Learn how to make tissue paper flowers with the help of this step-by-step photo and video tutorial. This is your ultimate guide to making, hanging, and decorating with tissue paper flowers!
How do you make tissue paper flowers?
- Stack several layers of tissue paper neatly in front of you. (Refer to sizing chart below)
- Starting at the short end, accordion fold 1 inch sections of the tissue paper until the whole length of the tissue paper is folded together.
- Secure the center using a stapler. Be sure the staple goes through all layers of the tissue paper.
- Use scissors to shape both ends of the tissue paper. Scroll down a bit to see a chart of different ways you can cut the ends and how the flower will look.
- Fan out the folds and begin separating each layer. Fluff and shape the flower until it looks pretty.
Just in case any of that was confusing, I’ve put together a short video tutorial so you can see exactly how to make tissue paper flowers.
How do you make BIG flowers out of tissue paper?
You can easily make tissue paper flowers any size you want by adjusting the starting width of your tissue paper and how many layers you use. The larger the flower, the more layers it needs. Here is a handy reference chart to give you an idea of sizing. The first number is how wide the tissue paper is after you’ve accordion folded it. The second number is how many layers of tissue paper you should use.
How do you make different tissue paper flower shapes?
Another way you can change it up is by folding more than one color of tissue paper together like I did in the last flower example above. Layer a smaller strip of tissue paper over a larger strip to have a different colored flower center or layer different colors that are all the same size for a striped or ombre effect. There are so many different possible variations. Let your imagination go wild!
How do you make tissue paper pom poms?
In my mind, tissue paper flowers are flat on the back and tissue paper pom poms are ball-shaped. There are two ways to make a tissue paper pom pom that is nice and round. You can either make two flowers the same size and attach the flat sides together to get a nice sphere –or– double the number of tissue paper sheets you start with. Sometimes this still leaves the finished shape a little less than perfectly round, so I prefer attaching two flowers together.
How do you hang tissue paper pom poms?
- Before fluffing the tissue paper (between steps 4 and 5 above), tie a ribbon or fishing line around the middle of the folded tissue paper right where the staple is. After you fluff the tissue paper, the string will be accessible for hanging. I love these clear Command Hooks (affiliate link) that are specially made for party decor. I used them to hang the tissue paper flowers and paper lanterns in one corner of my craft room. See the photo below.
- Use masking or packing tape to attach flat-backed tissue paper flowers to the wall temporarily.
- If you would like to display the tissue paper flowers long-term, use push pins or Command Strips to attach them to the wall. Tape may come undone over time. Just hide the push pins in the fluffy parts of the tissue paper and they won’t even show.
Where’s the best place to buy tissue paper?
How do you decorate with tissue paper flowers?
I did these many years ago, but you show so many neat variations. Such an inexpensive way to decorate! Thanks for sharing
Love this Jen!! We need to make several for Tiana’s wedding! Thank you!! 😘
[…] Another really simple DIY. You can make them really big or really tiny for a doll’s party. Jennifer from the Crafted Patch Blog will show you how to make these in different sizes. These are actually fun to make with your […]
I know tissue paper is quickly messed up by water. However anyone ever sprayed it a color like spray paint or air brushing?
I recently brushed the tips of the tissue paper with metallic gold paint and it worked well. However, I don’t think the tissue paper would have held up to anything too wet.
OMG, I love all these ideas and I could have used these instructions this past weekend for my daughters birthday party. The directions that came with the tissue flowers I bought were terrible but I finally figured it out on my own. I will definitely be trying some of the ideas you have for my next party!
I also make these with cheap plastic table cloths. They are waterproof and are just as beautiful!
Genius, especially if you’re throwing an outdoor party!
[…] If you like this project, don’t miss my tutorial for making tissue paper flowers. […]
This is a great craft! Thank you sooooo much! I’m only 12 and I have to teach this to a group of about 30 people and it really helped out.