I spent this New Year’s in Paris, where I was inspired by everything — architecture, fashion, cuisine, flowers. Even a stop at the local convenience store revved up my creative juices.
One French motif that has always captured my imagination is the hot air balloon. The first manned hot air balloon, created by the Montgolfier brothers, took flight in Paris in 1783, and this whimsical aircraft has been a symbol of Paris ever since.
A few years ago, I created extravagant hot air balloon centerpieces for a Parisian-themed wedding, but I’ve always wanted to devise a simplified version that anyone could make. Voilà! Here is a hot air balloon that requires few supplies and steps. You can use it as a planter, pop a battery-operated tea light inside the pot, or display candies in it for parties. I’ve used an actual balloon, but if you want something permanent that won’t deflate, just replace it with a small paper lantern. Either way, this project is magnifique.
What you’ll need:
Clay pot
2 pairs of wooden chopsticks
Glue
Balloon
String
Colored paper
1. Start with a clay pot. I used a small one that was 2 inches tall.
2. Glue four chopsticks to the inside of the pot, spacing them evenly.
3. Tie a string encircling the top of the four chopsticks.
4. Cut triangles of different colors and glue them to the string to create bunting.
5. Inflate a balloon and rest it on the chopstick platform.
6. Make one or two strings of bunting and drape them to the balloon.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.
