by Steph Hung
Wondering what the new year will bring? Look to the balloons! Monday marked the beginning of Chinese New Year, and I always love seeing the strings of lanterns that line the streets of Chinatown. The holiday is surrounded by myths about luck and prosperity, so I wanted to make something that might inspire good fortunes too.
Just pop a balloon to see what the future has in store:
Advice, encouragement, warnings, and recommendations – let the balloons give their two cents’ worth.
Materials you will need: water balloons, pump, string, paper, pen, and scissors.
Step 1: Cut paper into 1/4″ wide strips and write your fortunes.
Step 2: Roll up fortunes and slip one in each balloon. Blow up balloon and tie with a knot.
Step 3: Tie balloons onto a length of string. If you cinch the string tightly below the knot (i.e. between the knot and the balloon), this will help prevent air from leaking out.
Step 4: Hang your garland and let the divining begin.
Taylor
January 24, 2012
What a lovely idea! It reminds me of the darling advent calendars you made this year. Can’t wait to try both next year. I so enjoyed your discussion at Alt Summit. It was great to see you in person!
Meg
January 24, 2012
This is so adorable. I want to make one.
Dina Harvey
January 24, 2012
I love this! Not only for Chinese New Year…but really it could be fun for any party or dinner party. Thanks!
Sandra
January 24, 2012
What a gorgeous idea. I love the messages in the balloons, and I agree with Dina, it would be fun for any party!
sherri lynn @ life of a wife
January 24, 2012
This is such a cute idea! I made homemade fortune cookies to celebrate Chinese New Year!
Hannah
January 24, 2012
this is way cool. “lost something? you didn’t need it anymore” made me laugh out loud. i love balloons and i love garland and i love fortune cookies, so this is gold.
Alyssa {Second Floor Living}
January 24, 2012
Such an adorable idea! I need an occasion to throw a party just so I can try out some of the fun suggestions you’ve been posting lately.
Marie
January 24, 2012
What a cute idea! 🙂
http://www.happypaperplace.com/
Natalie
January 24, 2012
So cute! Your so creative, it takes me forever to come up with stuff and usually have to surf pinterest to get inspired!!! Love it!
Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
Miranda
January 24, 2012
This is absolutely amazing. I’d love to try it for a ladies’ night dinner at my house. Kids can certainly have fun with this idea, too. Could be great for a graduation party for middle school or high school kids…even college. Hmm…even a “gender reveal” party for expecting parents to give guests hints about what they’re having.
rachael
January 24, 2012
omg. best! definitely doing this ASAP
Tan
January 24, 2012
Too cute! And far better than fortune cookies for those watching what they eat!
sarah aka littlemandesigns
January 24, 2012
This is such a lovely and simple yet clever idea. Thank you for sharing it has really brightened up my day!
Vanessa
January 24, 2012
I love this! What a cute idea!
Annie
January 25, 2012
whoa, I love this! I want to use it for my friends during their finals weeks.. like bits of encouragement slash paper chain countdown. Awesome idea!
doro K.
January 25, 2012
a relly great a idea. cool for parties.
I linked to your tutorial on my blog – thanks for sharing!
doro K.
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!
January 25, 2012
Great idea! It would be really fun coming up with the fortunes.
Zsa Zsa
January 25, 2012
Love this! Simple, yet lovely and creative! Looking forward to more tutorials 🙂
Gina
January 25, 2012
Oh, I love this hook! Super cute and simple twist on fortune telling. I would love to try this and will save it for a future party idea.
blake
January 25, 2012
So fun!! Great color palette
Michelle @ VivaRevival
January 25, 2012
Very clever idea! It’s nice to have an alternative to fortune cookies!
Cha de retalho
January 25, 2012
great idea!
Kristina
January 25, 2012
Thats so cute! I love this idea, I may adapt it for future bridal or baby showers and have advice inside of each balloon.
FestivePartyGirl
January 25, 2012
This is a great idea. It would be so fun for kids and adults to pop the balloons to see what’s inside. Thanks for sharing this. I’m pinning one of the pictures now.
Eva
January 26, 2012
What a lovely idea, so bright and colourful!
I made fortune flowers yesterday but I will remeber this idea for my next party…
Victoria@VictoryPaper
January 26, 2012
What a sweet idea! I want to make one for my hubby for Valentines except with notes about all the things I love about him!
lily
January 27, 2012
i love this! it’s such a great idea, i need an excuse for a party now, this would be too much fun
Anna M
January 27, 2012
i love this idea beyond words. thank you ; )
Allie
January 29, 2012
I want to make one of these just for me and just because. And what a fabulous surprise present it would make for a work colleague or friend or family member! Thank you so much for the inspiration. x x
Peaches
January 30, 2012
Good gravy what a fabulous idea! So easy to customize. Good party icebreaker, too.
Maya
February 1, 2012
i will certainly be making this for a birthday party i’m throwing next week 🙂
B (MakeDo and Spend)
February 1, 2012
What a brilliantly simple idea!
I’m definitely going to bookmark this one for a later date… thanks!
Lindsey
February 5, 2012
Such a sweet idea!