Be sure to look up at the sky this weekend to catch a glimpse of this year's SkyJam-PA. More than 20 hot air balloons are scheduled to launch from the York Expo Center.
Want to launch your own hot-air balloon? Try this easy and fun craft. And remember, when it comes to creativity,
the sky's the limit.
Hot-air balloon craft
Papier-mâché recipe
What you need:
• White glue
• Water
Mix two parts white glue with one part warm water. Mix together until you get a creamy paste.
Hot-air balloon
What you need:
• One 1-inch paint brush (papier-mâché)
• Two 1-inch paint brushes (painting)
• Newspaper
• Balloon
• Acrylic paints in various colors
• String
• Small plastic cup or empty container for basket
• Scissors
• Hole puncher
Step 1
Blow up balloon.
Step 2
Cut newspaper into
2-by-12-inch strips
Step 3
Place one strip at a time on balloon and brush on papier-mâché. Overlap next strip about a ¼ inch and brush with papier-mâché. Repeat until there is one layer of newspaper covering balloon. Let dry.
Step 4
Add a second layer of newspaper by repeating step 3. You can add a third layer if you like. Remember to let the layers dry completely before starting a new layer.
Step 5
Once papier-mâché is dry, pop balloon.
Step 6
Punch a tiny hole at the center of the top of the balloon. And thread string through. This is how your hot air ballon will hang from the ceiling.
Step 7
Paint the balloon with a layer of white acrylic paint. Let dry.
Step 8
Be creative and paint your own motif on the hot-air balloon. You can add stickers instead if you're not feeling artistic.
Step 9
Punch four evenly spaced small holes at bottom of balloon. Thread each hole with string that is about
6 inches long.
Step 10
Use a small plastic cup or empty container for the basket. Punch four, evenly spaced holes and thread each string from balloon through holes and then knot each string on the inside of basket.
Step 11
Hang your hot-air balloon from ceiling.
If you go
What: SkyJam-PA
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Road, West Manchester Township.
For details: www.skyjampa.com
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