Confetti launchers are used to throw a rainbow of colored paper into the air at festive events. Several events that where confetti is commonly used are weddings, birthdays, showers and anniversaries. A homemade confetti launcher provides the individual the control of the time of launch along with the amount of confetti used.
The origin of the word confetti is Italian. The word literally means edible favor or candy given out at a wedding to the guests. This type of confetti is now referred to as coriandoli in Italy. The same edible favors are known as Jordan almonds in the United States.
Confetti is small, thin pieces of colored shaped paper thrown in the air during a festive event. It is felt that the tradition of throwing confetti originated from the pagan fertility tradition. The pagan tradition threw rice, leaves or petals from trees and flowers over a bride and groom. This was to bring a happy life and many children to the newly married couple.
Material Required
A do-it-yourself confettie launcher is made from 2 inch PVC pipe and fittings, a sprinkler valve and tThe material required to make a confetti launcher includes: 2 inch 40 pound PVC pipe, 2 inch PVC end cap, tire fill valve, sprinkler valve, 3 – 9 volt batteries, 2 – switches, electrical wire, 2 – 2 inch female PVC connectors, 2 – 2 inch .75 inch threaded female reducers, 2 – 3/4 inch threaded pipe connectors, sprinkler valve, and PVC glue.
Launcher Instructions
Cut the 2 inch PVC pipe into two separate pieces. One piece should be 24 inches long with the other being 22 inches. Drill a hole in the middle of the 2 inch PVC cap and glue the tire valve into the opening. Glue 1 – 2 inch female connector to the end of each of the pipes. Glue the end camp to the end opposite end of the 22 inch pipe. Attach the 2 – 3/4 inch threaded PVC connectors to the sprinkler valve. Attach the 2 – 2″ female .75 reducer connectors to the end of the 3/4 inch threaded PVC connectors. Glue the 2 – 2″ female .75 reducer connectors to the 2 inch female connectors already glued on the 2 inch pipe. Assemble the electrical release by attaching 3 – 9 volt batteries side by side with electrical wire. Connect one side to 2 switches (one is used for a safety release) and the other to the solenoid. Connect the switches to the second wire on the solenoid. Connect the electrical either to the launching tube or to a wooden base.
Fill the launching tube with confetti. Fill the air chamber with air. Press both switches at the same time to release the air into the confetti chamber. Sit back and watch the confetti fly.
