A very popular party decoration are these tissue paper poms (or pom poms). I have seen these for sale in the shops for ridiculous prices and can’t believe that people don’t just make them! They are very simple and I’m going to tell you how you can make your own. (Another ‘How To’ that’s been in the making for over a year!)
HOW TO MAKE TISSUE PAPER POMS
Step 1. and 2. For a large pom neatly stack 10 to 12 pieces of full size tissue paper (they usually come in packs of 5 and are approximately 500 x 750mm). Small poms you can cut the full size pieces of tissue paper in half and use about 8 pieces. You can make all different size poms simply by changing the size of the tissue paper. Smaller poms need less paper to look full.
Now fold the stack of tissue paper in a fan, with each fold around 1 1/2 inches (I like to use the width of my ruler as a guide).
Step 3. and 4. Fold your fan in half to find the middle. Using some clear thread or fishing line, tie a knot around the middle with enough length to hang your pom. Other guides on how to make these poms say to use floral wire or staple the middle to secure it…to be honest with you, it really isn’t necessary! If you want, then go for it but I found it made no difference to the end result.
Step 5. Cut the ends of your fan of tissue paper, either round or pointy, with special scissors (any way you like really). HINT Use very sharp scissors and do it a little at a time to get it looking very neat.
Step 6. and 7. Now separate and fluff out each piece of tissue paper from the center. Be very gentle with it as they do tear very easily! Do both sides as you go until you reach half way bringing each layer to the middle.
Step 8. Once you have reached the half way mark, flip your pom over and repeat steps 6. and 7. until you have a complete ball. Fiddle with it until you have a nice, round pom. Remember don’t pull on the tissue paper too hard or it will tear!!
That’s all there is to it!! Try doing some fun things like stacking different colours or shades of the one colour. Get creative!! I’ve seen so many great tissue papers available, even patterns, all for a dollar or two per pack.
