How to make a String Decoration

My children love making these. It can be very messy depending on their age but that’s part of the fun plus the finished result is a decoration for their bedrooms.

We used coloured string but you can also use plain string and leave white for a shabby chic look, or add some paint to your glue for colour.

What you will need:

·         String 

·         Bowl

·         PVA Glue  

·         Round balloons  

·         Scissors

·         Newspaper or something to protect your work surface

·         Paint – if required

1.      Cover your work surface with newspaper

2.      Blow the balloon up to your required size. We use between 5cm and 20cm. Remember the bigger the balloon the more string you will need!

3.      Pour the PVA glue into a bowl. If using plain string add paint if required and mix.  

4.      Cut the string into 50cm lengths. This prevents knots and is easier to handle

5.      Place a length of string into the bowl and coat with the glue. To prevent the string slipping around the balloon, remove the excess glue (glue & paint) with your fingers.

6.      Wrap the string around the balloon. Overlap the string to create a lattice effect. Keep going until you have the desired effect you wish. Remember not to leave big spaces.

7.      Hang the balloon to dry. Leave for at least 24 hours. Check that all the string is completely dry and feels hard. Pop the balloon and remove it carefully from your decoration.

      

     

If you pop the balloon too soon the string will collapse with the balloon. This happened to us! We use coloured string instead plain string and adding paint as my 4 year old gets a little carried away with paint! To re-use the string I simply soaked the string in warm water to remove the glue and separated the lengths again.

Remember if your string decoration gets wet it will also collapse.

You can add glitter to the glue or use some decorative ribbon to make these hanging ornaments or Christmas tree decorations. If you leave a small space when you are latticing your balloon you can fill with small chocolate eggs for Easter. The ideas are endless!

Enjoy crafting!     

Written by Victoria.