Clay Hot Air Balloon: Fun and Eco-Friendly Craft for Kids

Creating a clay hot air balloon is a fantastic and eco-friendly craft project that kids will love. This step-by-step guide will help you and your kids make a colorful and fun hot air balloon decoration using simple materials.

Materials Needed

Before we start, gather the following materials:

• Small plastic cup
• Two cotton swabs (with the ends cut off)
• Tape
• Small piece of brown textured paper
• White tissue paper
• Colorful clay balls

Step 1: Preparing the Balloon Structure

Gather Your Materials

1. Start with a small plastic cup and two cotton swabs.

• Begin by gathering your materials and cutting off the ends of the cotton swabs.

Tape the Cotton Swabs to the Cup

2. Secure the cotton swabs inside the plastic cup.

• Tape the two cotton swabs inside the plastic cup. Ensure the swabs are positioned diagonally opposite each other for balance.

Step 2: Creating the Basket

Measure and Cut the Paper

1. Wrap the cup with brown textured paper.

• Measure and cut a piece of brown textured paper to fit around the cup.

Wrap the Paper Around the Cup

2. Secure the paper with tape.

• Wrap the paper around the cup, securing it with tape to form the basket.

Step 3: Forming the Balloon

Crumple the Tissue Paper

1. Make the balloon shape with white tissue paper.

• Crumple white tissue paper into a ball shape, ensuring it’s large enough to resemble a hot air balloon.

Attach the Balloon to the Basket

2. Tape the tissue paper balloon to the cotton swabs.

• Secure the tissue paper balloon to the cotton swabs extending from the cup.

Step 4: Decorating the Balloon

Prepare the Clay Balls

1. Add colorful clay balls to the balloon.

• Prepare small colorful clay balls.

Attach the Clay Balls

2. Cover the balloon with clay balls.

• Attach the clay balls to the tissue paper balloon, covering it completely.

Step 5: Final Touches

Ensure Stability

1. Check that all parts are secure.

• Make sure all clay balls are firmly attached and the tissue paper balloon is stable.

Display Your Creation

2. Your beautiful and colorful clay hot air balloon is now ready to be displayed.

• Enjoy showing off your new decoration.

Conclusion

This fun and eco-friendly craft project is perfect for kids and provides a great opportunity to explore creativity while making a delightful decoration. Enjoy making and displaying your clay hot air balloon!