Introduction
Paper pompoms are a fun, easy craft that can be used to decorate your home or as party decorations. Pompoms are basically made by folding paper into a circular shape and fluffing it up to create a fluffy ball. While you can buy pre-made pompoms, making your own allows you to customize the size, color, and texture. With just paper, scissors, and string, you can create pompoms in any color or pattern to match your decor.
In this extensive article, we will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for making paper pompoms by hand. We will cover different techniques, material options, sizes, and ways to use paper pompoms to decorate your home or liven up parties and events. Read on to learn everything you need to know about crafting beautiful paper pompoms for your handmade home decor!
Overview of Paper Pompoms
Paper pompoms are simple, versatile decorations that add a playful pop of color and texture to any space. Here are some key things to know about pompoms:
- Made of paper: The most common material for pompoms is tissue paper, crepe paper, or streamers. Cardstock can also be used for sturdier pompoms.
- Fluffy texture: Pompoms get their fluffy shape from tightly gathering and fluffing folded paper circles.
- Customizable: You can make pompoms in any size from 1 inch to 12 inches or larger. Any color or patterned paper can be used.
- Fun embellishment: Pompoms are used to embellish gifts, party decor, wreaths, garlands, and more. Or use them on their own as sculptural decor.
- Quick + easy: Pompoms are one of the simplest DIY crafts. They can be made in under 5 minutes once you get the technique down.
- Versatile uses: Pompoms can be hung, clustered, strung as garlands or banners, glued onto crafts, and incorporated into parties, weddings, and everyday home decor.
With just a few basic supplies, you can quickly make dozens of pompoms in any colors and sizes for your specific decor needs. Keep reading to learn how!
Supplies Needed for Making Paper Pompoms
Creating paper pompoms is thrifty craft since you likely already have everything you need. Here are the basic supplies:
- Paper: Tissue paper, crepe paper, or streamers are ideal. Cardstock works too but makes firmer pompoms.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors, preferably with pointed tips, make cutting smooth circles easy.
- String or yarn: This is used to tie the pompom together. Opt for coordinating colors.
- Hot glue gun: Helpful for assembling pompom projects but optional.
- Embellishments (optional): Glitter, confetti, small bells, etc. can be added inside pompoms.
- Template: A circular object like a bowl or cup helps trace identical circles.
- Ruler or measuring tape: For measuring circle sizes.
With these simple supplies, you can create a rainbow of pompoms in custom sizes for pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought options. Get creative with papers and embellishments!
Handmade Home: Tips for Making Paper Pompoms
Making paper pompoms is surprisingly easy once you learn the basic technique. Here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Use lightweight paper: Tissue, crepe, and streamer paper is ideal. Cardstock can work but makes a firmer, less fluffy pompom.
- Cut consistent circles: Using a template ensures uniform circles that fluff up nicely.
- Stack multiple sheets: For fluffier pompoms, cut 3-6 sheets at once.
- Fluff and shape: Gently pull the paper layers apart and shape into a ball as you tie it. Add a dab of glue under the tie to secure.
- Shake it: Shake the pompom while shaping to fluff it up. Trim any uneven edges.
- Know your sizes: See the size chart below for how many circles to cut based on the pompom size you want.
- Hang to dry: After hot gluing pompom projects, hang to dry before handling so they hold their shape.
Follow these tips and you’ll be churning out gorgeous fluffy pompoms in no time!
Handmade Home: How to Make Paper Pompoms – Step-by-Step Tutorial
Ready to get crafting? Here is a step-by-step tutorial for easily making paper pompoms by hand:
Supplies Needed
- Paper (tissue, crepe, streamers, cardstock)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- String, yarn, or twine
- Template (bowl, cup, etc) *optional
- Hot glue gun *optional
Step 1: Cut Paper Circles
- Measure the desired pompom size and cut circles based on the size chart below. For fluffier pompoms, stack 3-6 sheets before cutting.
- To ensure uniform circles, trace a round template object like a bowl, cup, or lid.
- Tip: Avoid cutting the inner hole for now—you’ll cut it later after folding the paper accordion-style.
Step 2: Accordion Fold the Circles
- Lay the paper circle on a flat surface and accordion fold it into pie-shaped segments, pressing creases firmly.
- Fold it into at least 8 equal segments, up to 16 for larger circles.
- When fully folded, it will look like a pie wedge.
Step 3: Tie it Together
- Pinch the folded paper together at the center and tightly tie a string, yarn or twine around it.
- Make sure it’s very snug and won’t come loose.
