Party Time

This tutorial first appeared as a blog post at Imagination Kids. It is 'reprinted' with permission, but for a complete set of pictures in all their brightly colored glory, be sure to take a peek a Erin's original article.

My newest favorite party decoration are tissue paper poms. I first saw them on Etsy and was able to track down instructions on how to make them on Martha Stewart. Since then I’ve made a bunch for different parties and they’ve been a huge hit! So much so, that the four I made for Stella’s birthday party are still hanging in my kitchen. When our friend decided to have a “yellow” themed birthday party I offered to make her some yellow poms because they were so much fun to make.

The poms are quite simple and inexpensive at just about $1.00 per pom. I think they would make a great project for 6 years old and up with a bit of supervision. Here’s what the finished product looks like.



What you will need to make one large pom:

• 8-10 pieces of 20×20 tissue paper in any color, the pieces of tissue the fuller your pom will be


• 5-6″ of thick florists wire or flexible garden tie (I like the garden tie because it won’t accidentally tear the paper)


• a bit of string to hang your pom with


• scissors


• something to cut the wire

First lay out all the pieces of paper you are using to make your pom. Try to make all the edges even. Next fold the tissue paper with approximately 1.5″ accordion style folds. Make sure to crease the folds well. Here’s what you paper should look like after it is all folded:



Now it’s time to cut the wire or garden tie. You’ll need about 5-6″ inches of the wire. Find the middle of the folded paper and wrap the wire around and secure both ends, like this:



Now use your scissors to round both ends of the folded paper. You could make spikes if you wanted a spikey pom. And fan the paper out like this:



Next, carefully separate half the layers of paper by lifting them upwards on one half of the pom. This will create 1/4 of the pom. Now separate The other pieces on the side to create the other 1/4 of the pom. Half your pom is complete!



Now repeat separating the layers of paper on the other half and your pom will be done.



Enjoy!

Visit Imagination Kids for toys hand made in Indiana from child and earth friendly materials. Party Packs of beautifully colored wands and other toys are available - you'll need some favors to accompany your brand new set of Party Poms!