Tissue Paper Decorations: Easy DIY Ideas for Parties, Holidays, and Everyday Décor

Updated June 2024 for the latest DIY trends and techniques.

Tissue paper decorations have become a go-to choice for anyone looking to add color and texture to celebrations without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, preparing for baby showers, or decorating your home for the holidays, tissue paper offers endless creative possibilities. The material is lightweight, affordable, and forgiving enough for beginners and kids to work with confidently.

From fluffy pom poms suspended over dessert tables to delicate paper flowers adorning gift packages, tissue paper craft projects can transform ordinary spaces into celebration-ready venues. Common applications include tissue paper flowers, garlands, backdrops for photo booths, confetti for table scattering, and dimensional letters or numbers for milestone events like graduations and weddings.

This guide focuses on practical, step-by-step DIY ideas that you can complete in an afternoon. You’ll also find tips on color coordination, creative ways to use leftover tissue paper from gift wrapping, and advice on storing your creations for future events.

What you’ll learn in this article:

• Essential tools and basic folding techniques that apply across all projects
• How to create tissue paper flowers in multiple sizes for centerpieces, backdrops, and gift toppers
• Methods for making tissue paper pom poms and clustering them into garlands
• Tassel and fringe garland construction for mantels and party tables
• Techniques for covering 3D numbers, letters, and custom shapes
• Quick projects using confetti, gift toppers, and table accents
• Color coordination strategies and eco-friendly storage and reuse practices

Introduction to Tissue Paper Craft

Tissue paper craft is a delightful and accessible way to bring your creative vision to life for any celebration. Thanks to its lightweight and affordable qualities, tissue paper is perfect for crafting everything from whimsical pom poms to elegant paper flowers. Tissue paper pom poms, in particular, have become a favorite for birthday parties, baby showers, and weddings, as they can be easily tailored to match any color palette or event theme. By making use of leftover tissue paper from gift wrapping or previous projects, you can create beautiful, eco-friendly decorations that add a personal touch to your festivities. Whether you’re looking to create a single statement piece or fill a room with color, tissue paper craft offers endless possibilities for both beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts. With just a few sheets of tissue paper, you can add vibrant flowers, playful pom poms, and unique accents to your next party or gathering.

Getting Started: Tools, Materials, and Basic Techniques

Before diving into specific projects, gather a core set of supplies that you’ll use repeatedly across all tissue paper decorations. Having everything on hand makes each project faster and more enjoyable.

Core supplies to stock:

• Standard 20” x 26” tissue paper sheets (sold in pack sizes from 8 to 100+ at party stores, dollar stores, and big-box retailers)
• Sharp scissors or craft scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Floral wire or thin craft wire (22-gauge works well)
• String, baker’s twine, ribbon, or clear fishing line for hanging
• Glue stick or hot glue gun with glue sticks
• Clear tape or painter’s tape
• Hole punch or circle punch

Basic techniques used across projects:

• Accordion folding: Stack sheets and fold back and forth in even pleats (typically 1” wide), creating a fan shape
• Fringe cutting: Cut narrow strips along one edge while leaving the opposite edge intact
• Layering sheets: Stack multiple sheets of tissue paper to create fullness and dimension
• Trimming edges: Round the ends for a peony or rose effect; point the ends for a dahlia or starburst look
• Separating layers: Gently pull each layer toward the center to create a fluffy, three-dimensional shape
• Twisting wire: Twist craft wire tightly around the center of folded tissue paper to secure it, and twist the ends together to form a stable hanging loop for your decoration.

When selecting tissue paper, avoid waxy or overly slippery versions that don’t hold folds well. Standard gift tissue from party supply stores typically has the right texture, and pairing it with top craft paper supplies for creative projects ensures you have the right materials on hand for all your décor ideas. For projects involving children, an adult should assist with scissors and supervise any hot glue gun use.

DIY Tissue Paper Flowers

Tissue paper flowers are arguably the most versatile decoration you can create. Use them as centerpieces, attach them to photo backdrops, add them as gift toppers, or arrange them into wreaths for your front door. For more variations and styling tips, explore the best tissue paper flowers for any occasion. The same basic technique scales from small accent blooms to dramatic wall flowers.

Sizing guide:

• Medium flowers: Cut 6-8 sheets to approximately 7” x 12”
• Large wall flowers: Use full-size 20” x 26” sheets (5-8 sheets per flower)
• Mini accent flowers: Cut sheets to 4” x 6” (6-10 layers)

Classic flower method:

• Stack 5-8 sheets of tissue paper
• Accordion-fold in 1” pleats from short end to short end
• Secure the center with floral wire, twisting tightly
• Trim the ends (round for peony look, pointed for dahlia look)
• Fan out the folded paper, then gently separate each layer toward the center

Color combination ideas:

• Blush, ivory, and gold for a spring bridal shower
• Red and green for a December holiday party
• Coral, peach, and cream for summer weddings
• School colors for a 2026 graduation celebration

Display suggestions:

• Glue several large flowers to foam board to create a statement backdrop
• Cluster medium flowers along a mantel or fireplace surround
• Attach single flowers to chair backs along an aisle
• Use mini flowers as place card holders at each table setting

Mini Tissue Paper Flower Napkin Rings

Napkin rings offer a small-scale variation of tissue flowers, perfect for adding a polished touch to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special dinner table settings.

