for a whimsical decoration.
Sensory Exploration:
Engage multiple senses with a textured hot air balloon craft! Use different materials like felt, bubble wrap, sandpaper, or fabric scraps to create a collage effect on a construction paper base. Add a paper basket and string for a unique sensory experience.
Going Global: Exploring Different Cultures
Fiesta Fun:
Celebrate Mexican culture with vibrant papel picado hot air balloons! Fold tissue paper squares in half and cut intricate designs following traditional patterns. Unfold the squares and glue them onto construction paper to create a colorful balloon. Add a basket and string for a fiesta-inspired craft.
Turkish Delight:
Take inspiration from Turkish hot air balloons with vibrant patterns! Use marbling techniques with shaving cream and paint to create unique patterns on construction paper. Cut out the balloon shape and add a basket. Decorate further with glitter or sequins for a touch of Turkish flair.
Bonus: Hot Air Balloon Scenery
For an extra touch, create a backdrop for your hot air balloon crafts! Paint a blue sky scene on a large piece of cardboard or butcher paper. Cut out cloud shapes from white construction paper and glue them onto the backdrop. Display your hot air balloon crafts hanging from the top or glued onto the bottom to create a complete hot air balloon festival scene.
Final Thoughts:
With these 20 hot air balloon crafts, you and your kids are sure to have hours of creative fun! Remember, there are no wrong answers when it comes to crafting. Encourage your child’s imagination and let them personalize their hot air balloons. Happy crafting!
