Is there anything more whimsical than a hot air balloon drifting lazily across the sky? There is something magical about the idea of floating above the clouds in a colorful basket. Today, we are bringing that magic down to earth and onto the crafting table.
We are so excited to share this vibrant paper plate hot air balloon craft. It combines two things kids absolutely love: bright colors and messy play. This isn’t just a coloring sheet; it’s a tactile experience!
We are using our famous “paint splat” technique that allows every child to be an artist without worrying about staying inside the lines. Plus, with the addition of puff paint and glitter, the final result has an amazing texture that looks ready to pop off the page!
Craft Supplies:
Before you start, gather the following supplies:
- Hot Air Balloon Basket Printable – from box.com
- Brown Cardstock Paper
- Scissors
- Large Paper Plate
- 2-3 Colors of Tulip Puffy Paint
- Loose Craft Glitter
- School Glue
- Embellishments
Pro Tip: Set up your painting station outdoors or use disposable tablecloths and aprons to manage the mess more easily.
Directions:
- Lay down a protective covering on your table or floor to catch any stray splatters. If you’re doing this indoors, ensure paper towels or wet wipes are nearby for quick clean-ups.
- Start by printing the free BASKET printable (linked above) onto a single sheet of brown or tan cardstock.
- Carefully cut out the basket shape and set it aside for now.
- Take a large paper plate and fold it in half.
- Unfold the plate and add a few squiggles of fabric paint to one side. Be sure to keep the paint away from the edges – remember, less is more!
- Fold the plate back in half and gently press it together, rubbing your hand across the surface to spread the paint evenly inside.
- Open the plate to reveal a unique, symmetrical “balloon pattern” created by the paint splatter. If you’d like, sprinkle some loose craft glitter over the wet paint for a touch of sparkle.
- To complete your craft, glue {or staple!} the basket cutout to the bottom of the painted plate.
- Allow your creation to dry completely before displaying it proudly for everyone to admire!
RELATED —> Pom Pom Painted Hot Air Balloon Craft
We hope you have a blast making these Paper Plate & Paint Splat Hot Air Balloons. It is such a joy to watch the colors swirl together and see the pride in a child’s eyes when they hold up their finished masterpiece.
This craft is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is a paper plate, a little bit of paint, and the freedom to make a mess.
On that note, don’t forget to grab your free printable template above to get started. Happy crafting, my friends!
