These instructions will teach you how to make a hot air balloon out of clay, as a craft to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Balloon Fiesta! The Balloon Fiesta is celebrated each year in October. Coming from its humble beginning, it soon grew to a national event, bringing people from every state and some countries to visit. No previous skills will be needed to complete this craft. With these easy steps you will be able to make this craft in about 35 to 45 minutes.

It is unlikely that safety treatment is needed if clay gets in eyes, on skin, is inhaled, or is ingested. However, clay should not be eaten. Always use caution when using scissors.

Step 1: Gather All Materials

Crayola Air Dry Clay
Sculpting Wire
Scissors
Plastic Knife
Rolling Pin
Ruler
Tissue Paper
Beads and other assorted decorations

Step 2: Make the Base

Roll out a handful of clay using the rolling pin and cut a square 2 inches by 2 inches to make your base. It should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 3: Cut Wire

Cut two 12-inch pieces of wire, using the scissors.

Step 4: Cut More Wire

Cut two 13-inch pieces of wire, again using the scissors.

Step 5: Shape the Wire

Make all four pieces of wire into a balloon shape (like a light bulb). The bottom of the light bulb shape should have about 2 inches of space between each side.

Step 6: Start the Frame

Place the 12-inch pieces diagonally corner to corner into the base, making sure to leave a small amount of space from the edges.

Step 7: Finish the Frame

Place the 13-inch pieces over the already placed wire with the bottom going into opposite flat sides of the base, making sure to leave spaces from the edges.

Step 8: Start the Basket

To begin making the basket, roll out three long thin pieces of clay (like a snake shape) each about 12 inches long.

Step 9: Shape the Basket

Wrap each piece of rolled-out clay around the wires on top of the base until they join.

Step 10: Finish the Basket

Cut off any excess clay and pinch the ends to join them to make a smooth basket shape.

Step 11: Measure Wire Support Ring

Wrap some wire around the bottom of the curved part of the balloon so it touches the wire frame snugly but is not too tight, and mark with your finger for where you will cut the wire. Set it aside for now.

Step 12: Start the Balloon

Take a piece of tissue paper and wrap it around the top of the balloon.

Step 13: Anchoring the Balloon Paper

Place wire from step 11 around the bottom of the curve over the tissue paper, cut off excess tissue paper, and roll the paper around the wire.

Step 14: Decorate

Decorate with beads or other art supplies to personalize your craft.

Step 15: Let Project Dry

Let clay dry for 24 hours and enjoy your new Hot Air Balloon decoration.

After 24 hours, the clay will be hardened and you will have a wonderful decoration that pays tribute to the Balloon Fiesta. You can put your decoration on a shelf, use it as a table centerpiece, give it away as a gift, or anything else you would like to do with it. For inspiration and decorating ideas, look at the variety of balloons that are present at the Balloon Fiesta.

Introduction: Decorative Hot Air Balloon