DIY: Fabulous Hollow Yarn Balls

Last weekend I hosted a Girl's Night In - Italian Soiree. As usual, I researched a bunch of my favorite blogs for inspiration and decor ideas. My goal for the night was to keep it as low-cost as possible while pumping up the color and detail. For color, I decided to use a lot of jewel tones, especially red. Since I was expecting 12-15 girls, I had a lot of table-space and not many pieces for a centerpiece, so I decided to take advantage of hanging flower poms, hollow yarn balls, garland and lots of twinkle lights.

I had never made the 'Hollow Yarn Balls' before. I came across the DIY on Wednesday - a site/blog dedicated to custom designs, events and paperworks. The balls were absolute perfection for the party. Making them was definitely not easy.. In fact, I would have been miserable without the help of my friend, Erin. We had some good laughs, learned something new and the time and effort was well worth the outcome. They are the perfect addition for any party or event.

Photo by Jennie Raff

Photo by Jennie Raff

Photo by Jennie Raff

Supplies:

• Round balloons (desired amount)
• Cotton yarn (desired color)
• 4 oz. White school glue
• 1/2 cup of Corn starch
• 1/4 cup of Warm water
• Scissors
• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
• Clear fast drying spray paint (optional)
• Fishing line or string
• (You will also need a large bowl/container and spatula for glue mixture)

Directions:

1. Find a large, appropriate space for the project. It's a great idea to lay down a tarp/drop cloth to catch any drips during the drying process. Plan for the space to be occupied for up to 24 hours. You will need to hang the balls while drying (from a curtain rod, etc.). Give yourself plenty of working room, and expect to get messy!
2. Blow up desired amount of balloons. Suggestion: If you would prefer more round-looking hollow balls, don't blow the balloons up completely full
3. Create glue mixture. In a large bowl, mix corn starch, glue and warm water together until it's no longer lumpy
4. Smear the petroleum jelly all over your balloon until it is completely coated
5. Cut long pieces of yarn - length depending on the size of each balloon. Coat the yarn in the glue mixture and begin wrapping around each balloon. Add more/less yarn depending on the look you're going for. Be sure to secure the beginning and end pieces of your yarn to keep it from unwinding during the drying process. *If using as a light fixture(s), be sure to leave necessary room for fixture and cord to fit inside.
6. Hang the balloons up to dry; Wait 24 hours for best results.

Photo by Erin Tilson

Photo by Erin Tilson

After they have dried, pop and remove each balloon. Use a chopstick or skewer stick to knock out any any glue crystals that are left between the yarn. In a well-ventilated area, spray your hollow balls with clear, fast-drying spray paint for a finished look (not necessary).

Photo by Erin Tilson

Photo by Erin Tilson

Cleaning them up! (Please excuse the cheesy look on my face..)

Garland sewn (with Erin's help) - Inspired by post found @ The TomKat Studio

I'm totally thrilled with how they turned out! The balls could also be used as a garland or filled in a vase.


Thanks to Wednesday for instructions on this DIY! Post can be found here.
Flower poms DIY post can be found here: Martha Stewart
Photos: As specified. Thanks to my sweet friends, Erin & Jenny Raff


xo