Light Up Your Party With LED Balloons

Timeless and appropriate at any age, balloons are a must-have for any celebration. But as a tech geek and lover of anything with an on/off button, I couldn’t help myself when I realized that LED lights paired with balloons would result in instant glowing lanterns.




Materials:
- LED lights (DIY or repurpose a dollar store keychain)
- Balloons

Step 1: Gather your LEDs

This part can be as simple or complicated as you desire. One option is to craft your own LED lights, while the other is to purchase them powered and ready to go.

If you choose to get geeky and craft your own LEDs, you’ll need the following:

- 5-10 small LEDs (available online or at Radio Shack)

- 5-10 3-volt batteries

- Tape

To assemble the LEDs, place the “legs” of an LED on either side of a battery. It should light up right away. If it doesn’t, flip the battery around. On the day of the party, tape the LED to the battery to secure it in place. Repeat this process until all your LEDs are lit.

If you choose to purchase powered LEDs, head to your local Dollar Store or party supply store and hunt for LED accessories. I was able to find LED keychains that pulse a variety of colors when powered.

Step 2: Assemble the balloons

If you plan to blow your balloons up with helium, grab your LEDs and head to the party store. Before you fill a balloon with helium, turn on an LED light and insert it into the balloon.

Once they’re tied and attached to some string, scatter the balloons around the party and watch as your glowing balloons light up the scene.

The life of any given LED will vary, but expect your LED balloons to last at least 24-48 hours.

If your LEDs are still glowing by the time your party ends, pop the balloons, remove the LEDs, turn them off, and save them for your next celebration.

DIY: Beer Bottle Bud Vases

We’re serving up an easy way to transform your beer bottles into beautiful bud vases. These are great project for sprucing up your home and make the perfect hostess or housewarming gift. Of course, we recommend bringing a full six-pack as well.

Materials:

- empty beer bottles

- spray paint

- painter’s tape

- puff paint

First, wash out those bottles! If your bottles have labels on them, soak in warm water until it’s easy to peel the label off. Now, set up your workstation. It’s crucial to work outside when working with spray paint.

Spray your first bottle. You may need two coats if your bottle is printed. And that is potentially all you need to do!

See how lovely even just the plain old bottle looks dolled up in spray paint?

To take it to the next level, grab your painter’s tape and start making patterns. We created stripes, a sun burst, and more stripes!

Next, we’ll help you take your bottle not only to the next level but to another dimension!

Use puff paint to create dotted designs that pop out from the bottle. Let dry for about 30 minutes before spray painting.

Now you’ve got all your bottles ready to go, what are your going to put in them? And how will you carry them?

The answers? Flowers and the cartons your beers came in! :)

A Bracelet and a Necklace with an Angel

An angel and beads are threaded onto a piece of elastic beading cord and tied with two or three tight knots.

Angel necklace: Beads and an an angel are put onto a head pin. Twist to form a loop. This is attached onto a piece of leather cord with a round jump ring.