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Decorative Jute Balls

I've seen these decorative balls everywhere. In potpourri, on awesome blogs I read, like Thrifty Decor Chick, etc. I've even seen a tutorial on them, but I tried to find it again and couldn't. So, again, this is not a Two Girls Being Crafty original idea. But I hope that some of you will be inspired by it. I know I was. And I couldn't resist making some for myself.  :)

jute ball collage

These would look great in a glass apothecary jar, cloche, or any bowl you may have. Below is a picture of my inspiration found on one of my favorite blogs, Thrifty Decor Chick. Want to learn how to make them? Let's get started!

Thrifty Chick's cloche.jute balls

Here's what you'll need:

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Balloons
Jute (hemp would work too)
Newspaper
Saran Wrap
Fabric Stiffener or Glue

Here's What You Do:

Blow your balloons up to the size you want your balls to be. I did some small ones and some larger ones. Mix your glue with equal parts water. (Of course, if you're using fabric stiffener, you don't have to do this part. Just pour it into a container.) Lay your newspaper down covering your workspace - it's gonna get messy, people!


Cut a fairly long piece of Jute and soak it in the glue or fabric stiffener. Let it sit in there for a couple of seconds, and then pull it out squeezing the excess glue/stiffener with your fingertips. Wrap it around your balloon in alternating patterns. Repeat this until your balloon is well covered but make sure there are still plenty of holes. 

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Let them dry on the saran wrap for a couple of hours. When the tops feel dry and stiff to the touch, turn them so that the bottoms are able to dry too. I left mine to dry overnight. Finally, pop the balloon and remove it through one of the holes.

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And you're done! This project is so simple and satisfying.You should definitely try it! You could do it with different colored yarn (maybe some bright Spring colors) or spray paint them to match your decor. What do you think? What kind of decorative ball would you make?


19 comments:

  1. i am definitely trying this! thanks for sharing

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  2. so cute. this reminds me of a paper mache project we did in girl scouts to make our own pinatas!

    these are very nice.

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

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  3. Great job... they look like they were bought at a store! I'm going to try my hand at these too! Thanks so much for sharing! Vicki

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  4. I love this idea! Very clever!

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  5. Ok...I am totally doing this today. Yay!

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  6. can't. wait. to. try. this. so awesome! love all of your tutorials & fab ideas! hugs!

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  7. I just stumbled on your blog and wanted to let you know that I LOVE this post! I think my readers may enjoy it as well so I've shared it on my blog over at:

    http://adesiretoinspire.blogspot.com/2011/05/twine-ball-tutorial.html

    Looking forward to following your craft adventures! :)

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  8. Love it! What kind of glue did you use? Modge pod?

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  9. I made some of these a few years ago, I got the idea from the Martha Stewart website.I did mine with white crochet cotton and put them on a christmas tree, they look like snowballs. I hope to do some more with juste to put in a bowl. Your tutorial is very easy for anyone who has never done this before. I am now following your blog.

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  10. Hi~ Just love these! ls there any way that you could send me out the instructions on how to do these? Thanking you in advance~ Lou-Ellen

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  11. Hi! The welcome sign in the background, so creative, is it made of the same materials as the balls?
    ls there any way if you created this sign, could you please send me the instuction if possible. Thanking you in advance~ Lou-Ellen

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  12. These are great! I've featured them in a round-up of great DIY vase fillers. :) http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2012/02/five-great-diy-vase-fillers.html

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  13. Love this project still and just wanted to let you know I featured you in my roundup of jute craft projects here. Feel free to check it out if you want and hope you like it! : )

    -Mel the Crafty Scientist

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  14. Love this project and will be making them bigger and adding light inside for lighting at my sisters wedding, thank you for the idea

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