Floating Hot-Air Balloons

crayola supplies

Washable Kid's Paint
So Big® Brush

household supplies

recycled newspaper
Party Express paper plates
hole punch
paper towels
ribbon
container(s) of water

Why

Imagine floating through the air in the basket of a hot-air balloon. You’ll have almost as much fun as a real ride when you craft this colorful mobile!

Steps

1. Your hot-air balloon mobile can float in the air indoors, much like hot-air balloons float outside. Here’s an easy way to make a mobile. Cover your craft area with newspaper first.
2. Decorate paper plates. With Crayola® Kid’s Paint and a So Big Paint Brush, paint a large paper plate for the sky. Air-dry paint before you change colors. Tear out or leave fluffy clouds white. Paint another plate for the balloon baskets. Air-dry the paint. Tear it into at least two baskets. Paint two small paper plates like hot-air balloons. Air-dry them. Decorate the balloons, perhaps with stripes, checks, words, scallops, or circles.
3. Assemble the mobile. Punch holes in the sky, balloons, and baskets. Thread ribbon, yarn, or string through each opening and tie them together. Add another ribbon at the top to hang your hot-air balloon. It will float and spin in the breeze!

When & Where

"My kids love to spot gorgeous hot-air balloons. We have several books about them, so this mobile is a treasure!"
- Michele V., mother of ages 4 and 7.

"The children love to make up adventures in their hot-air balloons! These mobiles are such beautiful decorations, too."
- Tonya C., family child care provider.

Interesting Info

Did you know that in 1783 the very first balloon was constructed of paper and fabric and carried a duck, a sheep, and a rooster? A month later, the first free flight was made by De Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes. They flew, untethered, to 500 feet and traveled about five and a half miles in a 20-minute flight. U.S. President George Washington was present to see the first balloon flight in North America in 1793!

Safety Guidelines

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.