If a celebration is just around the corner, and especially if it is a children's party, of course, there is a desire to brightly decorate the room where the celebration will take place. Of course, you can turn to professional decorators for help, but their services often cost a lot of money. And if the holiday is planned at home or at the dacha, then you will think about simple and affordable DIY decor. And there are probably a few days left before the event, so ideas for simple, but bright and fashionable decoration come in handy. In this article you will learn how to make paper pompoms, as well as practical tips for obtaining especially fluffy balls.
Fluffy pompoms
Choosing materials for pompoms
Of course, if you try, you can make pompoms from anything, from old T-shirts to plastic bags. But basically they are made from the following types of paper:
- corrugated;
- crepe paper, or crepe paper (some hand-made masters classify it as corrugated paper, but with a reduced density);
- silence;
- napkins.
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of using these types of paper below.
Corrugated paper has a “reaper” appearance and is dense to the touch. It is also called floristic. The density of this paper ranges from 120 to 180 g/m2, it has quite deep folds, it stretches well and almost does not tear. It makes hard pompoms that keep their shape well. A high degree of density allows pom-poms to look brighter and more pronounced due to the fact that it is not see-through, unlike with silence.
Tip: corrugated paper pompoms are better suited for decoration if your celebration will take place outside - the high density of the material will make the pompoms more resistant to some humidity and wind.
A type of corrugated paper is crepe paper . It is thinner, its density is 30-50 g/m2, with a softer, also compressed structure. Another name is paper for creativity and crafts. It stretches worse and is more vulnerable.
Tishyu is a thin, smooth and delicate paper. These properties give pom-poms a certain charm - they look like luminous, weightless balls. Lightness and silence will allow the pompoms to look elegant on a fishing line or thread - it will not clearly sag under the weight of our balls.
The use of napkins is suitable for making small pom-poms or if you plan to decorate some item with them (for example, making a festive three-dimensional figure for a photo zone).
Tip: It’s convenient to make pom-poms from multi-layer napkins - these usually have 3 layers. There is no need to separate the napkin into layers in advance - you will do this when you straighten the pompom, it is more convenient to fold the layers into an accordion. But more on that later in this article.
Napkins are a soft material, so large pompoms practically do not hold their shape. And if there is high humidity in the room, then you may not even have time to enjoy the beauty of the pompoms - even a light touch to the delicate edges of the pompoms will turn them into a withered flower.
Tip: If you are making flat pompoms, e.g. not completely fluffed up, in the shape of a flower, then napkins are a good choice. These half-pom poms can be used to decorate walls, fill corners, or make compositions from several flat pom-poms.
The photo above shows a blue pom-pom made from napkins measuring 33x33 cm, 12 layers, and pink and peach pompoms are made from tissue paper, diameter 25 cm.
How to make a pompom
For a round pompom, it is important to determine the correct paper dimensions. Otherwise, you will end up with a bow and not a ball.
So, the sheets of paper should be in the form of a rectangle. The paper needs to be folded from the short side, so the size of this side is the diameter of our ball (d). We calculate the size of the long side as half the circumference (L) of the pompom, i.e. - L/2. Now a little geometry. Below is the formula for calculating the circumference:
L = 2r = d,
Where L is length; r – radius; d – diameter.
Help for the school geometry course: - this is the number 3.14; 2r is the diameter (d). Our task is to ensure that the size of the long side is close to the size of the semicircle, i.e. L/2, then the pompom will be a round ball. To do this, it is necessary to carry out such a simple calculation using the formula.
If for some reason the long side is a few centimeters shorter than the desired size, then this is not critical for the look of the pompom. This especially does not have much effect on large pompoms. However, it is still worth striving for the calculated dimensions.
The next important point is how many sheets of paper to take. It depends on the desired diameter of the future pompom. For a diameter of 40-50 cm, it is recommended to take 8-10 sheets; for a diameter of 20-30 cm - 6-8 layers of paper.
Tip: The more sheets, the higher the fluffiness of the ball. Also, the less rigid the paper, the more sheets you need.
Now that the type of paper and its dimensions have been determined, let's move on to the process of assembling the pompom itself.
We fold the stack of paper like an accordion, starting from the short side. The width of the bend depends, again, on the selected diameter of the pompom: if the diameter is 40-50 cm, the bend is necessary by 4-5 cm; if the diameter is 20-30 cm, then bend 2-3 cm.
We fasten the resulting fan in the center.
Now let's process the edges with scissors: you can make them rounded or pointed. Or you can not cut them at all, but leave them straight - it will also look original.
Next, let's start giving the desired rounded shape.
Fan out both halves of the resulting bow.
Next, we separate each layer and pull it to the dressing site. And so on in turn on each side.
This must be done extremely carefully, but confidently, well straightening the layers along the entire length to the dressing site. Having separated each layer, straighten them evenly to form a homogeneous ball.
