Craftibilities: large decorations

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I thought the luau themed #10 balloon number mosaic was my favorite but I really love how this number 3 turned out.

I used black foam boards this time and it went great with the hot pink, black & white, zebra theme.

Video tutorial - how to print & full build of the number frame

This video shows the best printing instructions.

Print template and arrange pages. See preview window while printing to make sure the layout is the same. Some printers are different. Pages could be vertical and 5 across.

Starting in the center helps keep everything straight. Tape pages together and cut out.

Foam boards purchased online from Dollar Tree. Search foam boards. They come in black and white. Even with shipping they are still the cheapest.

They sell them in packs of 25. I have purchased in store but the stock is sometimes sold out.

6 boards per most numbers. The #1 only takes 4 boards.

Tape 3 boards together and tape the template down and trace.

Use a box cutter or exacto knife to cut from the foam board.

I'm using these from Amazon since you can just pop the end off and have a brand new blade.

Measure 6" wide template for the side pieces.

Trace the template to make 3 side pieces per boards.

Here are 2 boards cut making six side pieces. You will need approximately nine side pieces per number. (except #1 will use less)

For rounded edges lightly score the foam board about 1" sections. Be careful not to press too hard.

Gently press the foam board to open the scored lines.

This video shows the best building instructions

I use a regular hot glue gun to attach sides.

Because the sides are 6" wide it stands pretty well. If you are going to use it outdoors you might want to add a stand. The last couple photos on my USA post show stands with weights to hold them in place. They were outside all day long and never moved.

I purchased the balloons from Amazon

5" Qualatex Pearl White Balloons

5" Qualatex Pearl Onyx Black Balloons

7" Qualatex Chrome Balloons

I used the leftover pink balloons from the Luau themed 10th balloon mosics.

11" Qualatex tropical assortment

5" Qualatex tropical assortment

The zebra and party print pink balloons came from a set. I decided not to use the mylar balloons.

Qualatex 7 piece - zebra birthday

I started using a low temp glue gun to attach balloons and I like it so much better. The balloons do not move. It does take a bit of time to wait for each one to dry and you have to watch out for glue strings.

I purchased a bulk box of longer clear glue sticks and low temp glue gun on Amazon.

I've shared templates with hundreds of people and look at all this creativity!!!! So happy and they all turned out amazing!!! Thank you for sharing.

I love the lights!!!

The one is 6' 7"!!!

If you need a temple I have 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and USA letters! Just send me an email!

You may also like these blog posts:

10th Luau Themed Balloon Mosaic - Tropical colors

18th Birthday Balloon Mosaics - Green, White, & Chrome

2020 Graduation Balloon Mosaics

2nd Birthday Mosaic - Pink, Gold, & White

16th Birthday Balloons - Gold, Black, & White

Red, White, Blue USA letters

Zebra & hot pink dipped Oreos

Zebra & hot pink dipped Rice Krispie Treats

DIY guest book picture frame

Ribbon topiary table decoration

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I made these templates a while back hoping we would be able to have a party for 4th of July. Well, no party but I'm still decorating. I had so much fun making these 5ft tall letters. I have the free template, just email me.

Update:

Video Tutorial

I'll update with pictures of them filled with balloons. I was too excited to share so I only have pictures of the frames.

I'll probably make a video for these letters as well. Same process.

UDATE video:

Red, White, Blue USA letters

I have four other video tutorials on how to make the mosaic numbers.

18th Birthday Balloon Mosaics

2020 Graduation Balloon Mosaics

2nd Birthday Mosaic - Pink, Gold, & White

16th Birthday Balloons - Gold, Black, & White

Open PDF file in Adobe and print as a poster. Change to 500% under tile scale.

Print in grayscale and in draft mode to save ink.

UPDATE: To use less paper - don't click CUT MARKS or LABELS when printing.

All the pages had a small white border. I didn't worry about all the pages matching up, only the edges of the letters.

Start with the pages horizontal and go across the top 4 pages. Then start the next row below it.

I always tape the center first and work my way out. This way it's easier to match up all the lines.

Cut the letter out.

It takes 3 foam boards for the back or base of each letter.

For each letter you need about 7-8 pieces for the sides. Total you will need 6 - 20x30 foam boards.

Use a box cutter or exacto knife to cut from the foam board.

I'm using these from Amazon since you can just pop the end off and have a brand new blade.

Measure 6"-6 1/2" template and trace for each side piece. I used 6 1/2

Cut each board into 3 pieces for the sides.

For rounded edges on the letter U and S, lightly score lines 1" - 1 1/2" apart on a side piece.

Don't forget to use the excess board from the back or base of the letters to cut side pieces.

I put craft paper down since it gets a little messy attaching the sides with hot glue.

The U & S are rounded at the bottom and a little taller than the A.

I used the A to measure how much to cut off the bottom of the U and S. This worked out perfect to make the bottom flat to allow it to stand up. Double check it because I think my U still looks taller than the S.

I attach sides with hot glue but you can also use tape.

I ordered all my balloons from Amazon and the foam boards from Dollar Tree.

I'm a huge fan of Qualatex balloons but couldn't find everything I needed or get it delivered in time.

10"-12" 4th of July Balloons - Red, White, Blue, & Star Print

10" Mini Red Star Foil Balloons

5" Qualatex Ruby Red Balloons

5" Qualatex Pearl White Balloons

Ready to fill with balloons!

Balloon placement but not attached yet. I'm trying a low temp hot glue gun this time.

UPDATE:

The low temp glue gun is so much better. The balloons do not move. It does take a bit of time to wait for each one to dry and you have to watch out for glue strings. I don't think I'll use glue dots anymore.

I purchased a bulk box of longer clear glue sticks and low temp glue gun on Amazon.