Instructions on How to Make Balloon Bouquets
Balloon bouquets are arrangements of balloons that are used to decorate and celebrate events. You can use balloons with conventional plant or flower arrangements or simply weight the ends so that the balloons will stay in position during the event. These bouquets are popular for baby showers, children's birthdays, weddings, Valentine's day or to bring cheer and a heartfelt message to a person who is ill. Mylar balloons will last quite a long time and often feature uplifting images or messages.
Things You'll Need
- Balloons
- Curling ribbon
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Transparent tape
- Helium
- Brown paper bag
- 2-inch organza ribbon
- Potted flower
Instructions
-
-
1
Select balloons that suit your event. Mylar or foil balloons can retain their helium for up to 14 days. Regular balloons lose their helium in 24 hours but are quite inexpensive to use and many can be clustered together for a bouquet effect.
-
2
Cut seven strands of curling ribbon, each 75 inches long. Measure and fold the ribbon at 25 inches and tape the ribbon to the side of the Mylar balloons. Use a sticky clear tape.
-
-
3
Insert the helium nozzle into the self-sealing valve on the stem of the Mylar balloon. Inflate the balloon. Often the type of helium filling device used is called a Quick Fill Station. With this type of device you simply press the hose at a downward angle and gas will slowly release into the balloon. Other devices may operate differently so follow the directions for the type of device you select. Blow up the balloon until it feels firm and then remove the nozzle. The Mylar valve should self-seal.
-
4
Cut a circle in the side of a brown paper bag using scissors and a plate or bowl that is the circumference of the balloon you want to create. This is called a balloon sizer. Inflate your standard balloon by inserting your helium nozzle into the balloon opening. Fill until the balloon reaches the size of your hole. This way you can make consistently sized balloons for your event.
-
5
Tie the end of your standard balloon in a simple knot. Measure and knot your curling ribbon 25 inches from the end of the ribbon. Tie this knot between the balloon knot and the end of the balloon valve stem. Repeat this process with all of the balloons you will use in your bouquet. Keep in mind that odd numbers of balloons often look better, particularly if you are mixing a Mylar balloon above the standard balloons.
-
6
Tie your Mylar balloon to your floral plant base first. You can loop the end of the 50-inch long ribbon around the base of the pot or you may attach the ribbons to a plant stem if the plant is of a very robust type. Determine your finished height. You should have a 25-inch second strand at your balloon valve stem (where you taped it earlier), use your scissors to curl the ribbon by dragging the ribbon between your thumb and an open blade of your scissor.
-
7
Tie each of your additional standard balloons to your base, correcting for height. Your standard balloons should be shorter than your main balloon and they should encircle your main balloon. Curl each 25-inch ribbon section. Measure and cut organza ribbon long enough to wrap around your potted plant with a nice bow.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are designing centerpiece balloons for a dining table then be sure that the balloons are high enough not to block the view of diners across the table. Balloons can be weighed with anything heavy. Keep in mind that children will attempt to untie your balloons and consider making extra balloons for each child at the event.
Do not allow children to chew on balloons as popped balloon material can easily block the airway.
References
- Photo Credit Balloons in strings image by Lars Christensen from Fotolia.com
