Balloon and Corker Ribbon Birthday Wreath

Until I started blogging, I had never seen a balloon wreath (or even heard of it for that matter). But the online world is full of these festive wreaths. Every time I see one, my reaction is the same - I just love the bright colors and the fun spunkiness of it all. It was the one item I was most anxious to make and add to my birthday box this year.

Before I began, I collected my supplies:

Pipe insulator from the hardware store ($0.97)

2" Grosgain ribbon ($2)

Latex balloons (2@ $1.99)

Korker Ribbons ($2.99)

To minimize costs, I made my own wreath form by duct taping a 97 cent pipe insulator. I didn't realize it at the time, but using a pipe insulator was a double bonus because its narrow width meant I needed less balloons to fill the wreath.

 

Update 2014: Two years later, this pipe insulator wreath form is beginning to loose its round shape. If you want to reuse your wreath year after year, spend the extra money and purchase a real wreath form.

Originally, I was planning on using balloons with spiral pipe cleaners, but then I stumbled across these corker ribbon napkin holders ... on clearance.... in bright festive colors... and so the plan changed :)  

(Removing the ribbon from the metal napkin holder was super easy, only a twist tie attached the two.)

When buying balloons, I specifically avoided the large balloon variety, because I wanted my wreath to have a tight and tidy appearance. (In my humble opinion, the big floppy balloons tend to look droopy when used on a birthday wreath). 

After covering the pipe insulator with ribbon, I began to experiment with my supplies. It became quickly apparent that the two bags of balloons were more than enough. This was great because I allowed me to be picky about which colors to include. 

Hot glue was my attachment method of choice. But take my advice and bandage, or use a thimble, or do something to protect your fingertips. Even the toughest hands get tender after repeated exposure from this project. (Trust me.)

To add variety and texture, some of the balloons were hot glued into a folded position before attaching to the wreath.

I used my toilet paper wreath cuff technique to personalize the wreath for this year's party theme. I love using TP tube wreath cuffs, because you easily swap it out and update it to correlate with the event. (Simply cut a slit down the TP tube, decorate, a wrap around wreath.)

Here is a close up of the wreath cuff. I designed the "happy birthday" logo myself and printed at home. Let me know if anyone wants a digital copy; I can email it to you. They would also make great cupcake toppers for a very hungry caterpillar party.

Until next time,

Mischele

Linking to, Lines Across, Sugar Bee Crafts, Mommy by Day Crafter by Night, Oopsey Daisey, Sew Much Ado, Someday Crafts, and Positively Splendid