giant pom pom flowers {tutorial}

Moms of boys, lets be honest. Don't you wish you had a girl's room to decorate? I sure do! And these would take center stage.
Now before you think I'd give up the trucks and balls, let me say that one does not have to have a daughter to "need" something sweet like these in your life. They'd be great for a wedding, bridal shower, or garden party. Oh the possibilities!

And the best part? These cost only $4! I bought a package of assorted tissue paper (50 sheets), which will make 5 big pom pom flowers.
Materials: tissue paper (at least 10 sheets per flower), wire or twist tie, scissors, string for hanging.
Step 1
Open your tissue paper and separate the colors.
I used pinks, reds and whites for the pink flower, but you could use 10 sheets of the same color for each flower. I thought the assorted package was a better deal, as individual colors cost a dollar each (you may chide me for being cheap).

Layer the colors you want to use, lining up the edges. I alternated colors for each layer.
Step 2
Start folding it along the short end like an accordion. I made my first fold about 2" wide, then followed my folds. Be sure to crease well.
Continue folding until you reach the end.
Step 3
Using scissors, round off each end of the accordion.
Don't fret if the layers don't line up perfectly. Have the stars ever aligned perfectly for a craft project?
Step 4
Fold your accordion in half so you can find the center
and cinch with a twist tie or wire. No need to make it really crimped tight, like I did in the photo below (my first attempt).It works better if it's a little loose, but still taut so the thing doesn't fall apart. Also, you'll want to add the string for hanging at this stage before pulling apart all those layers (live and learn, I forgot until I was nearly done).
Step 5
Start fluffing! This is both fun and frustrating, trying to plump up the petals just-so without ripping it. Just do it layer by layer, and really push apart those first layers closest to the twist tie.
And try your best to cover that gap that will occur around the folded area. You can do it!
Now let's just sit back and admire the gorgeousness before Mr. Geek makes me take them down from the kitchen window.

So now you have the giant cousins to go along with the smaller coffee filter ones. Enjoy!
Psst...I received a $25 gift card from Collective Bias to get some craft making supplies at Walmart. That's the impetus for this post, and I thoroughly making and blogging about these. You can visit my Whrrl story too.