Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece

Instructions

1. Assemble the paper lantern. Glue the rope around the lantern about 4″ above the bottom hole, keeping it even all the way around. This is where the dowels will attach, so the rope needs to be level for the lantern to sit straight. 
2. Cut eight lengths of 1″ ribbon and glue them over the lantern seams, from the top hole down to the rope. Then, glue ½” ribbon down the center of each 1″ ribbon, as shown. 
3. Glue a white heart button where every other ribbon meets the rope, as shown. 
4. Glue the foam block into the bottom of the basket. If your basket has open handles, cover any visible foam with ribbon or tissue paper. 
5. Position the dowels about 1½” in from each end of the foam and 1″ in from the sides. Insert each dowel about ½” deep at first, angling them slightly outward. Hold the paper lantern over the dowels to check where they meet the rope, lining them up with the four ribbons without buttons. Adjust as needed, then push the dowels about 1½” into the foam to secure them. 
6. Apply double-stick tape or glue dots to the dowel ends, then attach the lantern securely. 
7. Cut apart the mixed floral bush and insert the stems evenly across the top of the foam. Cut apart the greenery bush and add pieces around the flowers to fill gaps and cover any exposed foam. 
8. Tie four small bows from the 2″ striped ribbon and glue one to the rope at the top of each dowel, as shown. Tie another small bow and glue it to the top of the lantern.