The paper pompom is ready! Similar manufacturing technology is used for other types of paper.
Pom-poms made from corrugated paper turn out to be quite durable, so at the end of the holiday you can try to collect them into the original fan and fluff them up again for the next joyful event.
What will you need?
The use of pompom flowers, which are particularly pompous and light, has become very popular. This is explained by the simplicity and speed of completing such a project and the effect that results. Such elements are perfect for creating themed parties, and they can simply be used to give the room new colors and mood. Such products can be attached to the ceiling, furniture or walls. Here everyone chooses the most suitable methods and places.
Paper balls can be of different sizes. A huge pompom will look very impressive and unusually beautiful. But small flowers can be combined into bouquets and decorated with them in the room, which will be no less festive and elegant.
In order to create a beautiful light ball that will serve as a stylish decoration for the room, you must first decide on the material to work with. To make such pompoms you need a certain type of paper. The most suitable and convenient materials for creating such balls are considered to be:
- corrugated paper;
- crepe paper;
- paper in silence;
- paper napkins;
- papyrus paper.
To implement a wonderful idea and create such a spectacular decoration as flower pompoms, you will need very few materials and tools, namely:
- paper;
- scissors;
- thread (cord, wire);
- fishing line or other rope for fastening;
- a device for working with folds (folding).
Pompom threaded
Many paper crafts, especially spring and summer crafts, use paper pom poms. They are made very simply. Alina Zagainova prepared a master class.
This pompom is very easy to make. You just need to stock up on soft paper, which can easily fluff up without returning to its original position. A good pompom can be made from corrugated paper, but then you shouldn’t make the sectors very narrow (it’s difficult to cut). The paper should be double-sided, since both sides will be visible in the finished craft. You can prepare paper of different colors, then the pompom will turn out colorful.
Cut out 20-24 circles of the same size from paper.
Divide into two piles.
Align the circles in each stack with each other and sew strictly in the center.
Using a ruler, draw the top circle into sectors, not reaching the center by half a centimeter. How many sections you make is up to you, but very narrow strips can easily come off during the final part of making the pompom.
Very carefully cut the circle along the marked lines, without crossing any lines and without even reaching the line drawn next to it. Watch the lower cut strips, as they constantly strive to bend under the blades of the scissors.
Make a second ball of the same size. Sew them together in the center, pressing both pieces together with their backs. Take the pompom in your hand and carefully fluff it, slightly bending the strips towards the center.
Using tape, glue the thread into several strips. This homemade paper pom-pom will look good if you attach it by a thread to a switch or just to the wall.
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Tags: Kids crafts, Simple crafts
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Discussion: 5 comments
- Olga:
January 28, 2015 at 1:14 amInteresting idea *BRAVO* I didn’t know that pompoms can be made from paper
Answer
- Irina Rassvetnaya:
January 28, 2015 at 7:30
I make pom-poms from threads, but I haven’t even tried them from paper. And it just turns out that way.
Answer
- Olga:
January 28, 2015 at 01:12 pm
And this is the first time I’ve come across a paper pompom, an interesting idea for room decor.
Answer
- Anna:
January 28, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Using the same principle, you can make a pompom from the material.
Answer
Larisa:
January 28, 2015 at 07:50 pm
True addition, thank you.
Answer
How to make a paper pompom in the shape of a hemisphere: detailed instructions
If you wish, you can make an unusual pom-pom that can be used to decorate any surface. For better stability, the paper product is created not round, but in the shape of a hemisphere.
For work, you can choose paper napkins, but we will opt for paper muffin tins. The latter have become the object of close attention of craftswomen due to their corrugated edges, which gives the decorative element additional volume. The work plan is as follows:
- Fold the cake pan in multiple layers to create an acute angle of approximately 45 degrees. Do the same with all forms. This is how we will make petals for a decorative pompom flower.
- Now collect all the petals together: alternately place the edge of one petal on the edge of the other, making sure that the sharp corners of the petals converge at one point, and that they themselves do not completely overlap each other.
- Using a hairpin or single thread with a needle, fasten the petals.
- To make the fluffy hemisphere very voluminous, fill the finished circle with several more rows of petals. Remember that all elements must be strung on a thread (hairpin).
For an outdoor wedding
Paper balloons are perfect for outdoor wedding decorations. They can easily be used to decorate any objects, string long but almost weightless garlands, hang them on trees and bushes, mark different areas, use them instead of decorative ropes, create signs, and so on. Pom-poms can be supplemented with paper lanterns, which will come in very handy when it gets dark outside.
Wedding table decoration
Small pom-poms can be used to decorate the tables of guests and newlyweds. It will look bright and unusual. The products perfectly complement flowers, but their presence in the floral composition must be foreseen in advance. Balloons can also completely replace flowers on tables. These can be either individual products designating seats, or whole bunches located on tables or even hanging from them.