One sheet of paper turns into an Hot Air Balloon papercraft in about 30–40 minutes. Hang the balloon from a string on the ceiling or a shelf. Your elf will love it.
✂️ About This Papercraft
Hot Air Balloon papercraft: A balloon with a basket that your elf can climb into. Size: Balloon approx. 5.6 × 9.6 cm (2.2 × 3.8 in) · basket 2.2 × 2.2 × 1.5 cm (0.9 × 0.9 × 0.6 in).
At a Glance
●●● hard
about 30–40 minutes
Balloon approx. 5.6 × 9.6 cm · basket 2.2 × 2.2 × 1.5 cm
1 × A4
- Printer
- Heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) recommended
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Colored pencils
- Ruler and an empty ballpoint pen for scoring
- string for hanging (optional)
📐 Step-by-Step Instructions
🖨️ Important: print at 100% (“Actual size”), not “Fit to page”.
━━━ solid = cut · ━ · ━ dash-dot = mountain fold, fold backward · - - - dashed = valley fold, fold forward · ▒ gray area = glue
💡 Tips & Common Mistakes
- Do not glue the ropes at the bottom. They go onto the basket later.
- Hard build: Split the work. One child colors, a grown-up cuts and folds, and you glue together.
- Score the fold lines with a ruler and an empty pen before folding. The paper then bends exactly where it should.
- For children under 3, use small parts only with a grown-up nearby and keep them out of mouths.
🎭 How the Elf Plays With It
Hang the balloon from a string on the ceiling or a shelf. In the morning, your elf floats inside. Let the kids pick the spot themselves so they help build the scene.
📦 Matching printable set: Farewell
Goes Well With
More papercraft from “Vehicles”:
Your Benefits at PureSketchy:
- Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
- Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
- Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
- Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big is the “Hot Air Balloon” papercraft?
According to the template: Balloon approx. 5.6 × 9.6 cm (2.2 × 3.8 in) · basket 2.2 × 2.2 × 1.5 cm (0.9 × 0.9 × 0.6 in). An elf is about the size of a yogurt cup.
How long does it take, and what age is it for?
About 30 to 40 minutes. Best from about age 9 or as a team project with a grown-up.
How do I hang the balloon?
Tape a thin string to the top of the balloon and fasten it to a shelf or the ceiling.
Should I color before cutting?
Yes, color first and cut afterward. Small pieces are much easier to color while they are still on the sheet.
Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.
Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Heißluftballon.