MATERIALS NEEDED:
Balloon
String
Mod Podge
Foam Paint Brush
Directions:
1) Blow up balloon so that it is a circular shape. You can also use a beach ball. To create a full look at your event, you will want a few different sizes.
2) Tie a string to the top of the balloon to hang it while drying.
3) Take your spool of string (I just bought some white string from WalMart for about $1.50) and place the end of it at the top of the balloon, held by your finger. Begin wrapping string around the balloon from top to bottom, and back. I kept going until my spool ran out, but that depends on how much string you have. Use your judgement and decide how full of a look you're going for. Make sure you start wrapping around the sides as well as the top to bottom. You can either tie the end of the string to the top of the balloon or you can sort of tuck it. Make sure it stays in place.
4) Next, hang the balloon from the ceiling. Make sure there's nothing too close to the balloon, because it will shortly be covered in glue. You don't want it sticking to anything! 
5) Grab your Mod Podge and your foam paint brush. Cover the entire thing with a generous amount of Mod Podge. I more or less patted the brush rather than brushed the brush. Brusing causes the string to move. The great thing about using the balloon or beach ball is that they're squishy, so while you're applying glue, you can really make sure each part is covered.
6) Next, let it dry. I let mine dry for two nights. I just wanted to make sure it would be completely dry. When it is dry, pop the balloon. If you have an experience like I did, because the balloon was glued to the string, even after you pop the balloon, it will basically stay in place. I had to poke all around the balloon until it unstuck on the sides. Then it just shrunk up exactly how I wanted it to. Then pull the limp balloon out the top of the lantern. 
The end result was great!! I think this type of lantern would look great in a hemp string for a nice natural feel. You could also do it in any of your wedding colors to add a great and inexpensive detail!
You can also hang a light inside and make it a lamp! Perfect for using after your event is over.
See you in a couple of weeks for the next DIY project!
