Hello sweet lovely friends! Recently, we read a book about hot air balloon travel and the kids became obsessed with it. So of course we came up with a project to go along with it.
If you’re looking for the perfect indoor activity for a cold or rainy day, this is it. Your kids will love it.
LOVE. IT. They’re already begging us to make more.
Here’s what you’ll need: A couple of containers of those plastic beads that they carry at your local craft store, (depending on how many you want to make) some craft foam, twine, glass containers like these (or non stick pans) + your oven.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, and while you’re waiting for it to heat, gather your little craft partners together to start creating their masterpieces.
Simply pour some of the beads into these containers, (I had their sorting station as a large pyrex dish so they could see what they were digging for) whether you wish to create a pattern, or just a random assortment, and bake. Have them flat (try to avoid layers of beads) and make sure most of them are packed in + touching. Then you’re ready to cook up some fun!
We baked ours at around 25-30 minutes, and a lot of this depends on your oven, so keep an eye out. You’ll smell a bit of a stinky plastic smell (because that’s what you’re doing… melting plastic) but leave them in until you think they’re ready, and all the little beads are sticking together.
While they’re baking, cut your twine to desired lengths in threes, (these will connect with glue or tape to your beads + basket shape, that you cut from foam (see below)
When they’re finished melting, pull them out of the oven and place on a countertop to cool completely. You can use non stick spray as well, but ours were just fine and popped right out of our glass when they were finished. They literally start to pop, and you’ll watch them come right up off of the glass.
WATCH those HANDS! It will be tempting for your helpers to touch those containers as they’re cooling so just keep an eye out for little eager beavers. See: Emerson. ;} Helpful Hint: If you have a little trouble, just let them sit in soap and water and they should pop right out.
We attached the twine and baskets and… tada!
I even stuck these to the window with a tiny dab of hot glue. When they’re finished, they just pop right off. Yes, I do love hot glue.
Our kids were mesmerized and I couldn’t help but think of all the shapes and possibilities with this simple easy peasy project! {See: Me creating a life-sized stain glass window with repeated rectangles in melted beads. Just kidding. Not really. Storing it away for later…}
They’re even cute elsewhere, but we love the way that light hits them from the windows!
Aren’t they oh so simple + fun? All three of our kiddos (from ages 3-7) seriously loved it.
Have an inspired day, y’all… and let us know if you try this little project!
Oh! My Gosh! These are so darn cute! We are so doing these! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
love it! pinning!
~Sarah
Such a fun idea! Oh, and as far as younger kiddos watching it I would definitely say to wait until they’re at least six or so. My husband rented it for our kiddos (I tried to tell him it was too scary!) and my four-year-old had bad dreams for a few nights after watching it. Just FYI 🙂
Yes I agree. Mentioned that above-it may be a little intense but very good! And I think they say a word or two in the beginning. Read up before watching! 😉
What a wonderful idea! Can’t wait for my Granddaughter to get a little older to do projects with! Reminds me of lightbrite! Thanks for sharing!
Wow I want to try that!!!I am unsure of what beads you are talking about?
Hey Elma! They’re just the standard, round-with-holes plastic beads you can buy in bulk at any craft store. I’m sure you could even take in one of these photos to a store and show the pic of the container to someone. They will probably know exactly what they are. Here’s a link to some. I hope that helps!
Wow! What a WONDERFUL idea for all those left over beads I have from Christmas ornaments that the kids made last year. Will be doing this craft tomorrow! Thanks for sharing it!!
Just made these and they are awesome! Kids already want to make more. I think these would be great for ornaments too. Any thoughts on how to make a hole for hanging on a tree??
I recently made a windchime using the same concept and heated a large safety pin with a lighter and it poked a perfect hole. You could also use a glass bead where you want the hole, just place it in your pan when placing the unmelted beads.
Hey Jennifer! I think if you leave space in one, and don’t melt them ALL the way, a hole would naturally form. A few of ours totally did that and they were fine. You could something in the little gap. I hope that helps!
These are really gorgeous! Great job! I totally want to try making some!
We just made these with a group of nine kids ages 2-9 that were learning about hot air balloons. We did them in reusable tin pie plates and that worked fine too. For the little kids’ projects, we used hot glue to put the pieces together where the beads didn’t fully touch one another. Then we added a photo of each child on their basket. Thanks for a great idea!
Love this so much! featuring it in a hot air balloon round up I’m doing;)
How do you attach them to the window?
Hey Lee Ann. We used a dab of hot glue, and when you’re done, they pop right off. Hope that helps! ;}
Making mine right now!