Pop Can Hot Air Balloon (Step-By-Step DIY)

This is a step-by-step tutorial video that I am doing for my art classes. Since this is a step-by-step tutorial, instructions are detailed and at a steady pace. Materials that are needed for my version of this project:

- Tall Pop Can/ Soda Can
- Strong Scissors/ Metal Shears (straight cut)
- Super Glue (nozzle, brush, or both forms)
- Hot Glue Gun
- String/ Fine Thread
- Vinyl/ Rubber/ Construction Gloves for Hand Protection

I discovered the original project idea from the YouTuber, Sunny Lin, when searching ideas for some simple found object sculptures I can do with my students. As for Sunny Lin, she has lots of crafting project ideas on her channel. You can check out her channel by clicking on the link below:

   / @sunnylinsunnyday  

As for the music, DjEphixa is the one that created and owns the music; I do not claim ownership or credit for their hard work. I am a fan of their work in making remixes of classic Legend of Zelda songs. If you want to check them out, here is the link for them:

   / djephixa  

FAQs

Why did you decide to make a step-by-step tutorial even though Sunny Lin did one in a few minutes?

Good question. I don't discredit her and I think she has wonderful, creative ideas that involve crafting various objects and materials for unique purposes. When I tried out her version of the project, I ran into some complications that weren't addressed in her video. One challenge I had was when the heat of hot gluing the metal strands of the balloon together caused the bonds of the previous strands to weaken and undo. This could be that the smooth, thin metal of the cans absorbs the heat and the glue from the old bonds start to liquify again if reheated since the bonds are overlapping. As for the bucket, I didn't experience this challenge since the bonds are further apart.

Another challenge I faced was when the pull tab easily broke off at the top of the pop can, even when I pulled it up carefully. The pull tab is essential because it is not only where you connect the strings from the bucket to the balloon, but it is responsible for holding the piece up from the ground. These challenges along with other experiences inspired me to make my own version of the project, but to use superglue for the balloon part and teach people how to overcome the challenges I faced when first doing the project.

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