These handmade party blowers are as much fun to create as they are to use. For a paper tongue that will curl properly, choose a decorative paper that is about the same weight as photocopy paper.
Tools and Materials
Plastic straw
Vellum
Double-sided sheet adhesive
Scissors
Decorative paper
Clear tape
Pencil
Rubber band
White glue
Decorative tape
Party Blowers How-To
1. To make the stem, cut a straw to measure 6 inches long. Cut a 2-inch-wide strip of vellum to the same length, and cut double-sided sheet adhesive to the same size. Apply adhesive to vellum, but do not remove the second protective backing. Curl the vellum strip around the straw, and mark the point where one long end of the strip contacts the other. Cut the strip at the mark, making it just the right width to cover the straw. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive, and slowly and evenly roll the vellum onto the straw, smoothing out any bubbles as you go.
2. Cut a 2-by-10-inch rectangle of decorative paper for the tongue. Fold the long sides of the paper in to meet along the center. Cover the seam with a length of clear tape, then fold over about 1/4 inch of one end, and fix it with tape. When taping seams, keep in mind that when finished, the tube will need to be airtight. Starting at the sealed end, roll the tongue tightly around a pencil, and wrap a rubber band around it to keep it coiled. Leave the rubber band wrapped around the tongue for at least a day.
3. Remove the rubber band from the tongue, which should remain coiled. Fold in the corners of the open end, as shown.
4. Dab a little white glue on the interiors of the folds and inside the opening. Slip the vellum-covered stem into the tongue. Apply pressure until the glue dries, and cover the joint with a piece of decorative tape.
