Tissue paper pom poms are one of the most inexpensive ways to decorate for your wedding. And they’re so easy to make! We made the pom poms in the above picture in just a few minutes. Here is a tutorial on tissue paper pom poms for your wedding.
What you will need:
8 sheets of tissue paper
(this will make one tissue paper pom pom)
ruler
scissors
pencil
wire
ribbon for hanging pom pom
We used 20″ x 26″ sheets of tissue paper. If you use this size, cut the width down to 17″ (17″ x 26″) and make 1″ folds. If you use 20″ x 30″ paper, make 1 1/2″ folds (you don’t need to cut this sized paper.)
Fold like an accordian fan the entire length of the stack of tissue paper. Use a bone folder to go over folds.
When you are done folding, use a ruler to find the centre of the paper and tie the tissue paper with wire.
Snip the tip of the tissue paper so that it makes a point. You can also create a rounded tip if desired.
Carefully, (tissue paper is very delicate so take it easy) pull apart each layer of the tissue paper separating it from the centre.
Once you are done, hang the pom pom with ribbon or fishing line. Beautiful!
Tissue Paper Napkin Rings
For large dinner napkins, cut 5″ x 10″ rectangles of tissue. Stack five sheets and make 3/8″ folds. Tie with very narrow ribbon 20″ long.
For smaller napkins, cut 4″ x 8″ rectangles of tissue paper. Stack four sheets and make 3/8″ folds. Tie with ribbon as above.
I love the pom poms!I especially love your blogs about dream green and budget friendly weddings! Thank you!
Looks like a flower! These would be great for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
Love this post and this idea! I might test it out tonight and do a little apartment decorating
These are easier than they look to make and sooo impressive! I made some in pink, white and red for my s-daughter’s bday and can’t bring myself to take them down. I used a tip I saw somewhere else, and hung them from c-hooks on the ceiling using dental floss (kind of invisible). I also hung some of them “stacked” (one above another) to add some depth.
This is ONE OF THE BEST wedding DIY projects. I made tons of these for my January wedding, and they were amazing- SO easy to make (they get tiring when you’re making more than 10, so get a buddy)! They were hung from trees at the front of the church, where were were married right in front of them. I loved the look.
AND what’s awesome, is they were upcycled! Yep, I used tissue paper from gifts at my bridal showers.
These poms poms are great! The directions were easy to follow and it’s very budget friendly. I’m using them to decorate my bridal shower.
Glad to hear Michele! Thanks for your comment!
I love all pom poms!!
Great idea!!
Congratulation!!
Sincerely,Cristina ( from BRAZIL )
I found this post after the “tutorial” on Martha Stewart produced a lame pom-pom. I think that folding smaller folds will help a lot, thanks so much!
Thanks for writing Cameron! Glad you found it useful!
I love these and I am trying to make them for my daughter’s birthday. I can’t seem to do it with out ripping the tissue paper. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong?
Morgan, it could be the type of tissue paper? Also, you have to be very gentle when pulling the tissue paper apart. My guess is though that the paper you are using is too thin.
I have been searching for quite some time now for a way to makes these on my own. The Martha Stewart kits are close to $18 for around 7 poms! The DIY way they are only $3 for 8! These are also very simple to make and look gorgeous
My wedding isn’t until the fall of 2011, but I practiced making one yesterday just to make sure I could do it and I will be using these as our decorations for sure 
Thanks for this tutorial!
You’re welcome Miss Cheney! So glad they turned out for you.
I need to make “alot” of these. Sissors dont cut a clean edge. Any idea on a tool, machine, used to get a clean round (like bullnose router bit) or V cut edge? This needs to go through approx 160 layers (using 10 sheets, 8 folds). I hav looked up corner rounder machines, paper drill bits w/no luck. ???
Hi Paula. Sorry I can’t help you. I’ve only used scissors. Maybe someone else can weigh in on this.
I bought these at an Etsy store, and I love them! It was so easy, all I had to do was fluff, it saved me a LOT of time and hassle. They look great too, very round and full!
Hi I tried making one today for my wedding in september and I followed all of the instructions exactly and it didnt work out. It doesnt seem to make a ball neither do each layer actually stand out properly?? Any hints as to what went wrong?
Hi Renee,
The key to making a nice round pom pom (aside from patience:)) is to start at one end and slowly pull the first layer of tissue paper, making sure you get your finger way down in there. (You will do this with the tissue paper on both sides of the wire.) Keep going until you reach the middle layer. Then turn your pom over repeat the process starting at the other end.
Hope this helps!