How to Make Recycled Items Into Balloon Weights

Weight your party balloons with party favors made from recyclables.

Balloon bouquet centerpieces can add elevated beauty to a table at a small party or every table at a large banquet. Balloon weights are the stabilizing weight that attaches to the bottom of the balloon strings and sits on the table. Make recycled items into balloon weights to cut down on the cost of your party planning budget. Things destined for the trash can or old discarded items in your basement or garage can be transformed into usable balloon weights.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Disposable paper cup
• Plaster
• Spoon
• Clean tuna can
• 1-inch wide masking tape
• Scissors
• Brown acrylic paint
• Sponge brush
• Paper towel
• Ruler
• Cellophane
• Twist ties
• Old teacup and saucer
• Household cement
• Old vintage bead necklaces
• Tea light candle

Instructions

Tuna Can Weight

1. Pour a cup of water into a disposable paper cup. Add one spoon at a time of plaster. Stir before adding each additional spoonful. Continue to add plaster until the mixture is the consistency of thick gravy. Pour the mixture into a clean tuna can, level with the rim. Allow the plaster to harden.

2. Cut one-inch lengths of inch-wide masking tape. Cover the sides, bottom and over the plaster top of the tuna can with the masking tape pieces. Overlap and randomly turn the tape in different directions.

3. Mix a small amount of brown acrylic paint and water in a bowl until it is the consistency of ink. Paint the entire masked surface of the can using the mixture and a sponge brush. This will stain the tape. Allow the mixture to set up for a minute. Wipe the surface using a paper towel to remove the excess. The surface will have a leather-like quality and can be used as a paperweight after the party.

4. Cut a 15-inch square of cellophane. Place the tuna can in the center of the square. Bring up the corners and gather over the top of the can. Wrap a twist tie around the gathers. Attach the balloon string ends around the twist tie.

Cup and Saucer Candle Weight

1. Apply household cement to the bottom of a teacup. Place the cup on the saucer to connect and allow to dry.

2. Take apart old vintage bead necklaces. Fill the cup with the beads. Push a tea light candle into the beads far enough so that it's secure but not covered by beads.

3. Cut an 18-inch square of cellophane. Place the cup and saucer in the center of the square. Pull up the corners and gather over the top of the cup. Wrap a twist tie around the gathers. Attach the balloon string ends around the twist tie. Hand out the teacup weights as a party favor after the party.