How to Make Palm Frond Balloons for your Luau

DIY Project, Styling and Text by Studio DIY
Photos by Mary Costa Photography

Who knew you could “decoupage” balloons? We added a fun palm print to plain white balloons with photos of palm fronds and spray adhesive. These were the stars of our tropical dinner party.

Supplies:

• Balloon Time Helium Tank
• Free printable palm leaves
• Tissue paper (match your balloons)
• 8.5” x 11” Cardstock
• Inkjet printer
• Masking tape
• Latex balloons (mix of 11” and 17”)
• Ribbon or string

Print Palm Leaves

Instructions:

1. Cut out several rectangles of tissue paper, about 8” by 10”.
2. Tape one of the rectangles (glossy side of the tissue paper DOWN) to a piece of card stock with masking tape on the top and bottom of the paper (see photo).
3. Feed this through your printer to print the palm leaves, one sheet at a time, onto the tissue paper. Be sure you are feeding the paper through the printer the right way (each printer is different) so that the image prints onto the tissue.
4. Remove from card stock and let dry for about 10 minutes while you continue printing additional images.
5. Cut out the leaves. This doesn’t have to be perfect as the tissue will blend in with the balloon, just a rough cut around the perimeter works.
6. Inflate balloons with your Balloon Time Helium Tank and tie with string or fishing line.
7. Spray the back of each leaf with spray adhesive and let dry slightly until tacky.
8. Adhere the image to the balloon, tacky side down, and smooth over with your fingers. Repeat with as many images as desired.

Have you tried balloon decoupage or created a modern luau party? Share your pics with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Note: Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Please read all warnings and precautions on the Balloon Time carton.