Tissue Paper Pom-Poms

Armed with fluffy pom-poms, kids can tell parents what to do: Stand up! Cheer! Make some noise!
Martha Stewart Kids, Volume 5 2002

Armed with fluffy pom-poms, kids can tell parents what to do: Stand up! Cheer! Make some noise! Construct these crowd-pleasers by cutting strips from layers of tissue paper and then wrapping them around dowels. Design them in team colors or any festive combination. Add extra layers for super-large pom-poms, or tape skinny strips to both ends of a longer dowel for a spirited baton. Hurrah!

Pom-Pom How-To
Note: Kids age 5 and under should not play with dowels or pom-poms made with them.

Begin by placing four sheets of tissue paper on top of each other. Fold them in half, and cut 1-inch-wide strips through all layers, stopping just short of fold so that strips will hold together (left top). Next, starting at one corner, roll folded edge tightly around one end of a short 1/4-inch-diameter dowel. Use vinyl tape to secure the bottom of the pom-pom to the dowel. Repeat entire process, beginning with the four sheets of tissue paper, at least two more times, to make the ball fluffy.

Reviews (6)

  • LittleMissCraft
    28 Mar, 2013

    That's a great idea! I love using tissue paper for crafts - I've made flowers, pumpkins and even turkeys with tissue paper!

  • LittleMissCraft
    26 Mar, 2013

    That's a great idea! I love using tissue paper for crafts - I've made flowers, pumpkins and even turkeys with tissue paper:
    http://littlemisscraft.com/crafts/Tissue_Paper-26

  • ArtistEuropa
    4 Jul, 2011

    Very, very CUTE! Using paper is great as it can be recycled or composted after it is torn or use has ended.

    However:
    *Takes much paper to create full pom poms
    *Takes a long time to cut unless using a paper slicer (which isn't recommended with younger or very energetic kids)

  • RGXM
    13 Oct, 2010

    I think tissue paper might tear easily. We get really into the games!! I'm gonna try using those plastic table covers. That might hold up better with the wind also.

  • DebsSweet
    30 Sep, 2010

    Yes - they would tear the first time they are used. In high school I used crepe paper for my pom poms - I think? It was a long time ago! LOL (and we didn't do it this way, I do know that much)

  • texasmemo
    15 Sep, 2010

    These look really cute but wouldn't they tear easily? just a thought.