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. ๐
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! ๐ 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. ๐
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!
Aimee @ Just Kidding Around Atlanta says
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Aimee @ Just Kidding Around Atlanta says
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Aimee @ Just Kidding Around Atlanta says
Very cute! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your reception, and how you use these! : )
Aimee
Life Of A Southern Couple says
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
Life Of A Southern Couple says
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
Life Of A Southern Couple says
Great idea! Your reception is going to be beautiful!
Karen says
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
Karen says
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
Karen says
We had fun making some of these lanterns – great idea. http://www.nepacena.com/blog/yarn-lanterns-diy-wedding-decorations/
Heidi Rew says
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!
Heidi Rew says
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!
Heidi Rew says
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!
Heidi Rew says
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!
Heidi Rew says
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!
Heidi Rew says
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!
Jayma Malme says
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 ๐ Thanks for your {fail} tips!
Jayma Malme says
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 ๐ Thanks for your {fail} tips!
Jayma Malme says
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 ๐ Thanks for your {fail} tips!
Alexandra Shoup says
how can you make these waterproof?
Alexandra Shoup says
how can you make these waterproof?
Alexandra Shoup says
how can you make these waterproof?