Summer is fast approaching so why not kick start the season with this gorgeous and easy to make 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft for kids. In line with many of our 3D paper crafts, we’ve added an interactive element – a simple pulley system that creates the impression of a hot air balloon floating up and down against a glorious Summers blue sky.
Our hot air balloon templates makes this craft especially easy for children, who will engage their fine motor skills in cutting, tracing, folding and sticking throughout the process of creating their hot air balloons. The pulley system adds another immersive element to the paper craft that gently introduces children into STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) – as children are busily exploring their creativity, they will also be learning!
What’s not to love about this 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft? with its pulley system and 3D balloon, children’s creativity will soar, so let’s get started!
How to Make a 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft:
Materials:
- Blue Card Stock
- Colored Card Stock
- Tape
- String
- Hole Punch
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Black Marker Pen
Download the Hot Air Balloon Template:
The Hot Air Balloon Template is available to members of the Arty Crafty Kids Club. Members can access the template here (remember to login!):
https://www.artycraftykids.com/product/3d-hot-air-balloon/
Members will need to log in to access the templates!
Not a Member?
Watch the ‘How to Make a Hot Air Balloon’ Video:
Our video tutorial will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to make the 3D Hot Air Balloon.
Let’s Make a 3D Hot Air Balloon!
Cut out the Hot Air Balloon Elements and Trace
Start by cutting out the hot air balloon elements from the template and trace the basket onto reddish or brown card stock.
Before cutting out the basket shape, use a black marker pen to add some detail. In this example we simple criss-crossed diagonal lines to add emphasis to the basket.
Trace the Circle
Next, trace the circle element onto 5 pieces of colored card stock. They could be different colors or a combination of 2 or all one color – it is entirely up to your Arty Crafty Kids!
Fold the Circles in Half
Once the circles have been traced, cut them out and carefully fold each in half.
Layer the Folded Circle Segments
Select one half of the circle template and begin to layer the colored segments, one on top of the other – aligning each as you go.
Open the Folds and POP
Once all the circles have been layered, apply lots of glue to the empty white space, unfold the last segment and secure.
The circle will now pop to create a colorful 3D Balloon.
Assemble the Hot Air Balloon
Next, cut two pieces of string to join the Hot Air Balloon and Basket, ensuring that a small gap is left between the balloon and basket.
Secure each piece of string with sticky tape.
Let’s Create a Background and Pulley System
Using a hole punch, create two central and aligned holes at either end of the blue card stock.
Glue the white clouds and draw little ‘V’ shapes with a marker pen to create the impression of birds flying between the the clouds of the Summers Day blue sky.
Now cut a long piece of the string that’s twice as long as the backing card. It should be long enough to join the end at the back and tie.
Secure the Long string to both Balloon and Basket
Before threading the string to the backing card, secure the hot air balloon to the string with tape.
Thread the String
Place the hot air balloon into the middle of the card stock and between the holes, and thread both ends of the string to their matching hole.
Join the Ends and Knot
Turn the back card over, allow a little slack in the string and secure the ends with a simple knot.
The 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft is Complete
The 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft is ready to soar high up into the clouds! To make the hot air balloon float, pull the string from behind up and down.
If you have loved our easy Hot Air Balloon Craft and made the craft with your children, please do share with us the results on social media!
More Easy 3D Paper Crafts for Kids:
At Arty Crafty Kids we have an eclectic collection of 3D Paper Crafts for Kids. Take a look at some of our favorites!