- Knot securely or double-knot. Leave long tail ends to hang or attach the pompom later.
Step 4: Snip & Fluff
- With scissors, cut open the center hole of the folded paper. Cut right up to the string but do not actually cut the string!
- Carefully cut any uneven edges around the center hole.
- Gently pull and shake the folded paper apart to fluff up the pompom shape.
Step 5: Shape the Pompom
- Shape the pompom with your fingers by pulling and evening out the paper layers into a nice round ball.
- You can add a small dab of hot glue under the tie at this point to permanently secure the tie and shape.
That’s it! Your handmade paper pompom is ready to be used however you’d like. Make them in a variety of colors and sizes to create fun DIY decor projects. Enjoy!
Handmade Home: Pompom Size Chart
Use this pompom size chart as a guideline when cutting your paper circles:
| Pompom Size | Number of Circles to Cut | Recommended Circle Size |
|-|-|-|
| 1 inch | 3 | 3 inches |
| 2 inch | 3 | 5 inches |
| 3 inch | 4 | 6 inches |
| 4 inch | 4 | 8 inches |
| 6 inch | 6 | 11 inches |
| 8 inch | 8 | 16 inches |
| 10 inch | 10 | 20 inches |
| 12 inch | 12 | 24 inches |
- For festive multi-colored pompoms, cut each circle from a different colored paper.
- Overlap the circles just slightly when stacking multiple sheets before cutting.
- The more circles you cut, the fluffier the pompom will be.
Handmade Home: Pompom Design Inspiration
Now that you know how to make paper pompoms, let the creativity flow! Here are some ways to decorate with pompoms:
Party Decorations
- Make pompom garlands by stringing together pompoms interspersed with ribbons. Drape across mantels, stair railings, etc.
- Cluster colorful pompoms in glass bowls or vases to use as table centerpieces.
- String pompoms along with honeycomb balls and fans to make fun pompom banners.
- Glue pompoms onto wooden dowels to make instant cake toppers.
Gift Embellishments
- Use mini pompoms to decorate gift bags and boxes.
- Make pompom bows, wreaths, and trees to top presents.
- Craft pompom flowers, animals, and shapes to attach to gifts.
Wall + Ceiling Decor
- Create pompom wreaths for walls by hot gluing pompoms onto wreath forms.
- Hang giant pompoms from ceilings with varying lengths of ribbon.
- Adhere pompoms to painted canvases to make art.
Seasonal Decorating
- Make snowball-like pompoms in wintry whites and silvers for Christmas.
- Craft springtime pompom flowers, chicks, and eggs for Easter.
- Use patriotic colored pompoms for 4th of July embellishments.
Everyday Decor
- Line up same-sized pompoms on a mantel or shelf as sculptural decor.
- Make pompom tassels to edge throws, pillows, curtains.
- Create a pompom mobile to hang above a crib.
- Embellish lampshade frames with glued-on pompoms.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when decorating with paper pompoms! Let your creativity run wild.
Handmade Home: Advanced Pompom Techniques
Ready to take your pompom making and decorating to the next level? Here are some cool advanced techniques to try:
Stitching Pompoms
- Use embroidery floss, yarn, or thin ribbon to stitch pompoms together. Simply sew in and out of a few layers around the pompom using a needle.
- Stitch mini pompoms into fun shapes like flowers, animals, snowflakes.
- Outline larger pompoms with stitching rather than gathering all the threads at the tie point.
Multi-Colored Pompoms
- Make each segment of the accordion-folded circle a different color for rainbow pompoms.
- Tie-dye or ombre dye tissue paper before crafting the pompoms.
- Use two-toned streamers or crepe paper to make dual-colored pompoms.
Mixed Size Pompoms
- Combine different sized pompoms on a garland or cluster. The variation makes it more dynamic.
- Make giant pompoms as sculptural centerpieces surrounded by smaller accents.
Embellished Pompoms
- Add sparkly embellishments like glitter, confetti, sand or beads inside the paper before tying them.
- Glue buttons, bells, googly eyes and other fun trims onto the outside of pompoms.
Pompom Ornaments
- Make miniature pompom ornaments using thick cardstock and thin ribbon.
- Embellish store-bought bulb ornaments with rows of glued-on pompoms.
Pompom Wreaths
- Hot glue pompoms onto wreath forms to make pompom wreaths and swags for walls.
- Create a patriotic 4th of July wreath in red, white and blue pompoms.
