This post is sponsored by Bing.
I was in Palm Springs for Meet/Make/Do surrounded by oversized balloons (thanks, Shop Sweet Lulu!) and a huge helium tank — pure party paradise. Naturally, a balloon project was in order. After some inspiration and a whole lot of helium, I created pop-up message balloons that spell out fun messages while literally popping off the top of giant round balloons.
I’d been seeing pop-up style party supplies everywhere and wanted to adapt that look to balloons. I debated whether the letters should be on top, on the side, or in front, and used Bing Image Search to gather visual ideas. Eventually I decided I wanted the letters to appear to pop off the top of the balloon, so I sketched and then made them.
A quick tip about Bing Image Search: it lets you filter by image license, which is useful for bloggers and designers who need images that are public domain or cleared for commercial use and modification. That feature can save a lot of time when sourcing visuals for a project.
Supplies:
36″ round helium-filled balloons (many party stores will fill your balloon if you bring it in)
Cardstock
Pencil
Scissors
Double-stick tape or clear shipping tape
I made my letters by freehand drawing them on cardstock, but you can also print letters in a font you like from any text-editing program. The important thing is to use sturdy cardstock so the letters stand upright. After drawing or printing your letters, add about 3/4″ to the bottom of each letter and cut them out. Fold that 3/4″ tab under — that will be the surface you attach to the balloon.
Place a piece of double-stick tape on the underside of each folded tab. If you don’t have double-stick tape, a strip of clear shipping tape works too. Start by attaching the middle letter or letters first, then work outward so the letters appear evenly spaced and popping off the top of the balloon. Important safety note: once tape is pressed onto an inflated balloon, do not try to peel it off — the balloon will pop, and large 36″ balloons make a particularly loud pop.
And that’s it — you can spell out “Happy Birthday,” a graduation year, a school name, or any short message you like. These pop-up message balloons are an easy, high-impact decoration once you have access to giant helium balloons. They add playful vertical interest to a party and are a quick DIY that looks custom-made.
3rd and 4th photos by Studio DIY. All other photos by Mary Costa Photography.
This post, and event, is sponsored by Bing. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep the Studio DIY party going. Read more about my editorial policies on my site.