How to Make Balloon Hats

Traditional party hats are fine and dandy, but you can make the hats even dandier when you make them from balloons. Kids love balloons to begin with, so having a hat made from the fun and feisty items will have them smiling with glee. Get a large pack of the long, skinny balloons sold at most party stores, and you'll soon be on your way to wowing and entertaining the crowd.

Things You'll Need

• Long, skinny balloons
• Long, skinny ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Blow up your balloons. Use at least four for each hat. Leave a little slack in the balloons so you can twist them without them bursting. Blow up one for the base of the hat and at least three others for the top of the hat.

2. Make the base. Curve the balloon around the top of the head to measure the length you'll need. Twist the center of the balloon where it falls at the front of the head to create an indentation where you can attach other balloons. Twist one each end of the balloon several inches from the tips, forming two indentations you can twist together to create a circle. Attach them by overlapping and twisting together.

3. Create the top of the hat. Take at least three more balloons and twist them at one end, leaving an indentation a couple of inches from the tip. Secure these ends at the front of the hat by twisting and overlapping. Arc each balloon above the head, twisting at the other end to attach to the back part of the hat.

4. Add ribbon if desired. Cut several long pieces of ribbon. Tie them around the indentations to better secure the hat, leaving long tendrils of ribbon flowing outward to add to the hat's charm.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice making the hats before you promise a bunch of kids you'll create them for them. Multicolor balloon packs are best, but don't be surprised when everyone wants red. Perhaps stock up on some extra red.

• Don't give these hats to kids that are too young to know not to pop and eat them. Broken balloons can choke a child. Leave plenty of slack in the balloons for twisting and turning. Kids will cry if you are making them a hat and the dang thing bursts.

Resources

• Long, skinny balloons