How to Make Balloon Arches & Columns

Creating balloon arches and balloon columns is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to decorate for any type of event. They are colorful and can be made very large, which is a great way to decorate a hall with high ceilings or an outdoor area. Balloon arches and columns are simple enough that they can be made without the help of a professional. Balloons can be ordered in just about any color to match your event's color theme.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 18-inch round latex balloons Helium tank Kite string Balloon weights

How to Make Balloon Arches

1. Attach one end of the kite string to one of the weights.

2. Inflate your balloons with helium.

3. Attach all your balloons together in groups of two by tying their knots together.

4. Take two sets of two balloons and hold them so that the kite string is in between the knots.

5. Twist the balloons together with the kite string in the middle. Twist the balloons several times until they are securely attached to the string. Slide the cluster of balloons down the string until it is touching the weight.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the balloon arch is the desired size.

7. Cut the end of the kite string and tie it to the second weight. You can move the balloon arch to its needed location by carrying the weights. You'll need a second person to move the arch so both weights can be lifted and moved at the same time.

How to Make Columns

8. 

   Tie the end of your kite string to the weight.

9. Inflate your balloons with helium.

10. Tie the balloons together in clusters of four balloons. You do this by tying the balloons' knots together in groups of two. Then take two groups of two and twist them together several times.

11. Pick up the kite string and hold it in between two of the balloons in the cluster. Twist the balloons together so that the string gets stuck in the middle of the cluster.

12. Slide the cluster down so that it is touching the weight.

13. Continue adding clusters of balloons to the kite string, and sliding them down so all the balloons are touching. Do this until the column is the desired height.

14. Cut the kite string leaving a couple of inches on the end.

15. Tie the kite string around the center of the last cluster. Make sure the knot is secure to prevent the cluster from floating off the string and up to the ceiling.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't have to use 18-inch balloons. If you want your arch or column to be smaller in diameter you can use smaller balloons. You'll need more of them to achieve the desired length and height.
• Make sure all of your knots and twists are secure. Since you will be using helium, any balloons that come loose will float away.

Resources

• online balloon store