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Model Magic Balloon Animal

This adorable Model Magic balloon Animal craft shows kids how to sculpt fun, colorful figures that look just like classic balloon animals—without any twisting required. The lightweight air‑dry clay is easy to mold, making it perfect for little hands and quick classroom or at‑home projects. Kids can shape, stack, and smooth simple clay segments to create cute balloon‑style dogs in any bright color they choose. It’s a playful, creative craft that encourages imagination and results in cheerful mini sculptures kids love to display.

Ages: 8 and up, Tween and up, 6 and up

CIY Staff

Create It Yourself

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Model Magic
  • Glossy Sealer

Steps

  • Step 1

    Create the balloon "sections". Roll each section into a smooth sausage shape. You'll need:

    1 large body

    4 equal length legs

    1 neck

    1 head - leave one end slightly narrower than the other.

    2 equal length ears

    2 tail sections

    1 nose - flatten this piece.

  • Step 2

    Build the balloon animal.

    Place the body on top of all four legs. Add the two tail sections to the back of the body and the neck with head to the front. Add the Ear sections to the head.

  • Step 3

    Add the nose. 

    Roll the flatten nose piece and then flatten with your finger replicating the tied "knot" on a balloon animal. Place at the front of the head. 

  • Step 4

    Paint accents to mimic the glossy highlights found on a latex balloon animal. 

    Allow to dry.

  • Step 5

    Seal with a glossy sealer.

  • Step 6

    Make in your favorite colors and display!

Crafts

CIY Staff Tips

Keep it plump: To truly look like a balloon, make sure your "bubbles" stay round and full rather than flat.

Experiment with shapes: try making short legs and a long body for a dachshund or long legs and neck for a giraffe.

Dry Completely: Let your balloon animal sit undisturbed. Model Magic dries to a lightweight, foam-like texture in 72 hours.

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