Exploring Pattern Project #3: Millions of Balloons

Materials

• Tissue Paper in assorted colors & patterns
• Foam Core Board
• Mod Podge
• Extra-Fine Black Sharpie

Tools

• Pencil
• Balloon Template - cut an egg shape out of cardstock
• Scissors
• Foam Brush

Instructions

1. Trace around the balloon template on to tissue paper, using a pencil. Cut out this shape with scissors.

   

2. Cut out a WHOLE BUNCH of these shapes in varying colors of tissue paper. You’ll need enough to almost cover the whole piece of foam core board. Think about what colors would look good together while selecting them, or you can use all of the colors if you want. To make the process faster, put several sheets of tissue paper together and cut them all at once.

   

3. Arrange the balloon shapes on the foam core board. You want to completely cover the board with balloons. Have some of the balloons overlap each other. Let some of them come off of the edges; you’ll be trimming the excess off later.
4. When you have them arranged the way you like them, glue them all down with Mod Podge by applying a little of it to the board with a foam brush and then sticking the balloon shape down on it.

   

5. When all of the balloon shapes are glued down, brush a coat of Mod Podge over the entire board. Trim off the excess parts of balloons that extend over the edge of the board. Let the board dry completely.

   

6. When it is completely dry, draw a string on the bottom of each balloon with the Extra-Fine Black Sharpie. Make a little bow shape at the bottom of the balloon and then draw a slightly curving line down from the center of the bow to make the string. Make strings for all of the balloons.

   

7. Hanging Instructions: This can be framed for hanging, or use Command Strips to hang it without a frame.