How to Make a Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece

Materials Needed
balloon
helium
fresh flowers
floral foam
large knife
small bowl
pruning shears
small basket
several yards of ribbon
scissors
hot glue gun and glue sticks
(1) 1/4" wooden dowel
double-sided tape
Prep Foam
Use the knife to cut the block of floral foam in half. Shape the foam to match the shape of the basket by gently squeezing on the halves with your hands (Image 1). Place the floral foam in a small bowl filled with water. Allow the foam to soak up water until it is saturated (Image 2). Gently insert the wet floral foam into the basket (Image 3).



Prep Flowers and Dowels
Trim the flowers' stems with the pruning shears, leaving enough length to securely anchor the flowers in the floral foam (Image 1). Set the flowers aside. Place the wooden dowel next to the basket. Use the pruning shears or other heavy-duty scissors to cut the dowel to a length that leaves 2”- 3” of the dowel showing above the top of the basket (Image 2). Set aside until the balloon is ready to be attached. Tip: The cut dowel should be shorter than the height of the flowers.


Prep Balloon
Inflate the balloon with helium and tie off. Cut 2 lengths of ribbon that are long enough to go around the balloon from top to bottom and allow the ends to meet several inches below the bottom of the balloon (Image 1). Tip: Have a friend hold the balloon for you to make measuring easier. With your friend still holding the balloon, place a piece of double sided tape on the top of the balloon (Image 2).


Add Ribbon
Lay the middle of one ribbon across the tape and press down to secure. Place a second piece of tape crosswise over the first ribbon and press down to secure (Image 1). Cut a 6” piece of ribbon and tie around the four long, loose ribbon ends (Image 2).


Add Dowel
Add a small amount of hot glue to one end of the dowel and insert it into the middle of the gathered and tied ribbon ends (Image 1). Insert the dowel into the middle of the floral foam (Image 2).


Add Flowers
Add the cut flowers to complete the centerpiece by inserting the stems into the floral foam (Image 1). Display your finished centerpiece, lightly watering the foam every few days to keep the flowers fresh (Image 2).

