How to Make Balloon Tiara Arch

A balloon arch enhances and brightens the area in which parties and celebrations are held. Anyone with patience, the willingness to practice a little, and some dexterity can make a balloon tiara arch. A balloon arch can be used to create the entrance of a party or special event or to double as decor and a photograph backdrop inside of the party room.

Things You'll Need

• 9-inch diameter balloons in color(s) of your choice
• helium
• 14-pound test monofilament fishing line
• Scissors
• Quart size plastic baggies
• Sand
• Tissue paper
• Curly ribbon

Instructions

1. Determine the number of balloons you will need for the size arch you are making. This is done by measuring the length along the path of the arch and dividing by the size of the balloon you wish to use. A common size balloon for arches of this type is the 9-inch diameter balloon. Thus, if your arch measures 12 feet, the number of balloons you need is 16. (144 inches/9 inches per balloon)

2. Measure and cut a piece of 14-pound test mono-filament fishing line to the same length as your arch, plus 24 inches.

3. Make two sandbags from sturdy quart-size plastic baggies filled with 2 or 3 cups of sand each. Cover the sand bags in decorative tissue paper to match the color of your balloons. Tie one end of the mono-filament line securely to one of the sand bags and the other end temporarily to a fixed object such as a chair back. The line should be stretched out taut.

4. Inflate one balloon at a time with helium to the planned diameter. Next you will tie the neck of the balloon to prevent the helium from escaping, but do not use a traditional overhand knot on the neck alone. You must wrap the neck of the balloon around the line first, and then tie the neck off with an overhand knot, securing it to the line in the process. Repeat this process for the rest of the balloons, making sure that all the balloons are inflated to the same diameter. Slide the balloons down the line to position them so that they are just barely touching one another and aligned in the same direction.

5. Tie the loose end of the line to the other sandbag. Move the entire arch into its final position and realign any individual balloons that may need it. Add additional decoration by tying curly ribbon to the neck of each balloon, and you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• When sliding the balloons into position, do it slowly and gently or the mono filament line will burn the balloon neck and the balloon will deflate or pop.

References

• All Events Adviser: How to Build a Balloon Arch
• Steps to Memories: Balloon Arches

Resources

• Balloon Warehouse