How to Make an Arch of Balloons

Create an archway of balloons for your party,

Balloons are a party must, and while having a bouquet of them is nice, creating a balloon arch adds a distinctive twist. The balloon arch is easy to make and can incorporate the color scheme of the celebration. A big arch can fit a doorway adding a fun way to enter a room. A smaller arch can be placed against a wall and provides a photo backdrop.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fishing line
• Scissors
• 11-inch balloons
• Helium tank
• Sand

Instructions

Creating the Arch

1. Measure the height and width that the arch of balloons will cover with your measuring tape. If the arch will be as wide as it is tall than multiply the height by half and add the width. That will be the length of fishing wire needed. If the arch will be wider add the two measurements together. If the arch is going to be taller, multiply the height by two and add the width. Add an additional six feet of line to the length for the anchors.

2. Cut the fishing line with your scissors to the calculated length. Measure three feet in from the line and then tie that to an immovable object such as a chair or doorknob. Stretching the line out across the work space make sure to leave another three feet at that end. Secure that end of the line by tying it to a chair or doorknob.

3. Pull out the number of 11-inch balloons to fill the arch and fill each one in turn with the helium. A rule of thumb is to have six balloons per foot. If your arch is going to be 12 feet than the required amount of balloons would be 72.

4. Take two balloons, stretch out their necks and tie them together with a double knot. Repeat this process with two more balloons to create a four-balloon cluster that resembles a four-leaf clover.

5. Starting about 16 inches to 2 feet from one of the anchored ends, wrap one or two balloons in the first cluster you have chosen around the line so it is firmly attached..

6. Attach the remaining clusters, one at a time, to your fishing line, placing each four-balloon unit atop a previous one, leaving no space between.

Placing the Arch

1. Fill two balloons with sand to create weights.

2. Untie the arch one side at a time from your anchor. Attach the danging fishing line to a sand-filled anchor balloon.

3. Set your arch in its designated place, ensuring that there is room for people to walk between the sides of the arch if it's in an entryway or to stand comfortably within it if you are using it as a backdrop for photos..

Tips & Warnings

• Inflate the balloons to a similar size.

• Have a few extra balloons in case some pop.

• Add ribbon for more decorative flair.

• This project needs room to build so make sure to have a wide open space.

• Work one cluster at a time.

• Helium lasts for 12 to 14 hours.

• If the arch will be placed outdoors, add extra weights.

References

• Balloon Basics
• How to Make a Balloon Arch