Here’s the backstory for this project. Jeff and I drove to Palm Springs for a venue walk-through and, since the town is so photogenic, I decided we should shoot a quick DIY. I hadn’t prepared much—just tossed some cardstock in the car—planning to pick up what we needed once we arrived. It was 108 degrees, but that didn’t stop me: I was determined to make giant citrus balloons.
We stopped at a couple of party stores in town and ended up with three oversized balloons in the back seat. We made a quick stop at The Saguaro and, after some last-minute crafting in the car, finished the decorations and took photos. Thus, the giant citrus balloons were born—heatwave and all—and I love how they turned out.
Supplies needed:
– 36″ helium-filled balloons in orange and/or yellow (local party shops provided ours)
– Green cardstock (use thick cardstock for best results)
– Clear shipping tape
– Scissors
How to make the leaves:
1. Cut leaf shapes from the green cardstock. Leave a small tab at the base of each leaf so you can fold it back and attach it to the balloon.
2. Fold the tab back and secure it to the balloon with clear shipping tape. If your cardstock is thick, the leaf may stand on its own. If it’s thinner, cut a tapered support strip from leftover cardstock. Tape the wider end of the strip over the folded tab on the balloon, then tape the narrow end to the center of the leaf so the leaf curves naturally. This keeps the leaf steady and creates a realistic shape.
All photos by Studio DIY
After finishing the balloons, we wandered around the colorful hotel and ended up leaving the three giant citrus balloons in the lobby—partly because my fiancé said we couldn’t keep them in the house. Wearing a citrus-print dress while handing them off felt perfectly on-theme. It was a spontaneous, playful way to share the project and enjoy a little burst of color around town.
If you enjoyed this idea, consider trying other fruit-themed or balloon DIYs for parties, photo shoots, or cheerful home decor. These oversized citrus balloons are simple to make, eye-catching, and perfect for warm-weather events or any occasion that could use a bright, cheerful touch.
p.s. My dress for the shoot is from J. Crew Factory kids.