We’ve found a Valentine’s Day craft that has really captured our heart. It’s not only cute, but functional too! This colorful, heart-shaped paper hot air balloon holds Valentine sweets in a paper cup bucket and can be hung from just about anywhere for easy access to tasty treats. You can make one for the kids or get them involved and make one with you!

 

What You Will Need:

• 1 Ball of Yarn
• 1 Paper Cup
• 1 Marker or Pencil
• Scotch Tape
• Hole Punch
• Stapler
• 5 Pieces of Construction Paper
• Assorted Candy

 

 

Your Work Space:

Make sure to have ample space to spread out your craft supplies. For our assorted candies, we chose colorful treats to match our multicolored paper balloon. You can choose your favorite color combinations for the paper and for the candies! Make it your own style. You can even draw or color on the paper for extra customization.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1:

Stack all pieces of paper and fold them in half horizontally. Use a marker or pencil to trace a half-heart shape onto the paper along the fold. Cut the half heart shape out of the stack of paper along the line you traced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2:

Unfold the stacked paper being sure to keep all of the pieces stacked evenly. Staple along the fold crease twice to secure the bottom half. Punch one hole on the center fold crease approximately a half inch from the top.

Once the heart shape is secure and hole punched, it’s time to start assembling the structure of the balloon!

 

 

 

 

Step 3:

Thread the yarn through the top hole punch and tie a knot at the end to create a loop. This can be as short or long as wish. If you are making multiple hot air balloon candy catchers, consider making the loops different lengths to give height variation in your display.

Punch one hole approximately a half inch from the base of the center piece of paper on each side. Cut off the top of the paper cup so it is only about 2 inches tall from the bottom. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the cup just below the top edge. Next, thread a piece of yarn through from the paper to the paper cup on each side securing it with a double knot.

 

 

 

Step 4:

It’s candy time! Fill the paper cup with your Valentine’s favorite candy. The more colorful the better!

Find someplace to hang your hot air balloon to surprise your Valentine. Happy Flying!

 

 

 

Rebecca Ustrell, Community Outreach Coordinator
Becky acts as liaison for Children’s Foundation of America. On any given day she could be meeting with potential donors, coordinating a fundraising event, recruiting volunteers and forming partnerships with other nonprofits that can benefit from the help of our Foundation. Becky is currently studying sociology as well as fine art and helps organize the Claremont Art Walk. You will most likely find Becky working on freelance illustrations, playing the cello, mingling at a chamber of commerce event or volunteering in the community.
800-543-7730 | rustrell@trinityys.org