You can make a beach ball arch for your next party.This arch is easy to create and cost effective.You need some beach balls, inner tubes, latex glue, and a couple friends to build this fun party display.This 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 space 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, it's 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 the arch.
Place a piece of rope on the ground where the arch will begin and place a rock on top of it.You can use a friend or a step-stool to help you imagine the arch.There is a mark on the rope where it goes to the other side.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 inner tubes.
The base for each side of the arch is going to be 1 larger inner tube.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 a variety of sizes and thicknesses of inner tubes.Measure the inner tube options you purchase and then blow them up.The measurement on the package refers to the diameter of the inner tube, whereas you need to know the thickness.
Step 4: How many beach balls and inner tubes will you need?
There will be an even number of small inner tubes and larger ones for each base.You will 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 leaves 204 inches, which is 16 inches less than the total number.We can round up to 10 because each beach ball-inner tube pair is equal to 22 inches and 204 inches.You won't have an even number if you round down.For a 20 foot arch with these 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 purchase materials 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 is required for this project.
Step 6: Blow up the inflatables.
Use a hand pump or electric pump to inflate your beach balls.The items should be filled until they are firm to the touch.Don't overfill the inflatables, they will make a sturdy arch.They might pop if they weren't.
Step 7: Stack the beach balls without glue.
To make sure you like the design, build the arch without glue.A friend may be able to help you hold the beach ball arch.The order goes like this: 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.Apply pressure for at least 30 seconds.You can do a few layers on the left and right.The balls and inner tubes should be curve 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 needs the most support.The inflation tabs need to 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 for a minimum of 10 minutes until the glue starts to set.The arch should be left alone for several hours to allow the glue to cure.
Step 10: Additional support should be added.
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 rope or twine to secure it.Give the arch some time to deflate.Store the arch for future use by folding it up and squeezing the remaining air out.You may need to use latex glue next time you use the arch.