Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Getting started
• Part 2 of 4: Making the basket
• Part 4 of 4: Assemble and fly the hot air balloon
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Have you ever wanted to make your own hot air balloon and watch it gracefully fly away through the night sky? This is easier and cheaper than you might think! In this article, you can learn how to make a mini hot air balloon that can actually fly using a plastic bag, some straws and a few birthday candles.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Getting started

1. Find a thin plastic bag. It is best to use a thin, inexpensive pedal bin bag. Use a translucent or transparent bag. However, do not use a regular garbage bag, as it will be too heavy. You can also use a dry cleaning cover, but use a short cover designed for shirts and don't forget to seal the hole at the top of the cover.
   • Do not use plastic shopping bags as they are too small and heavy.
2. Check for holes in the bag by holding it in front of a small fan. Hold the opening of the bag in front of a small fan. Hold the bag against the fan and make sure there are no openings. Turn on the fan. The bag should fill with air like a balloon. If not, there may be holes in the bag. Find these holes and close them with a piece of tape.
3. Check the weather if you plan to fly your hot air balloon outside. It must be cool weather because the balloon will not be able to fly properly on a hot day. It is also important that there is no wind, because even the slightest breeze will keep the balloon from ascending. The best time to fly is at sunrise or sunset, when the weather is quietest.
   • Cold winter days with high air pressure are best for getting your balloon flying.
4. Choose a large, empty space if you plan to fly in your hot air balloon. It is also possible to let your balloon take off indoors. Make sure you have plenty of space, and that there are no curtains in the room and no carpet. This is because a fire could start if the balloon lands too close to it. A garage and a sports hall are excellent places to let your balloon fly.
5. Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy. You will be working with fire and it is important to work safely. As a child it is important to do this only under the supervision of an adult.

Part 2 of 4: Making the basket

1. Cut a 10 by 10 centimeter square from a sheet of aluminum foil. This will become the basket. The edges are sharp, so be careful.
2. Measure the opening of the bag. Place a ruler along the opening of the bag and write down the length. This is how long you will be making the poles for the frame.
3. Consider using balsa wood sticks instead of straws. Buy some thin balsa wood sticks from a craft store. If you look at it from above, these sticks appear to be square or rectangular in shape. Cut the sticks to the correct length. Put a drop of wood glue in the center of a stick. Put another stick on top so that you get a cross or an X. Wait for the glue to dry.
   • Try to buy the thinnest sticks possible. These will be the lightest and your balloon will be the easiest to fly through.
   • Do not use wooden dowels as they are not balsa wood and will be too heavy.

Part 4 of 4: Assemble and fly the hot air balloon

1. Place the balloon on a flat surface and hold the bag over the candles. Try to hold the bag as loosely as possible. It may be easier to do this step and the next step with a friend.
2. Hold the bag up until it fills with air and stays up on its own. This will take about a minute.
3. Let go of the bag. The balloon will not take off at first, but after a few minutes it will start to fly up on its own. Don't forget to keep holding or tying the rope. The balloon will continue to fly as long as the candles are lit.

Tips

• Depending on the size and weight of your balloon, you may need more candles.
• Consider using a biodegradable bag in case you lose your balloon outside.
• The bigger the bag, the more hot air it can hold and the better your balloon will fly.

Warnings

• Be careful not to let the balloon melt while it fills with air.
• Make sure to stay away from trees, curtains and dry grass.
• Always take fire safety precautions and have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Know that your balloon can catch fire and fall down.

Necessities

• Thin plastic bag
• Aluminium foil
• Birthday candles
• Straws, or something similar
• Adhesive tape
• Wire
• Lighter or matches
• Scissors
• Ruler