Here at P4P (Parties for Pennies), I always like to take the biggest party trends & do them cheaper, easier & in less time than most of the other tutorials out there. I can definitely tell you some shortcuts that WILL. NOT. work when making the fancy twine/yarn lanterns that are so popular now. And I did find a small way to cut some $$$$ & a little time.
But FIRST, let’s talk about what WON’T work (cus that’s always so fun…or funny, in my case)
#1 Shortcut Failure – the use of spray adhesive instead of this concoction below
My fingers were literally sticking to everything in sight, my feet kept sticking to the floor b/c of the “overspray”. The only thing not sticking?? The yarn to the balloon.
#2 Shortcut Failure – Using Modpodge after wrapping the yarn around the balloon.
This was like that gift under the tree that looks very similar to a jewelry box, when in fact, it’s a deck of cards. The modpodge looked like it was holding well, until the balloon was deflated & the “wrapping” began to shrivel up like…well, I could use a lot of things as an analogy for this…but I think I’ll let your imagination do it instead.
#3 Shortcut Fail. – Using only glue to uphold the shape of the yarn
Sure it cuts out a step but you will be left with a pile of yarn that resembles spaghetti.
I tell you these things in hopes you will learn from my failures & grow & learn in life…or at least when making yarn lanterns. 🙂
I am making yarn lanterns for my backyard wedding reception in August. I need about 12-13 lanterns…so I called for re-enforcement.
Meet my Supermodel Team –
Wendy Wynne
model, actress, friend
& incredible cupcake baker
Meg Rew
Singer, partner in party planning
& sister
Yeah, so I only accept supermodels to be a part of my lantern-making team! :p I am super blessed to have both of them in my life. And what talent they have at constructing yarn lanterns! 🙂 They both rock.
Here is what you need to gather for this project –
I had no problem blowing these suckers up…got plenty of hot air. Blow the balloons to the desired volume you want & tie the ends. (We ended up doing a few different sizes)
The 4 ounces of glue covered one balloon for us, so we brought the big daddy! 16 ounces…and I got two. Just measure this & set aside.
Go ahead & mix the cornstarch & water until the starch has dissolved. We used a painting pan to keep our concoction but an old bucket would work too. Once the starch has dissolved, add the glue & stir until combined.
This is where I differ from other people. Most of the tutorials online use twine then they spray paint it the color they prefer. I didn’t want to have to mess with that…plus I’m too impatient.
I used yellow yarn & it worked great. It saved me a step & saved money by not having to get yellow spray paint.
Step 1: Take the end of the yarn & tie it to the end of the balloon
Step 2: Take the rest of the yarn & dip it thoroughly into the glue & starch mixture. Do not dip the entire ball of yarn in there or it will get tangled.
**BTW…I put down a plastic drop cloth b/c it is MESSY with a capital M. That’s why I don’t have any pics of the process! My hands were so filthy I couldn’t take the pics**
Step 3: Begin wrapping the yarn around the balloon in several different directions. Try & hold the balloon steady & the yarn tight. This is the trickiest part.
Step 4: After you’ve wrapped the balloon in yarn to your heart’s content, hang the yarn wrapped balloon some where to dry. (I used two chairs with a string in between them on one occasion & our ironing board on another)
Step 5: Wait for at least 24 hours for them to dry. Once they’re completely dry, pop the balloon & clean up any remaining glue around the edges of the yarn.
This is what you’ll get –
I can’t wait to show you how they’re going to look at my back yard reception. You’ll have to stop by after August 20th to see all the fun & festivities of the wedding reception.
Here’s a full shot…sorry for the bad lighting. 🙁
I was being silly playing with my editing tools. It kinda looks freaky, doesn’t it?
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I appreciate you & all your comments & input. Please let me know if you feel there’s anything I can improve on?! You want more of something party-related? Certain party questions answered? Need ideas? Let me know!
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
Thanks Aimee! I can't wait to unveil all the fun things I'm doing for the reception!
Karen…I can't wait to take a look at the ones you did! Man are they messy…but so cool in the end! :p
And thank you LOFASC – I've enjoyed reading about your recent trip!
Thanks Aimee! I can't wait to unveil all the fun things I'm doing for the reception!
Karen…I can't wait to take a look at the ones you did! Man are they messy…but so cool in the end! :p
And thank you LOFASC – I've enjoyed reading about your recent trip!
Thanks Aimee! I can't wait to unveil all the fun things I'm doing for the reception!
Karen…I can't wait to take a look at the ones you did! Man are they messy…but so cool in the end! :p
And thank you LOFASC – I've enjoyed reading about your recent trip!
Karen…I LOVED your idea about the starbucks cup! Brilliant! I accidentally forgot to get the vaseline when I began my lanterns & they worked but I'm sure the vaseline made it easier!
Karen…I LOVED your idea about the starbucks cup! Brilliant! I accidentally forgot to get the vaseline when I began my lanterns & they worked but I'm sure the vaseline made it easier!
Karen…I LOVED your idea about the starbucks cup! Brilliant! I accidentally forgot to get the vaseline when I began my lanterns & they worked but I'm sure the vaseline made it easier!
I love these! My friend is making them for her wedding reception as well and has had a hard time with them. I live out of state so am trying to help her best I can by finding info online 🙂 Thanks for your {fail} tips!
I love these! My friend is making them for her wedding reception as well and has had a hard time with them. I live out of state so am trying to help her best I can by finding info online 🙂 Thanks for your {fail} tips!
I love these! My friend is making them for her wedding reception as well and has had a hard time with them. I live out of state so am trying to help her best I can by finding info online 🙂 Thanks for your {fail} tips!
how can you make these waterproof?
how can you make these waterproof?
how can you make these waterproof?