Here is a new and fun idea with which to create nice decorations and involve children. The decorations made with wire can be oval (to make Easter "eggs") or spherical (to create balls with which to decorate the Christmas tree). It is their simplicity that makes them so pleasing to the eye: they have a lovely texture to the touch and go well with both the more rustic and the more sophisticated decorations.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare your work area by covering it with a plastic sheet
If you're not careful, this project can get very confusing.
Step 2. Organize the supplies and prepare all the materials as follows
- Inflate the balloon (or balloons) to the desired size. They will be fine if they are about 5-15cm in circumference. Keep in mind that if they are larger, you will need more thread.
- Pour the white glue into a small, shallow bowl. Extend it with a little water. You will need to wet the thread in the diluted glue before using it on the balloon.
- Cut pieces of wire 90-120 cm long to make them easier to use, without the risk of them getting tangled.
Step 3. Dip the thread into the glue, making sure it does not tangle
You can use a bolt or some hex nut to hold the wire dipped in the glue so that it soaks completely.
Run the thread between your fingers to remove excess glue. You will need to get a moistened thread, not dripping with glue
Step 4. Wrap the yarn around the balloon
There is no "exact" way to proceed - just wrap it up. Continue to roll it around the balloon until you create a lattice, leaving a distance between the various turns no wider than a finger.
Step 5. Dab excess glue on each end of the thread or in the places that do not adhere well to the balloon where they intersect
Step 6. Change the thread colors to your liking
Step 7. Continue until the balloon is wrapped in a wire mesh
There should be no spaces larger than the tip of an index finger.
Make sure there are no strings hanging and that the weave is secure
Step 8. Embellish however you like
Sequins, for example, go perfectly with this kind of spherical decoration.
Step 9. Hang the wire-wrapped balloon in a place where it can dry
Place a cover underneath to catch any drops of glue that may fall out as it dries
Step 10. When the glue is dry and the lattice has hardened, pierce the balloon and remove it from the inside of the now solid wire weave
Step 11. Show off your decoration and enjoy it
Advice
- If you run the thread under some heavy washer or bolt in the glue bowl, you will be able to soak it properly.
- Add other glue-soaked accessories in the shape of a heart, star, circle, and so on, on top of the spherical lattice. "Attach" them by superimposing the thread on each of them, so that they hold firmly to the decoration.
