These yarn balloon fairy lanterns are such a fun and simple craft. With just a few basic supplies, you can create beautiful lanterns that glow with a magical light.
This project is perfect for a cozy weekend at home, and it’s easy enough for the whole family to join in. If you’re looking for a relaxing craft that adds a soft touch to your space, these lanterns are a great choice. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Supplies
- Balloons
- Yarn (I used ivory and thin gold together)
- ½ cup clear glue
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Oil cooking spray
- String fairy lights
- Whisk
- Scissors
Instructions
- Prepare the Glue Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup clear glue, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. This mixture will coat 1-2 lanterns. Double the recipe for 3-5 lanterns, or remake as needed to avoid it drying out.
- Inflate the Balloons:
- Blow up your balloons to the desired size for your lanterns. Avoid overinflating to keep them round. Tie them off securely.
- Coat the Balloons:
- Lightly spray the balloons with oil cooking spray. This will help remove the yarn easily later.
- Dip the Yarn:
- Cut long pieces of yarn (about 4-5 feet) and dip them into the glue mixture. Use your fingers to squeeze off any excess glue so the yarn isn’t too drippy.
- Wrap the Yarn:
- Wrap the coated yarn around the balloon in random directions until you’re happy with the coverage. Leave some gaps to allow light to shine through.
- Dry the Lantern:
- Hang the balloons to dry for at least 24 hours or until the yarn is completely hardened. Be sure they are fully dry before moving on to the next step.
- Pop and Remove the Balloons:
- Once the yarn is stiff, pop the balloon with a pin or scissors. Gently remove the deflated balloon from inside the yarn structure.
- Add Fairy Lights:
- Insert the string fairy lights into the lantern, carefully spreading them out inside.
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