This post may include affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Hot air balloon crafts are popular to go along with reading the classic story Oh, the Places You’ll Go! This activity is perfect for a craft to go along with your story time. This hot air balloon craft has two versions. One is color and the other is black and white. The color version has six different colored balloon pieces to print and cut. There is one black and white balloon outline to print multiple copies of.
Materials Needed
You don’t need much to make this printable hot air balloon craft! Here’s a look at what you’ll need:
Spring dot marker pages Spring play dough activity mats Free printable bee craft
Your free printable template (download link is lower in the post) Printer access and paper Scissors Glue A piece of blue construction paper or card stock, if you don’t want to use the provided printed background
Instead of using the black and white hot air balloon as a coloring page, you could print it in multiple colors of printer paper to save your color ink budget.
How to make a 3D hot air balloon craft
Don’t worry - instructions are included in your PDF file, too! There’s also a video showing the whole process located below the written instructions on this page. First, grab your free printable PDF file from lower down in the post. Look for the large blue rectangle with the text “click here to download your free printables.” Print out your desired balloon template pieces. There is a colored basket with six colorful balloon templates and a cloud background. There is also a black and white basket with a single balloon template. If you’re going with the black and white version, print six copies of this page. If you’re using the coloring page versions, have your child or students color or decorate the pages before cutting the designs out. Carefully cut out all the pieces. Fold each balloon shape in half along the dotted center line. Glue one folded balloon to another, stacking until all are attached to form a 3D shape. Cut out the basket strings and glue them to the backside of the balloon on the outer edges. To attach the balloon to the background: apply glue to one outer half of the 3D balloon to the printed background, then add glue to the opposite half and press it down to fully secure the balloon. If you’re not using the printed background, a sheet of construction paper or card stock works well. You can also have your child draw or paint their own sky background. Make sure to place the balloon high enough on the page to attach the basket. To assemble and attach the basket, fold it along the lines and glue the tabs to the background. Place the strings into the basket. Make sure to allow everything to dry fully before handling! The video below shows everything in the process:
Free printable balloon craft PDF file download area
Like other free printables here on The Artisan Life, this printable is licensed for personal use and classroom use. This includes use with library activities. You are not licensed to sell or redistribute the files or print outs, even for free. Please refer friends and colleagues to this post to download their own copies. I hope you enjoy this hot air balloon craft! Make sure to check out the posts below for more free printables for little learners:
