When the host who sent Evite’s 2 billionth invitation requested a popcorn balloon arch for her party, we immediately got to work planning and prepping. Now that we’ve successfully brought the popcorn balloon arch to life, we want to show you how to create your own.
This party entrance decoration can be created with a simple, store-bought balloon arch kit or by using a 9-foot PVC pipe and two buckets full of rocks, sand or plaster of Paris. Here is a step-by-step tutorial of how it all came together.
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes for balloon arch, 24 hours for popcorn box stands (includes drying time)
Level: Medium
Materials:
Balloon Arch
- Balloon arch kit (includes 2 stands, 2 extension poles, 1 arch cord)
- 72 latex balloons (11″ each)
- Balloon pump (optional)
Tip: If you don’t have a balloon arch kit, you can make your own arch with a 9-foot-long piece of PVC pipe. Make your own stands using 2 full buckets of Plaster of Paris or 2 outdoor umbrella stands.
Popcorn Box Stands
- 2 cardboard boxes (18 1/2″x18 1/2″x36″)
- 1 pint of glossy red paint
- Paintbrush
- X-ACTO knife
- Circular template — we used the mouth of a vase as our guide (this is for the scalloped top edge of the popcorn boxes)
- 2 rolls of white duct tape
- Safe cutting surface
Balloon Arch Directions
Step 1: Inflate first balloon and pinch at the base, then inflate second balloon.
Tip: Use an electric inflator or hand pump to save time. Blow up balloons to approximately the same size to keep your arch shape consistent.
Step 2: Tie the ends of the two inflated balloons together and set aside.
Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2. Then, combine two balloon pairs by twisting them together in the middle to create a quad of balloons. Twist balloon quad around the arch cord or PVC pipe to lock the balloons in place.
Tip: For any arch longer than 6 feet, lay your arch cord or PVC pipe on the ground to build.
Step 4: Repeat steps until your arch is complete, then secure arch in stands.
Popcorn Box Stand Directions
Step 1: Use an X-ACTO knife to cut the bottom flaps off your two cardboard boxes.
Step 2: Use a circular object (we used the mouth of a vase) as a template to trace the scallop-edge design on the top flaps of your boxes, about 5 inches up from the seam of the flap.
Step 3: Following your tracings, use an X-ACTO knife to cut out the scallop design.
Step 4: Paint both boxes entirely red and let them dry overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
Step 5: Use white duct tape to create your white stripes (we used 4 strips of white duct tape for each stripe).
Step 6: Trim the white duct tape around the scalloped top edges of your box.
Step 7: Secure your arches by placing the boxes directly over the ballon arch stands from your balloon arch kit, or the ones you created from buckets of rocks, sand or plaster of Paris.
This DIY was inspired by the original “Popcorn Balloon Arch” by Nicole of Inflation Sensations for a vintage carnival wedding.
Start inviting friends to your carnival-themed party with the free Evite invitation below or another of our birthday invitations for kids or summer party invitations.
NEXT: Check out this carnival-themed birthday party or get more DIY ideas!
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