Weddingbee Blog

I said I wouldn’t DIY anything? Oh right, I lied.

I got inspired. I couldn’t help it. I totes fell in love with this (minus the flowers):

Source

So, I had to make some. NOT for all of the tables. Oy, that’s enough to make my head spin. Instead, I’m making them for just 1/3 of our tables—just enough to give some visual interest, and add color.

And, as much as I’m not a DIY-er, this was somewhat of a fun project. How’d I make them?

1. I bought nylon string. Because we wanted red balloon/string balls, I was concerned that if we used red yarn, they would turn out pink. Not cool. So, instead I bought lots of red nylon string (thanks to Hobby Lobby).
2. Fabric stiffener. I found several different directions online for how to make these, using a flour paste, or paper mache paste, but I opted for fabric stiffener. It was easier for me.
3. Balloons—any shape or color
4. Craft paint brush
5. Vaseline

The gross part? Rubbing the balloons in Vaseline (that sounds dirty, I know). It’s slimy, but it helps the string to stick to the balloon. So, you start out by rubbing the balloons in Vaseline. Then, one at a time, wrap string tightly around each balloon until you have a pattern you’re happy with. Using the fabric stiffener, brush and stipple it on so you cover all of the string (including where all of the overlaps happen). Then, just let it dry on wax paper, parchment paper or newspaper. We had some extra bubble wrap from some C&B gifts, so that’s what we used. Let them dry overnight. Then, pop the balloons and throw them away. Voila!

Balloon string balls—they look prettier than this, Ipromise. I was just mid-crafting at this point.

Did you tackle any DIY projects last minute?

All photos are personal unless otherwise noted.