This little hot-air balloon ornament was fun to make and it’s SO pretty on the tree.
The silver glitter paint is super sparkly near the tree lights.
The balloon I used came from a package labeled “water balloons” so it was extra small. The little ‘baskets’ fell off a near-by tree. The red netting from the oranges added texture, and of course, the piece of bubble gum was just the right size for a tiny gift. For the sand-bags, I used some silver beads from a broken necklace.
This is my favorite type of Christmas project; it’s the kind of creation that has so many possibilities for found objects, recycling odd materials, etc. I’ve got another one in the works, but this time I’m making it simpler. I’m bypassing the paper-mache part and recycling an unexpected item that was headed for the trash-can.
Hot-air balloon #2 coming up soon!
Happy Holidays!
I love this project, awesome idea to decorate the tree and house with!
SO FUN that I recognized the Hubba Bubba bubblegum, we have that here! hehehe!
Oh my goodness this is fun and pretty and so unexpected! I love that you took trash and turned it into treasure.
So adorable…I love home-made decorations. My tree was lacking something this year until I made some sweet paper birds…now it is prefect! Thanks for sharing.
How adorable!!! I love how you put this tutorial together! I had to go back an look at this 3 times because I noticed something different every time. I love it! Thank you for the wonderful compliment on how I write my blog posts. I tend to keep things pretty “free” and as true to me as I can without crossing the line 😉 . Take care and I hope things are going well for you and your family. Chrissy
I never seen nothing like that befor!!!!!!!! You are incredible! Anna
Oh my gosh…Scarlett! How SWEET is that! I love how you created from things found…and the Hot Air Balloon is such a cool project – I want to try one! Currently, we’re dipping pinecones in hot scented wax and adding some glitter and pearls….the kids are making a huge mess with that, but it sure smells great in my kitchen.
How are you doing my friend? Hope you are having a good day 🙂 xo
There you go again….WOW!! I love these so much, you know Christmas is my favorite time of year and those little Hot Air Balloon ornaments are just perfect so cute. Love it, can’t wait to see it’s cousin…Love you, Aunt Mel.
Seriously? You must be the most creative person I know! Lucky kids! Floy
You are so clever, I love this! I can think of all kinds of poetic thoughts…
so inspiring! Thank you for sharing 😀
@Anmaree –Hi there! Thanks, lol, yes I was chewing and crafting at the same time actually, love that gum! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
@Nola –Thanks Nola, we always have a lot of interesting trash around here from homeschooling and all of my art projects, it’s fun to try and give stuff new life! Thanks so much!
@koralee- Yes! I agree, a little homemade on the tree is just the right touch, thanks so much, I’ll be over to see your birds, bet they’re wonderful!
@Christina –You are so sweet, I’m so glad you liked this project, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me such kind words, thanks so much!
@Anna– YAY! That’s my goal, trying to come up with something that hasn’t already been done the same way…it’s a lot more challenging now, seems like I see all the ideas in my head on Pinterest as soon as I think of them!! Thanks again for visiting!
@Sherri –Ooooh, glitter and pearls, I like that combination! Hope you’ll post some pics, it sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for your sweet comment, glad you liked the little balloon. 🙂
@Melanie Keel –Thank you Aunt Mely, I’m so happy that you come over and see my blog, it means a lot to me, hope to see you soon, love you,Scarlett
@Floy –Seriously? LOL, I could say the same thing about you, oh my goodness, I can’t even imagine how you come up with your jewelry designs, each one so incredible and one-of-a-kind!! Thanks so much, love you, Scarlett
@Ella –Thanks, friend, I’m always happy to hear from you and thankful I ‘met’ you this last year. Maybe we can collaborate on something in 2012? Hmmmm….just a poetic thought…. 🙂
Wow! These are amazing, Scarlett! Really wonderful! How do you get all these great ideas, I must wonder? 🙂 You really are an inspiration! 🙂
I love these hot air balloons – so cute and from another time – just love them!
how adorable. I just love it! happy thoughts and crafty dreams to you!!
AMAZING! So awesome! I LOVE THEM! 😀
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
@Elisabeth R –I appreciate it, thanks so much! I actually got the bubble gum package idea from my mother. She’s in heaven now, but back in the 80’s she used to make elaborate Christmas centerpieces and I will never forget one had tons and tons of tiny packages of perfectly wrapped gum pieces, much fancier than this one! My mom was so creative, I miss her so much. Thanks for visiting!
@Andrea –Yay, I’m glad you liked them, thanks for stopping by, hope to see you soon!
@Anna –I know you are so busy with holiday projects, too! Thank you for taking the time to stop by, glad you liked the balloon ornament! 🙂
@Alison – 🙂 You are so sweet!! Hope I get to see you sometime soon, before next year! 🙂
dear Scarlett,
Thank you for stopping by the blog even when I’m lacking updates! I miss checking in on you and your amazing art. This ornament, on my, I’m going to find time to do it, I must. I love it! Here’s to hoping your holiday season is full of cheer and joy this year.
Absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to see it in person. Thanks for sharing your gift, your life…. your journey….
@i.ikeda –So glad you came by,I know you are busy! I wish you and your family a blessed holiday season as well. Hope you and your sweet N. are making beautiful memories this year. 🙂 Thanks again!
@Mona –You’re welcome and thank YOU for taking the time to come see what I’ve been making,you are so encouraging and I really appreciate it. See you soon!
What a neat and fun ornament! Very creative.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse gearing up for the upcoming 2012 A to Z Challenge!
Hi Scarlett .. that is extraordinarily beautiful and I love listening to the Nutcracker as I’m reading the post … wish I had craft fingers .. and a home organised for those sort of things … one day perhaps I’ll have a work-room somewhere .. Just gorgeous – so clever .. cheers Hilary
Wow Scarlett! This one is just “over the top” amazing! I too went back and forth looking at your process. I don’t recognize the “baskets” and imagine something local to you. Hope you are having a sweet weekend …hugs, Sandi
This project looks like loads of fun! I love hot air balloons. I can’t wait to try one of these!!! Thanks for sharing! ~Sophia