How to Twist Balloon Hats

You have more fun when you are wearing a funky balloon hat that has been twisted and formed to your head. Bunny ears, flowers and propellers are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with any group of children and provide hours of pretend play.

Things You'll Need

• Long balloons
• pump

Instructions

1. Blow up several long balloon until the are 3/4 inflated. You will need the extra room for twisting the balloons together.

2. Secure two long balloons by tying the mouth ends together.

3. Twist the balloons together at about one foot to create the headband.

4. Tie a third balloon to the mouth end and curve it to form the top of the hat.

5. Twist the third balloon together with the others in the back of the hat. These pieces can be tied off onto the headband or twisted securely to create feathers on the hat.

6. Create bunny ears by using one long balloon. Be sure not to over inflate the balloon. Tie the mouth end of the balloon. Locate the center of the balloon and twist. Tie the two ends of the balloon together .

7. Holding the balloon so that the tied ends are opposite each other, twist the balloon in half to create two loops that will become the bunny ears.

8. Find the center of the arched top to the basic helmet design you created in steps 1 - 5. Twist the bunny ears in place so that the ears are on top of the hat.

9. Curve the loops downwards towards the face to give the appearance of floppy bunny ears.

10. Make a propeller hat by inflating different colored balloons. Tie the balloons and twist in the center to form loops. Twist these two balloons together in the center to form the propeller. You will now have four loops.

11. Find the center of the arched head piece on the basic helmet. Twist the propeller onto the hat.

12. Make a flower hat with one green balloon and one colored balloon. Tie the ends of the inflated balloons. Make two loops in the colored balloon following the directions for making the loops for the bunny ears. Hold the balloon firmly and squeeze the loops together and twist to make four loops.

13. Twist the green balloon about four inches from the top and twist the flower onto the green stem.

14. Fold the green stem slightly more than 1/2 way. Bend 1/2 of the loose end on the balloon back down away from the flower. Twist the green balloon at the point where this intersects with the stem. You have just created the leaves.

15. Locate the center of the arched head piece on the basic helmet and twist the flower stem onto the hat.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage children to engage in pretend play with their new hats.