How To...
	Build a Balloon Arch & other Balloon Decorations

When building a balloon arch, there are several things to consider. The size of the arch, materials needed for the frame, the color(s) and quantity of balloons, and whether you will fill the balloons with helium or air.

Size: When deciding on the size of your balloon arch, measure the height and width of the area where it will be displayed. To estimate the approximate length of the arch, use the following calculations.

• For an arch with the same height and width: (1/2 x Height) + Width = approximate total length.
  
• To make an arch that is wider than it is tall: Width + Height = approximate total length.
  
• For an arch that is taller than it is wide: (2 x Height) + Width = approximate total length.
  

The size of your arch will largely determine the size of the balloons that are necessary. For a small arch, the balloons do not need to be inflated all the way; the larger the arch gets, the bigger the balloons should be.

Note: Make sure all balloons are inflated to the same size. One way to ensure you are being consistent is to make a template from cardboard. Cut a round hole to match the desired balloon size, and pass each one through when inflating them.

If you use helium, the gas will hold the balloons up without additional support; all you’ll need is heavy nylon thread or twine to tie the balloons together, and two ground supports to tether down each end of the line.

Air-filled balloon arches require a sturdy frame. A strong, flexible material such as conduit, PVC pipe, and aluminum or plastic rod will work well. For additional support, you’ll need to wire the arch to the wall or ceiling, and/or find a sturdy base to anchor the frame at the bottom.

Color: Arches with one color are the easiest to make. If you have made a balloon arch before, try combining two or more colors to create a spiral pattern.

Balloon Quantity: The size of your arch will determine the number of balloons you need as well. In general, you will need 4-6 balloons per foot of frame. Click here to view balloons.

Air vs. Helium: Balloon arches filled with air last much longer than those filled with helium, but require more support. It also takes a lot of people and energy to blow up dozens of balloons, unless you decide to invest in an electric air pump.

Arches made with helium-filled balloons effectively fill large spaces and require less support than air-filled creations, but can be trickier to handle and put together due to the helium’s tendency to rise. In addition, helium is more costly than air and will only float for about 12 hours.

Instructions

1. Determine the approximate length of the balloon arch. (See sizing calculations above for help.)

2. Set up the frame for your balloon arch. If using helium, stretch out your line and secure each end to a heavy object. Leave plenty of extra thread at each end, so it will be easier to move and tie down the arch in its permanent location later.

For air-filled arches, set up the frame in its permanent location, if possible. If not, lay the frame flat so that balloons can be easily attached. (Note: If using an aluminum rod frame, the balloons can be attached before shaping the rod into an arch.)

3. Inflate two latex balloons and tie the necks together.

4. Repeat step 3. Cross the pairs of balloons in the middle and twist them together to make a cluster of four.

5. Starting at one end of the arch, place the cluster against the frame, or line. Wrap one balloon around the frame; then twist it around another balloon to lock the cluster on the frame. If using helium, tie the cluster securely to the line.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make another cluster. Place the second cluster against the first and secure it in place. Adjust the second cluster so it nests snugly against the first.

7. Continue adding clusters, until the entire length of the arch is filled. If using helium, carefully untie the line from its anchors and move it to its permanent location when completed. Bricks, gallon bottles filled with water, etc. make great anchors that can be easily decorated and hidden from direct view.

Other Balloon Decorations

Attach balloons in clusters, as described above for balloon arches. Clusters of three, four or five balloons are workable; the most commonly used number is four.

Garlands – Use air-filled balloons and attach clusters to a nylon line as described above for helium-filled arches. When garlands are desired length, string between the corners of the ceiling, allowing garlands to drape evenly on all sides of the room.

Shapes – Aluminum rod is the best frame for shaped balloon decorations because it is flexible. Fashion the rod into a heart, number, or other shape before attaching clusters of air-filled balloons.

Columns – Attach clusters of helium balloons to a nylon line and tie down one end. Or, use balloons filled with air and attach them to a vertical frame anchored on a sturdy base.