DIY String Lanterns

Lanterns in the living room.

I originally wanted to hang large paper lanterns from the ceiling of my apartment, but I quickly discovered that they obstructed the view from the kitchen to the living room window. No good. After ample research, I came across a DIY string lantern project. It worked better for the view because of the open see through spaces in between the wrapped string. The project involved basic supplies and little labor. Only downfall? Extremely messy. Sticky, yuck. Worth it though, I promise.

Supplies:
Balloons
Corn Starch
Clear Protective Spray Paint
Elmer's Glue
Yarn


Directions:
Mix:
Combine 1/2 cup of corn starch, 1/4 cup of warm water and 1 bottle of average size Elmer's glue. (This is the mixture for each individual lantern).

Supplies

Messy, messy.

Blow up a balloon to the size lantern you want (I did three different sizes to mix it up). Take a the end of the string from the yarn ball and tie it to the top to the balloon. As you wrap the string around the balloon, continue to soak the yarn in the mixture. I decided to eye ball the amount of string I needed and dipped it all in the mix at one time. It's easier this way, but make sure not to the cut the end of the yarn until you know you're done wrapping it. When you feel the balloon is covered enough, tie the string to the top of the balloon. Hang from the ceiling with tarp underneath and let dry for 24 hours. Pop the balloon! Spray with protective spray paint and hang. Put up as many string lanterns as you want, the more the merrier in my opinion!

Finished product!