Just last week I was introduced to these small paper beach balls. One of the missionaries from our church brought the balls back from Japan and gave one to my son. Upon examination I discovered they're very easy to blow up compared to a beach ball. And unlike a true beach ball, they hang in the air longer making it easy to bat them with your hands. Something about the fact that they're small and made with paper makes them extra charming. So of course my first thought was, could I find them in the states. I turned to my favorite store, Daiso and they didn't let me down. I found a pack of three for a $1.50!Somewhere along the way it occurred to me that they would make cute lanterns since they're paper. I could picture them lined around a pool at night for a party. Or maybe gracing the table for an evening barbecue. One thing to keep in mind is they're purely for ambiance. They do not give off enough light as a main light source. Simple directions below.
Supplies:
Paper beach balls
electric tea lights
scissors
Here's what the package of paper beach balls look like.
After you inflate the balls, they will stay filled since they're made of paper. There's no closure as you can see from the picture above. For making the lantern you will need to cut the hole slightly larger. You want only the tea light faux flame to fit in the hole.
Here's what the balls look like once they're inflated. They come in two sizes. I recommend using the smaller size ball.
Just place the ball on top of the tea light making sure the flame fits inside the opening of the ball. Done.*If you want to have hanging lanterns, I recommend using a small flashlight instead of a tea light.
8 comments:
Those balls are so cool! I've never seen them before. I have some of those tea lights and they are fantastic...got mine at Target. And they come in REAL handy during storms when the power goes out at night and the kids are freaking out about not having a night light...these work perfectly! :)
So great! what a fun touch of well, fun!
That's a great idea for summer. I bet the lighting will be colourful too.
Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Wow - these are cool!
Thanks for your comment on my blog. Where on Facebook do I look to see the feature?
yes it's very simple but makes a big statement!
If you're ever bored, look up some other Japanese kraft blogs. They are truly unique, and interesting. There is much out there other than the traditional stereotypical origami everyone associates with far Asia.
I've bought one of these balls in a toy shop in Germany, they are lovely and delicate.
wow i LOVE this!!!
Growing up in japan, I always had this around when I was little, but I always thought this paper ball is kind of pointless because 1. it's made of thin paper. breaks easily. 2. doesn't float in the air like baloons. boring.
I think this is wonderful idea and looks so beautiful. I'll try this myself. thanx!!!
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