You can make your summer party look even more special by making a party arch out of a beach ball. Although it looks difficult, it is very easy and cheap to make. To make one of these fun party decorations, you'll need some beach balls, an inner tube (also known as a swim tube), latex glue, some household items, and the help of some friends. With a little creativity and patience, these eye-catching decorations can make your party look more interesting.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Planning the Making of a Party Arch
Step 1. Decide where the gate will be placed
Find a location with enough space to place the gate. That way, you will be able to determine how big the gate is and the number of beach balls and inner tubes needed.
- You can make the gate as a backdrop for the photo location or the entrance that guests pass through.
- If you are going to make an archway as a guest entrance, consider the height of your guests. If you don't know the height of the guests, it's a good idea to build a balloon arch 1.8-2.1 meters high.
- You can look for areas that support the gate, such as an existing entrance. The gate must be able to stand on its own, but any additional support can also be useful.
Step 2. Determine the size of the gate
Place the end of the rope in the ground where the archway will begin to form and place the stone on top. Then, extend the rope to the area where the gate is (ask a friend and/or use a chair). Mark when the rope reaches the ground on the other side. Then, stretch the rope and use a tape measure to determine the length.
To determine the size of the gate, you will need string or twine, tape measure, markers, and stones. You may also need the help of a friend and a ladder or chair
Step 3. Determine the size of the beach ball and inner tube to use
You will use 1 large inner tube as the base at each end of the arch (so in total, you will need 2 inner tubes). Then, alternate each beach ball and small inner tube until the arch is full. To find out the number of balls and inner tubes needed, select and measure the material to be used.
- The most common beach ball size is 28 cm, but you can also find it in other sizes such as 40 cm, 60 cm, etc.
- Inner tubes are available in many sizes and thicknesses. You may have to buy several types of tube and measure the size after inflating (the size on the package label usually refers to the diameter of the tube, while you will need to know the thickness).
Step 4. Calculate the number of beach balls and inner tubes you will need
You will need an even number of small inner tubes and 2 larger tires for each base of the arch, and an odd number of beach balls. If your archway is 6 m from end to end, you will need a beach ball measuring 40 cm and a small inner tube about 25 cm thick. With this example, the calculation would be like this:
- So, 6 meters is 600 cm. This is the total size of your party archway.
- Subtract 50 cm for the inner tube at each end of the gate so that it becomes 550 cm.
- Subtract 40 cm for the beach ball in the middle (which makes the total odd) so that it becomes 510 cm.
- Each pair of beach ball inner tubes is 60 cm, and 510 cm divided by 60 cm is 8.5, which can be rounded up to 9 (if rounded down, the number will not be an even number).
- For the 6 m long arch with beach balls and inner tubes, you will need 9 beach balls, 8 small inner tubes and 2 large inner tubes.
Part 2 of 2: Gathering Materials and Making the Gate
Step 1. Purchase the materials needed
Once you know how many beach balls and inner tubes you'll need, you can buy these materials and start building the archway. You can also buy some beach balls or extra inner tubes as making the right archway will take a few tries. For this project you will need:
- 2 large inner tubes
- Small inner tube with even number
- Beach ball with odd number
- Latex glue (you can buy it at a craft store or online)
- Air pump for blowing beach balls and inner tubes
Step 2. Inflate all beach balls and inner tubes
Use an electric tire pump or hand pump to fill all beach balls and inner tubes with air. Inflate until the ball and tires are firm to the touch for a strong party arch. However, be careful not to pump it too full and burst.
Step 3. Try stacking the inner tube and beach ball without glue
Practice making archways without glue to make sure you like the design. You may need a friend's help to keep the gate strong.
Remember the order: the large inner tube at each end of the arch, followed by the beach ball pair and the small inner tube
Step 4. Glue the beach ball with adhesive
To make the gate, you will need the help of 1-2 friends. The beach ball should be attached while the arch is standing (not lying on the ground) so you can shape it into an arch.
- Apply a small amount of latex glue to the inner tube at each end of the arch and stick 1 beach ball on the tire. Press for 20-30 seconds.
- Apply a little latex glue on the beach ball and stick 1 small inner tube. Press again for 20-30 seconds.
- Glue a beach ball and an inner tube alternately on each side: stick a few balls on the left side, then a few on the right. Make sure to slightly bend the ball and tube to form an arc.
- Ask a friend to hold the arch, especially the top/middle, as you connect the two sides.
- Be sure to attach the beach ball and inner tube by placing the nipples on the outside. That way, you'll be able to fill the air as needed and deflate it easily.
Step 5. Hold the arch as long as possible
Hold the top/center of the arch alternately for at least 10-15 minutes (though the longer the better), until the glue starts to stick. Then, let the gate stand on its own (without holding it in) for a few hours to allow the glue to stick firmly.
Step 6. Add other supporting materials
If the gate is built near a concrete structure (such as an entrance), you can use rope or twine to help secure it. Tie the top center of the arch with string or twine and find a place to pin it. Tie also each side of the gate.
This step is optional, but recommended, especially if your archway will be outdoors
Step 7. Lower the archway
Open the valves of all beach balls and inner tubes. Remove the string or twine used to secure it. Allow some time (an hour or two) for the ball and tire to deflate on their own. Press the ball and tire to release any remaining air, fold it up, and save the arch for future use.
