Create Kissing Balls For Your Wedding With Coffee Filters

Kissing balls, also known as pomanders, are a popular decorative item for weddings. They are spheres of flowers designed to look and smell beautiful and can be made with fresh or artificial flowers. A modern twist on the kissing ball uses coffee filters to create a flower-like effect. This is a cost-effective way to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere for your wedding. In this article, we will explore how to make kissing balls for your wedding using coffee filters.

Dying coffee filters

Firstly, separate the coffee filters into groups of about 10-20. Then, dilute the dye in water. The amount of dye used will depend on the desired shade, but it is better to start with a lighter shade as the filters can always be re-dipped for a darker colour. Flatten the coffee filters and submerge them in the dye for a few hours. The longer the filters soak, the more vibrant the colour will be. Occasionally separate the stack of filters and mix them up to ensure an even colour distribution.

Once the filters have reached the desired colour, remove them from the dye and gently squeeze or pat them dry. Separate them into smaller groups and leave them to dry overnight. Alternatively, the filters can be placed in a warm oven for a few minutes or put in a dryer to speed up the drying process.

It is important to note that the drying process may cause the filters to become discoloured or wrinkled, so be sure to monitor them closely. Once the filters are completely dry, they can be cut and shaped into flowers for the kissing balls.

Cutting and shaping coffee filters

Coffee filters are a versatile material for crafting kissing balls for weddings. They can be dyed, cut, and shaped to create a variety of floral effects.

To begin cutting and shaping your coffee filters, start by stacking 3 coffee filters on top of each other. Fold them in half, and then in half again. Using scissors, cut the rounded edge into a scalloped pattern, creating the appearance of flower petals. You can experiment with different shapes and sizes of scallops to achieve the desired petal effect.

Once you have cut the edges, unfold the coffee filters to reveal a beautiful flower shape. Take a wooden stick and poke it through the centre of the filters, sliding them about an inch down the stick. Secure the base with a small amount of hot glue. Repeat this process with additional stacks of filters, gluing them on top of each other to create a fuller flower.

Now, it's time to shape the coffee filters into flowers. Pinch the base of the filters towards the stick, and you'll see the top start to fan out, creating a blooming flower effect. If your stick is too long, you can break off the end to leave a 1-2 inch base.

For a different look, you can also create cone-shaped twists with the coffee filters. Take two filters at a time and twist them into a cone shape. Continue until you have a stack of twists. Then, put a circle of hot glue around the hole of a whiffle ball and insert a filter twist. Gently screw it in and secure it with additional glue. Repeat this process until you have filled all the holes in the whiffle ball. Finally, gently pull apart the coffee filters to cover any gaps, and your kissing ball is almost ready to be hung!

Gluing coffee filters to a ball

To make kissing balls for a wedding using coffee filters, you'll need a ball to act as a base. Styrofoam balls are a popular choice, but wiffle balls can also be used. The size of the ball will depend on your desired final product size.

Once you have your base, you can start gluing the coffee filters to it. If you're using a Styrofoam ball, you'll need to poke holes in it before gluing. This can be done with a wooden stick or a hot glue gun.

To attach the coffee filters, put a small amount of hot glue in each hole and then insert the filters. You can also try making a cone-shaped twist with two coffee filters and screwing it into the hole. Secure the filters with additional dabs of glue.

If you're using a wiffle ball, you can glue the coffee filters directly to the holes in the ball. First, put a circle of hot glue around a hole, then insert a coffee filter or a cone-shaped twist, and secure it with more glue.

Continue gluing the coffee filters to the ball until it is fully covered. You can create a pattern with the filters or alternate their colours to make a design. Let the glue dry completely before handling the kissing ball.

To finish, you can add a ribbon for hanging or attach a ribbon and flowers to create a kissing ball bouquet.

Hanging kissing balls

Materials:

• Coffee filters
• Wooden sticks (kabob sticks or craft sticks)
• Food colouring or paint
• Ribbon, twine, or string
• Glue gun with glue sticks
• Scissors

Optional:

Wiffle balls (for structure)

Step 1: Dye the Coffee Filters

Figure out how many kissing balls you want to make, as this will determine how many coffee filters you need to dye. Each flower requires 6-8 coffee filters, and each ball has 12-15 flowers on them. Mix a small amount of paint or a few drops of food colouring with water to achieve your desired colour. Dye your coffee filters in large batches and let them sit until they reach the desired shade. Remove them from the dye and squeeze out the excess water. Separate them into groups of about ten and let them dry overnight.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Coffee Filters

Once the coffee filters are dry, stack 3-4 coffee filters on top of each other. Fold them in half, and then half again. Cut the rounded edge into scallops to create a flower petal shape. Unfold the filters and stack another set of cut filters on top. Secure the centre of the stack with a small amount of hot glue.

Step 3: Form the Flowers

Pinch the base of the stacked filters towards the wooden stick, and the top will start to fan out, forming a flower shape. If your stick is too long, break it off so you are left with a 1-2 inch base.

Step 4: Assemble the Kissing Ball

If you are using a wiffle ball for structure, tie a loop of ribbon through the ball. Dab hot glue around a hole in the wiffle ball and insert a flower. Repeat this process until you have filled all the holes in the wiffle ball. Gently pull apart the coffee filters to cover any gaps. If you are not using a wiffle ball, simply glue the flowers directly onto a ball of Styrofoam.

Step 5: Hang Your Kissing Ball

Add a ribbon to your kissing ball by removing one flower and adding a small amount of hot glue to the hole in the ball. Stick the flower back in and slip the ribbon around it. Adjust the ribbon to your desired length and create a loop to hang your kissing ball!

Using kissing balls as table decor

Kissing balls are a versatile DIY decor element that can be used to adorn a wedding or party venue, and even your home. They can be hung from trees, the ceiling, or chairs, or placed on tables. Here are some tips and ideas for using kissing balls as table decor:

Choosing the Right Base

The base of your kissing ball will determine its overall structure and appearance. The most common bases are Styrofoam balls, whiffle balls, and wiffle balls. Styrofoam balls provide a smooth surface to work on and can be easily found in different sizes at craft stores. Whiffle balls, with their holes, provide a ready-made framework for attaching flowers and other decorations. Wiffle balls, similar to whiffle balls, offer a lightweight alternative and come in bright colours that can add a playful touch to your kissing balls.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers are a popular choice for kissing balls, and you can use either real or artificial flowers. When selecting flowers, consider the size and type that will best fit your base. For Styrofoam and whiffle balls, you can use hot glue to attach the flowers. Pre-cut faux flower heads or artificial flowers with stems can be used, ensuring the stems are trimmed to about half an inch. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own flowers using coffee filters. Dying the coffee filters before assembling them into flowers can add a unique touch to your kissing balls. For a natural, rustic look, consider using evergreen clippings, juniper, holly, ivy, or fir.

Embellishments and Accents

To add a touch of elegance to your kissing balls, consider incorporating ribbons, twine, or string. You can attach a ribbon to the base of the kissing ball, creating a loop for easy hanging. Raffia ribbon, in particular, can complement the natural look of evergreen clippings. If you want to display your kissing balls on tables, you can place them on candlesticks or nestle them in saucers or bowls.

Size and Placement

When creating kissing balls for table decor, consider the size and placement in relation to the tables. You can make smaller kissing balls to place as centrepieces or hang them at varying heights above the tables for a more dramatic effect. Play around with different sizes and arrangements to find the most aesthetically pleasing setup.

Frequently asked questions