Love is in the air when you make these Valentine’s Day hot air balloon decorations!

A sky filled with hot air balloons is always lovely and with this tutorial you can fill your windows with a similar sight. The tissue decorations let the light shine through so they have a pretty glow.

Because the tissue is delicate, this project is good for older elementary students to work on. They can create a hanging garland, hang them individually, or even give them as a Valentine. Plus they make a fun project for a Valentine’s Day class party!

Now, let’s get started on these lovely balloons!

• Cardstock
• 20-gauge Craft Wire
• Wire Cutter or Utility Scissors
• Ruler
• Pink and Red Tissue Paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Thin String
• Glue Stick
• Tape
• Printable template

Step 1
Print the hot air balloon template PDF on card stock. Cut an 18-inch piece of craft wire and use the template printed template as a guide for shaping the wire.

It’s easiest to fold the wire in the middle and make the loop with the twist. Next, make sure the ends are even, and fold them in so they both match the flat bottom of the hot air balloon. Twist the ends together, then shape the balloon.

Step 2
Lay the wire frame on the tissue paper and lightly trace the shape with a pencil. Next, trace about 1/2″ around that shape.

Cut out the tissue on the larger outline. Cut notches at the bottom corners and at the top. Snip tabs along the edges.

Step 3
Cut a 12-inch piece of string. Tie the ends together with an overhand knot. Set this aside until step 5.

Step 4
Use glue stick around the curved part of the tissue balloon.

Place the wire frame on the tissue balloon and fold the tabs around the wire frame.

Step 5
Fold the loop of string in half over the bottom of the wire frame.

Glue and wrap the bottom tab in place.

Step 6
Cut and fold a cardstock basket. Use a piece of clear tape to hold the top together with the loops of string in the middle. Glue stick also works for this step.

Step 7
Trace a bunch of heart shapes on the different colors of tissue paper.

Cut out the hearts and glue them to the front of your hot air balloon to decorate it however you like.

Design and make a whole flock of hot air balloons! Then they’re ready for hanging!

You can layer the hearts or arrange them in so many ways. And hearts are only the beginning! Cut out all kinds of shapes from colored tissue. If you’d rather skip all that cutting, use stickers to decorate your balloons!

Display your tissue hot air balloon decorations in a window for a Valentine decoration that shines! And if you want to hang them on a string to make a garland, just give the hanging loops a little twist.

Happy crafting!