Creating Wedding Tissue Paper Pom-Poms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tissue paper pom-poms are a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to decorate your wedding. They can be made in different sizes and colours to create a magical floral atmosphere. This simple craft requires only a few supplies and some careful folding. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make beautiful tissue paper pom-poms that will wow your wedding guests.

Choosing colours and patterns

Choosing the right colours and patterns for your wedding tissue paper pom-poms is essential to achieving the desired aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect combination:

Start by considering the overall colour palette of your wedding. Do you want the pom-poms to be in a warm or cool colour palette? Creating a monochrome effect with different shades of the same colour can be elegant, or you could opt for a bold contrast with black-and-white or jewel tones. Alternatively, you can use multiple colours to create a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere.

If you're making multicoloured pom-poms, choose colours that complement each other. You can either use different shades of the same colour or experiment with contrasting colours. For example, you could create an ombre effect, as suggested by one source, by using cream, pale orange, and hot pink tissue paper. You can also incorporate patterned tissue paper, such as a houndstooth print, for added interest and texture.

Don't be afraid to mix and match shades to create a unique multicoloured look. You can even use cool patterns, such as scalloped edges or triangle points, to create a distinctive design. Play around with different combinations until you find the perfect mix of colours and patterns that reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding.

When selecting the tissue paper, pay attention to the size and number of sheets in each package. The standard size is typically 15" x 20", but you can also find larger sheets measuring 20" x 20" or even 20" x 30". Keep in mind that the size and number of sheets you choose will affect the size and fullness of your pom-poms. For larger pom-poms, consider using more sheets to achieve a fuller look.

Lastly, don't forget to have fun with the process! Tissue paper pom-poms are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding decorations, and they're easy to make. So, feel free to experiment with different colours and patterns until you find the perfect combination that reflects your unique style.

Stacking and folding the paper

To make wedding tissue paper pom-poms, you'll need to stack and fold the paper carefully. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, gather your materials. You'll need tissue paper (around 8-12 sheets per pom-pom), ribbon or floral wire, and scissors. You can also use a measuring tape or ruler if you want to be precise with your measurements.

Now, let's begin stacking and folding:

• Start by cutting your tissue paper sheets in half along the shortest edge. For example, if you have 8 sheets measuring 20 x 20.5 inches each, cut them to form two stacks of 10 x 20.5 inches.
• If you want multicoloured pom-poms, replace 1-2 sheets of tissue paper with an alternate colour on both the top and bottom layers. Ensure any patterned tissue paper faces right-side-out on both sides.
• Stack the sheets on top of each other, placing them in the order you want the colours to appear if you're using different colours. For a single-colour pom-pom, simply stack the sheets together.
• For standard-sized pom-poms, you'll need around 8 sheets of tissue paper. For smaller pom-poms, you can use 4-5 sheets, and for larger pom-poms, you may need 10-12 sheets.
• Once you have your stack of tissue paper, it's time to start folding! Make accordion folds by folding the paper back and forth in segments. For pom-poms, make 1.5-inch wide folds, creasing with each fold. For smaller napkin rings, go for 3/8-inch-wide folds.
• Continue folding until you have one long strip of folded paper. Make sure your folds are neat and aligned, pressing down gently to create clean creases.
• If you have any excess tissue paper left at the end, trim it off to make sure all the sheets are evenly folded.
• Now you have your stack of folded tissue paper, ready for the next step!

By following these steps, you'll have neatly stacked and folded tissue paper, which is the foundation for creating beautiful wedding tissue paper pom-poms. From here, you can move on to securing the centre with wire or ribbon, trimming the ends, and fluffing out the layers to create the full, fluffy pom-pom effect.

Trimming the edges

Firstly, after folding and securing the centre of your tissue paper stack, it's time to trim the ends. You can experiment with different shapes to create unique designs. For a classic look, round off the corners of both ends, forming a curved shape. This will give your pom-pom a softer, fuller appearance. Alternatively, for something more playful and modern, try cutting triangle points at the end of each fold to create a spiky pouf. If you want to get really creative, you can even try a combination of both styles, forming a unique hybrid design.

For those who want to add a touch of elegance to their pom-poms, consider creating scalloped edges. This involves rounding both ends of the folded stack to form a gentle, wave-like pattern. This style is perfect for weddings, adding a delicate and romantic touch to the decorations. Another option is to create a whole petal shape by cutting a semicircle towards the middle of the top and then cutting down again. This will give your pom-pom a floral-inspired look, perfect for a garden or outdoor wedding.

When trimming the edges, it's important to use sharp scissors that can easily cut through all layers of tissue paper at once. Strong, sharp scissors will help you achieve a clean, precise cut, ensuring that each end of the folded stack is evenly trimmed. It's also important to note that you don't have to be too meticulous with this step – a little imperfection adds to the charm of handmade decorations.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different sizes of pom-poms by trimming the ends of the folded stack. For smaller pom-poms, simply trim the ends to your desired size, making sure to cut through all the layers evenly. This technique allows you to create a variety of pom-pom sizes from the same tissue paper stack, adding dimension and visual interest to your wedding decorations.

In summary, trimming the edges of tissue paper pom-poms is a fun and creative step that allows you to personalise your wedding decorations. Whether you choose curved, spiked, scalloped, or petal-shaped edges, or even experiment with different sizes, this step will surely add a unique and whimsical touch to your special day.

Securing the centre with wire

To secure the centre with wire, you will need floral wire, pliers, and scissors.

First, fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half. Slip this over the centre of the folded tissue paper and twist to secure it in place. You can also use jewellery wire if you don't have floral wire, but make sure it isn't too flimsy. Don't tie the wire too tight, or it will be difficult to pull the tissue apart, and don't tie it too loose, or it will fall apart. You want it to fit snugly, while still giving it room to expand. Once it's all wrapped up, cut off any excess wire.

Now, you can trim the ends of the tissue paper into a rounded or pointed shape. You can create scalloped tissue paper pom-poms by rounding both ends of your folded stack. To make spiky poufs, cut triangle points at the end of the tissue paper accordion. You can also experiment with making a point at the end of the pom-poms instead of a rounded curve.

Fluffing the pom-pom

Firstly, open up the accordion fold, and fan out the tissue paper on each side. You can hang the pom-pom or lay it on a flat surface, but be careful not to crush the paper. Then, take each sheet of paper and very carefully separate it from the one underneath. You can do this by gently pulling each layer of tissue paper up towards the centre ribbon or wire on each side. Be very gentle, as the tissue paper is delicate and can tear easily. Repeat this process until your pom-pom starts to look like a sphere. You can also ruffle and reposition the sheets to create a nice, even, puffed-up pom-pom.

If you want to add some texture, you can experiment with making a point at the end of the pom-poms instead of a rounded curve. You can also trim the ends of the tissue paper into different shapes, such as a scalloped edge or triangle points, to create different effects.

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