SYTYC Dollar Store - Summertime String Lanterns {Tutorial}

We spend a lot of time during the summer on our patio. The patio is an add-on with a neat tin roof and wooden enclosure, but when the natural light is gone it can be very, very dark.

For the Dollar Store challenge I wanted to come up with something that would be stylish during the day and provide some light at the night time, so we can enjoy our patio even more.

So I came up with some Summertime String Lanterns!!

So I went to the Dollar Store to pick up the supplies, suprisingly enough, it cost less than $5.00! 

**Warning: making String Lanterns will make you wish it was Summer in your neck of the woods. I wish it was!

TUTORIAL:

Dollar Store Items Needed:
- Elmer's or white school glue (2)
- Balloons
- Thin String
- Gold Paint (optional)
- Clear Spray Paint (optional)

 Blow up balloons and roll the string into a big ball {this will allow for easy wrapping of the balloons}.

Dump the glue into a big mixing bowl.

 Add desired color of paint or leave alone to let the color of the string show.

 You will want to work on a tarp or I just put everything into my sink. Dip the string in the glue and wrap around the balloon.

{It's a little hard in the beginning but the more you wrap, the easier it is to get the hang of it!}

Once balloons are wrapped hang in a dry, warm area over  night.

I popped the balloons in the morning but still let them dry a few more hours before hanging them.

Because I wanted the lanterns to be outdoorsy, I would recommend spraying them with a clear craft or spray paint.

I then hung up the lanterns and then threaded some old Christmas lights into the balloons.


Now, just wait for the warm weather to hit your area and you are good to go! :)