DIY: Hot Air Balloon Birdhouse

MATERIALS

• Rubber Ball
• Floral Wire
• Small Plastic Cup
• White Glue
• Water
• Coffee Filters or Newspaper
• X-Acto Knife
• Gesso
• Paint
• Spray Gloss Glaze

 

TIME: 2-3 Days, with drying time

STEP 1: 

• Combine water & white glue to create paper mache mixture
• If you use a thick glue, like Elmers, you can make a half glue-half water mixture. Thinner glues may require less water.
• Cut paper into 1″ strips. I used coffee filters, as they are fibrous & create a very strong hold when dry.
• Dip paper strips into glue mixture & cover your inflated rubber ball with one layer of paper mache.
• Let this first layer dry completely before applying more layers.
• Repeat until you reach the desired effect. I recommend at least three layers, but more is encouraged. My balloon was made with five layers of paper mache.
• Let dry completely.

STEP 2: 

• Draw a circle onto your paper mache-d ball & cut out with X-Acto knife, popping the ball in the process.
• Remove the deflated ball through the hole you just cut.

 

STEP 3 (OPTIONAL):

• Paint a layer of Gesso over your dry paper mache.
• This step isn’t necessary, but Gesso helps to smooth out the surface & stiffen any weak parts of your sphere. The final effect is a much more clean & polished look.

STEP 4:

• Using a pencil, draw your design onto the surface of the sphere.
• Paint your design with acrylic craft paint, using your pencil markings as a guide.

STEP 5:

• Spray the sphere with a few coats of spray gloss glaze. I used Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray Gloss.
• Let dry completely.

STEP 6:

• Poke 4 holes into top of the sphere.
• Insert floral wire into these holes & twist to secure.

STEP 7:

• Poke 4 holes into the bottom of the sphere & onto your small painted plastic cup.
• Attach plastic cup to one end of the wires & attach the other end to the underside of your sphere.

 

And that’s it! I’ve made these as gifts for friends & family, and they make a great addition to gardens, children’s rooms & anywhere that needs a touch of whimsy.