DIY tissue paper poms

{also featured on kcmag.com}

Tissue paper pom poms are a fun touch to add to your decor for any occasion. They work for baby showers, wedding receptions, birthday parties and practically any other event. I used poms above the dessert table at my wedding reception. I was a 100% diy bride and when it came down to that last detail, I was too tired and overwhelmed to take on making my own poms. If I knew how easy and quick they are to make I would have definitely made my own. 

Here is a photo of the dessert table at my wedding. The poms definitely add a fun pop of color to this area, don't you think?

These photos were taken by a very talented Kansas City based photographer, Rusty Wright of RJ Stills Photography. I suggest you check out his wonderful wedding photography.

Anyways...back to the poms.

My friend Katie is having a baby shower this summer, so I offered to make the poms for the decor. I was happy that I finally had an excuse to make my own poms. 

Here is what you'll need:
+ 10 sheets of the same color tissue paper  (Most people suggest 8 sheets but I found they turned out best with at least 10 sheets.)
+ Scissors
+ Monofiliment or fishing line (for hanging the poms)
+ Bendable wire (I used 24 gauge)

And here are the simple steps for pom making:

1. Stack 10-12 sheets of tissue paper. I bought  paper at Paper Source on the plaza. If you haven't been there I suggest you check it out...tons of great stuff to choose from!

2. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.

3. Wrap your wire over center of folded tissue; twist until tightly secured. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes. 
4. Separate the tissue layers, pulling away from center one at a time. Once pulled apart evenly, fluff the sections until you are happy with the fullness.

5. Tie a length of monofilament to wire for hanging.

I will post photos on my blog after the shower to show you how they looked as part of the decor.

TIPS: 

+ I found the poms look better when you cut the rounded (or pointy) shape pretty deep instead of just the ends. 

+ The first pom I made was a dud. I made it too big and didn't cut the rounded ends very deep and it turned out poorly. I made some  adjustments on my second pom and they all turned out great after that. 

+ To make a smaller pom follow the same steps but simply cut down your tissue paper to a smaller rectangle or square.

+ I made a multi-colored pom using 4 sheets each of 4 similar colors (a fun alternative to a solid colored pom).

Other pom decor ideas:

You can also make a cute pom banner or vertical hanging poms like these: