You can make a beach ball arch for your next party.It is easy and cost effective to create this arch.You need some beach balls, inner tubes, latex glue, a couple friends, and a few household items to build this fun party display.The fun decoration can be made with a little creativity and a lot of patience.
Step 1: Determine the location of the arch.
There is a good place for the arch at your party.You can determine how big the arch will be and how many beach balls and inner tubes are needed.The arch can be used as a backdrop for photo ops or as something your guests will walk through.Consider the height of your guests if you plan for them to walk through the arch.If you don't know the height of your guests, 6 feet (180 cm) is a good size.Some support for the arch can be found in an existing doorway.Any additional support for the arch can be helpful.
Step 2: Determine the size of your arch.
Place a piece of rope on the ground where the arch will begin, and place a rock on top of it.Use a friend or a step-stool to help you imagine the arch, then run the rope along the area.On the other side of the rope, mark it with a marker.Use your tape measure to determine the length after you lay your rope out straight.To determine the size of your arch, you will need a long piece of rope or twine, a tape measure, marker, and a rock.You might need the help of a friend and a ladder.
Step 3: Determine the size of your beach balls.
You will use 1 larger inner tube as the base for each side of the arch.You will go across the arch between beach balls and small inner tubes.You need to measure and select materials in order to know how many you need.The most common size of beach ball is 28 cm, but they are also available in other sizes.There are many sizes and thicknesses of inner tubes.Measure the inner tube options you buy and then blow them up.The measurement on the package refers to the diameter of the inner tube, whereas you have to know the thickness.
Step 4: How many beach balls and inner tubes do you need?
There will be an even number of small inner tubes, plus 2 larger ones for each base.You want a lot of beach balls.Your arch is going to be 20 feet long from end to end.Your beach balls are about 41 cm in length, your inner tubes are 25 cm thick, and your small inner tube is about 15 cm.Your math would look like this: So 20 feet is 236 inches.This is the size of your arch.The basesSubtract 20 inches (51 cm) leaves 220 inches (560 cm).The center beach ball subtracts 16 inches from the total number, leaving 204 inches.We can round up to 10 because each beach ball-inner tube pair is equal to 22 inches and 204 inches.You will not have an even number if you round down.For a 20 foot arch with the beach balls and inner tubes, you will need about 11 balls, 10 small inner Tubes, and 2 larger Inner Tubes.
Step 5: Purchase the materials you need.
You can get to work if you know how many beach balls and inner tubes you need.It may take some trial and error to get your arch just right, so you may want to purchase a couple of extra balls/tubes.An air pump to blow up balls and inner tubes, latex glue, and an odd number of beach balls are some of the things you will need for this project.
Step 6: Blow up the inflatables.
Use a hand pump or electric pump to inflate your beach balls.When filling each item, make sure it is firm to the touch.Don't overfill the inflatables, they will make a sturdy arch.They could pop if they weren't.
Step 7: Stack the inner tubes and beach balls with no glue.
Make sure you like the design by constructing the arch without glue.A friend may be able to help you hold the beach ball arch.The order is: a large inner tube at the base, followed by pairs of beach balls and small inter tubes.
Step 8: Attach the beach balls to your arch.
You will need help constructing the arch from 1-2 friends.It is important to glue the pieces together with the arch standing up in order to get the correct shape.Put a thin layer of latex glue on the bottom base inner tube and press one of your beach balls against it.Put pressure on for 30 seconds.Put a thin layer of latex glue on the beach ball and press one of your small inner tubes against it.Again, apply pressure for a short time.You can do a few layers on the left and the right.The balls and inner tubes should be curves in the shape of an arch.As you connect the 2 sides, have your friends hold the arch in place.The center of the arch will need the most support.The inflation tabs should be stuck out of the balls/tubes.You can add air and help take down with this.
Step 9: The arch should be held in place for as long as possible.
Take turns holding the top/center of the arch until the glue starts to set.To cure the arch, leave it alone for several hours.
Step 10: Add more support.
Rope or twine can be used to help secure the arch if you built it near an existing doorway.Attach a rope or twine around the arch in the top middle by looping it around.On each side of the arch, add another length of rope.If your arch will be outdoors, this step is advisable.
Step 11: Take the arch down.
All of the inflatables have nozzles on them.You used to secure it with rope or twine.Give the arch time to deflate.Store the arch for future use by folding it up.You may need to use latex glue next time you use the arch.