Pompom Animals
- Stitch pom poms together to create cute critters like bumblebees, ladybugs, butterflies, penguins and more.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try stepping up your pompom game with these fun techniques. The possibilities are endless!
Handmade Home: Paper vs. Yarn Pompoms
When making pompoms, you have two main material options: paper or yarn. Here’s how they compare:
Paper Pompoms
Pros
- Wide variety of colors, prints, and textures
- Affordable and accessible materials
- Lightweight and easy to glue or tie onto projects
- Can customize sizes easily
Cons
- Fragile – handle gently once made
- Wrinkle and lose shape more over time
- Not durable for outdoor use
Best for: Indoor decorations, parties, gifts, embellishments.
Yarn Pompoms
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Withstand outdoor conditions better
- Fibers grip together tightly for a firm shape
- Bounce back if crushed better than paper
Cons
- Limited color selection in yarn
- Takes more yarn to make large sizes
- Density makes them heavier
Best for: Garlands, outdoor decor, ornaments, decor in high-traffic areas.
While paper and yarn both make beautiful pompoms, paper works best for most indoor decor purposes where you want bright colors and a lightweight feel. Yarn makes the most sense for outdoor use or when made into ornaments or garlands that need to hold their shape. Choose the option that best suits your project needs!
Handmade Home: Paper Pompom Inspiration
Need a bit more inspiration before crafting your own paper pompoms? Here are some gorgeous examples of ways to use paper pompoms as home decor:
[Insert photo collage with caption]: Paper pompoms can transform from playful party decorations into beautiful sculptural art when grouped and displayed properly.
[Insert pompom wreath photo with caption]: Adorning a basic wreath form with layers of paper pompoms creates a lively burst of texture perfect for welcoming guests at the front door.
[Insert pompom garland photo with caption]: Multicolored paper pompom garlands strung across a patio add whimsical style. Try combining pompoms with paper fans, honeycomb balls and tassels.
[Insert gift box photo with caption]: Tiny pompom flowers, leaves and dots make the perfect finishing touch when embellishing gift boxes and bags. Craft them from scrap paper using our techniques!
[Insert pompom animal photo with caption]: Stitching pompoms together lets you create quirky DIY creatures like this bright pompom bumblebee who looks ready to buzz away!
Let images like these ignite your creativity for how to best incorporate paper pompoms into your own handmade home decor and gifting projects!
Handmade Home: Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Pompoms
Have a pompom-related question? See our answers below to the most frequently asked questions about crafting and using paper pompoms:
How do I get my pompoms to be fluffy?
Use very lightweight tissue or crepe paper rather than cardstock. Accordion fold the paper into at least 8-10 segments. Fluff the paper up thoroughly after cutting the center hole before tying tightly. Shake the pompom vigorously while shaping it. Use more circles for larger pompoms.
What can I use instead of string to tie pompoms?
Yarn, embroidery floss, thin ribbon, twine or fishing line can all substitute for basic string. Choose a coordinating color to blend in or make it pop. Avoid materials that are too thick or slippery.
How do I attach pompoms to craft projects?
Hot glue is the easiest option for securing pompoms in place. For ornaments and garlands, simply tie the pompom tails onto the stringing material. Smaller pompoms can be stitched on using embroidery floss.
How can I make pompoms waterproof?
Apply a sealant like Mod Podge over the surface of the completed pompoms. Or, opt to make them from the start with waterproof materials like plastic streamers or vinyl.
How do I dust pompoms?
Use a lint roller or tape roller gently across the surface to clean dust and debris from pompoms. You can also use a soft brush or the low setting on a hair dryer to blow dust away.
How do I store leftover pompoms?
Keep unused pompoms contained in resealable bags or plastic bins. Try grouping by size, color or material for easier access later. Hanging options like bags or boxes will help prevent crushing.
Have additional questions? Let us know in the comments!
Conclusion
With this extensive guide, you now have all the tips, tricks, and how-to’s for crafting beautiful paper pompoms to decorate your handmade home.
The ability to customize pompoms in any size, color, and texture makes them the perfect DIY addition to holiday and everyday decorating. They add a playful pop of whimsy and texture for pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought options.
Try your hand at our beginner pompom techniques, then move onto advanced methods like stitching, ombre dyeing, and embellishing. Combine paper pompoms with tassels, garlands, wreaths, and other fun accents to create Pinterest-worthy decor all year long.
What will you make with your first handcrafted paper pompoms? Maybe a springtime wreath, cute gift toppers, or an uplifting pompom garland? Have fun and let your creativity shine!
