Today we’re sharing another DIY from Jodi Levine‘s new book, Paper Goods Projects! These clowns make an easy cake topper for a circus-themed party. Or, for table decorations, they can be displayed in jars filled with sugar or small candies (like jelly beans) to anchor them. Make sure you visit Jodi’s site or Amazon to add Paper Goods Projects to your collection! (PS – Get her amazing Balloon Letter DIY right here.)

Clown Cake Topper by Jodi Levine

Materials: balloon pump, 1 medium or small white balloon, straw, balloon pump or permanent marker, 2 red water balloons, scissors, adhesive dots, 1 coffee filter (dyed blue)

Step 1: Inflate the white balloon until it is about 5″ in diameter, and tie it to a straw. Let it flop down (the knot will be at the back of the head). Stick on the dot stickers as eyes (see General Balloon Crafting Tips, below, for eye techniques).
Step 2: To make the nose, inflate a small red water balloon, and trim the knot. Stick it to the face with an adhesive dot by putting the dot half on and half off the knot so it is not visible.
Step 3: To make the hat, cut the dyed coffee filter in half. Inflate the second red water balloon slightly so that you have a small ball, and knot it. Stick the ball to the center of the straight-cut side of the coffee filter with an adhesive dot. Form a cone by overlapping the two halves of the straight edges around the knot, and stick the seams together with an adhesive dot. Attach to the top of the head with another adhesive dot or two.

GENERAL BALLOON CRAFTING TIPS

• When using twisty balloons, inflate the balloon entirely to get the thickness you want. Pinch where you want the length to end, and release air from that point only. Knot the balloon at the pinched spot.
• Steady a round balloon figure in a circular base made from a twisty balloon.
• To make eyes, use ¼” round color-coding labels (colored black with a marker), hole-punched black paper or adhesive labels (colored black with a marker), or simply draw them on with a Sharpie. Round color-coding labels and other labels are sold at office supply stores.
• Balloons are a choking hazard! Children under eight years old can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision is required. Keep uninflated and broken balloons away from children. Discard broken balloons immediately.

Photography by Amy Gropp Forbes