How to make tissue paper pom poms
I’m a big fan of using tissue paper pom poms in my party decor. What I love about them is that they are inexpensive and can be used in a wide variety of events. I’ve used them for birthday parties (like this candy party) and baby shower (like this spring shower) + many other events. I often get asked how I make them — so today, I thought I would share my tips for making and also for buying tissue pom poms.
How to make tissue paper pom poms. They aren’t difficult to make, but I’ll be honest and say they are time consuming. If you have a couple nights to dedicate to making them while watching your favorite TV show, I say go for it. Here are the simple steps I follow:
Aren’t those finished pom poms gorgeous?! They were used in a first birthday party I spotted over on The Sweetest Occasion. The DIY method looks like this, not too much to it. It’s a pretty simple method and you can check out the full details and how-to here. Remember though to give yourself some time (and extra tissue for mistakes)! Also, I recommended finding a little higher quality (aka thicker) tissue than what you might typically use for gift wrapping. It’s easier to tear and the thicker paper tends to hold up nicer.
If I’ve scared you or the DIY method just isn’t your thing, I suggest just ordering your tissue pom poms. They are inexpensive and this will save you from having to trek to 8 different stores in 3 cities to find the perfect shade of teal tissue paper (not like I’ve done that or anything). I order mine here from Luna Bazaar — they never disappoint.
Whether you make them, or buy them … these tissue poms are a great way to add some flair without breaking the budget. My daughter even re-purposed her poms from her recent birthday party into decor for her bedroom — love that!
Pin It 
How many sheets do you use?
do you use a needle and thread or do you use a hot glue gun to put the flower together.
@Melissa – I use about 8-10 sheets of tissue per pom pom.
@Lily – Neither! All you need is the tissue and some thin floral wire.
How big is this pom pom? And, how would you make the pom pom bigger/smaller? Just add or remove sheets of tissue paper? Thanks!
Stephanie, the “longer” the tissue paper, the larger the pom will be. So, in step 2 (see the photo above) you would simply snip the corners off for the longest pom possible. Cut more off to make it smaller. And yes, the more sheets of tissue the “fuller” it will be. Hope that helps!
Why isn’t mine in a round/ball shape?
Marie — did you round the corners of the tissue?
Do you think a paper clip would work instead of floral wire?
Hi Kelcie, possible — though I’m not sure it’d be long enough. Worth a shot though!
you could use the wire from the garbage bags, ribbon, yarn, string, rubber bands…anything tying it together would work.
We made these for an office party. Fantasic! Cutting the edges evenly was difficult. How did you cut yours so uniformly?
Catherine, you could trace the shape that you’re going to trim. Thank might help make them even (though I don’t think they have to be perfect to look good).
I made these for a teen dance party several years ago. I had no budget, so colored tissue paper was out. After making the
‘flowers’, I diluted Rit Dye and sprayed them different colors. They were awesome! Thanks for reminding me of this
fun project!