How to Make an Arch
If you're having an anniversary party, birthday or wedding, it's great to have an arch to stand in front of to serve as a frame for your pictures. However, renting an arch could cost you hundreds of dollars, even if you only plan to use it for an hour. Make your own arch out of balloons instead, which will help you save money. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 11-inch balloons in two colors
- Scissors
- 12-inch sheet of cardboard (an old box is fine)
- Compass with pencil
- Tape measure
- Fishing line
- Two stone flower pots, cinder blocks or other heavy objects for anchors
- Helium tank
Instructions
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1
Decide where you'd like to put your arch. Measure the width and height of the area. Double the height and add the width to get the total length of your arch. You will need two balloons for every three inches.
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2
Put the point of your compass in the center of the sheet of cardboard and draw an 11-inch circle. Cut out the circle and discard it. The remaining cardboard with the hole in it is the template for your balloons. Inflate your first balloon fully but do not tie the bottom. Instead place it in the template and let out air as needed so that it fits exactly halfway through it. Then tie. Repeat for the rest of the balloons. This will ensure they are all the same size.
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3
Cut your fishing line 5 feet longer than the desired length of your arch. Wrap 2 feet of the line around an anchor, such as a small stoneware flowerpot or cinderblock.
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4
Take two balloons of the same color and hold them horizontally, one in each hand, so that the two tie ends meet in the middle and overlap. Place them on the floor at the base of your anchor and wrap the line around both ends at the same time, tying an overhand knot. This will tie the two balloons together and connect them to the line at the same time.
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5
Repeat step two, alternating two balloons of the first color with two balloons of the second color until you've reached your desired arch length. Put your balloons as close together as possible so there are no gaps. Then take the leftover line and wrap it around the anchor on the other end of your arch. The helium in the balloons will make your arch form a naturally curved shape. Move the anchors as needed to make your arch wider or narrower.
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Tips & Warnings
Helium is important. It holds your arch up without needing a frame. If you don't use it, your arch will just be straight line. Build your arch in a room with a low ceiling. That way you can work with your balloons without worrying about losing them.
Don't put your balloon arch outside on a windy day. It will most likely blow over. It's best to make the balloon arch at the party venue if possible since it will not travel well.