• Use the same accordion-folding method with smaller rectangles (4” x 6” pieces, 6-10 layers)
• After creating the mini bloom, attach the finished flower to a paper ring, loop of ribbon, or piece of twine
• Wrap the ring or twine around cloth or paper napkins and secure with a small dab of glue

Styling examples:

• White flowers with tiny gold paper centers for a New Year’s Eve 2026 dinner
• Pastel blooms in lavender and mint for a baby shower brunch
• Burgundy and orange mini flowers for a Friendsgiving gathering
• Red and pink blooms for Valentine’s Day dinner at home

Tissue Paper Flower Pomander Balls and Wreaths

Pomander balls—sometimes called kissing balls—are foam spheres completely covered in tissue flowers, hung from ribbon for weddings, garden parties, or holiday décor.

Materials for pomander balls:

• 4” to 8” craft foam balls (available at craft stores)
• Ribbon loop pinned or glued into the top of the ball
• Individual tissue flowers (mini size) glued closely together to cover the entire surface

Materials for wreaths:

• Foam wreath form or cardboard ring base
• Tissue flowers attached in rows to cover the entire ring
• Ribbon loop for hanging on doors or walls

Seasonal examples:

• Orange and black pomanders for Halloween 2025 parties
• Pastel flower wreaths in pink, yellow, and lavender for Easter brunch
• Red and pink heart-shaped wreaths for Valentine’s Day
• White and silver pomanders for winter wedding receptions

These pieces make stunning focal points when clustered at varying heights or arranged as a centerpiece surrounded by candles.

DIY Tissue Paper Pom-Poms and Hanging Orbs

Tissue paper pom poms are fluffy spheres that hang above dessert tables, dance floors, nurseries, or kids’ bedrooms. They create instant visual impact and work in virtually any color scheme, making them one of the most budget-friendly birthday decorations paper ideas for parties.

Size guidance:

• Use 8-12 sheets per pom for a full, fluffy look
• Cut sheets to 10” x 15” for medium pom-poms
• For larger statement poms, use full 20” x 26” sheets
• More sheets create a fuller sphere; fewer sheets produce a lighter, airier effect

Four main steps:

1. Stack sheets and accordion-fold in 1” pleats
2. Trim the ends (round for soft edges, pointed for spiky texture)
3. Secure the center with wire or string, leaving a long tail for hanging
4. Carefully pull apart each layer toward the center, alternating sides

Styling tips:

• Hang pom-poms at varying heights over a birthday party table for dynamic visual interest
• Mix sizes and shades—try teal, aqua, and navy for an ocean-themed 8th birthday in 2026
• Combine one color in three different sizes for an ombré effect
• Add metallic tissue or foil sheets for sparkle at New Year’s Eve celebrations

Honeycomb-style balls offer an alternate look. These are either ready-made or created through an advanced DIY technique involving tissue glued in a repeating pattern that opens into a sphere when expanded.

Using Pom-Poms in Garlands and Clusters

String multiple tissue paper pom poms along ribbon, baker’s twine, or clear fishing line to create a garland that spans mantels, doorways, or long walls.

Arrangement ideas:

• Space pom-poms 8” to 12” apart on the garland cord
• For mantels, a 5-6 foot garland with 5-7 pom-poms works well
• For longer walls or outdoor spaces, extend to 10-12 feet with more frequent poms

Clustering techniques:

• Group 3-5 pom-poms of varying sizes in a corner of a photo backdrop
• Create a “cloud” cluster over a cake table by hanging poms at different heights
• Attach clusters to ceiling hooks or clear command strips for easy setup

Event examples:

• White and gold pom clusters for a 50th anniversary party
• Bright rainbow garlands for a kids’ playroom makeover
• Blush, rose gold, and cream for bridal shower décor
• Primary colors for a circus or carnival birthday theme

Tissue Paper Garlands and Backdrops

Garlands and backdrops quickly fill large spaces, making them perfect for current trends like photo booths and DIY dessert tables. These projects use similar cutting and layering techniques but create different textures and movement depending on the style you choose, much like other cute crafts paper ideas for fun DIY projects.

Main styles covered:

• Tassel garlands (twisted loops with fringe tails)
• Fringe garlands (long strips with one fringed edge)
• Layered fringe backdrops (rows of fringe covering a wall or board)

Mixing multiple garland styles in one event adds depth and visual interest without increasing difficulty.

Tissue Paper Tassel Garlands

Tassels are created from half or full tissue sheets, folded lengthwise and cut into fringe, then twisted at the center to form a loop at the top.

Layout guidance:

• Use 10-20 tassels on a 6-8 foot cord for a standard mantel or party table
• Vary tassel spacing from 4” to 8” depending on desired fullness
• Alternate colors in a pattern or create an ombré gradient

Color scheme ideas:

• Blush, rose gold, and ivory for bridal showers
• Navy, silver, and white for New Year’s Eve 2026
• Pastels in pink, mint, yellow, and lavender for a first birthday
• Black, white, and gold for a glamorous 30th birthday bash

Hang tassels on twine, ribbon, or metallic cord. Secure to walls with removable hooks or painter’s tape to avoid damage.

Tissue Paper Fringe Garlands

Fringe garlands are made from long strips of tissue paper with one edge left intact and the other cut into narrow strips. This style adds movement and texture, especially when air circulates.

Construction notes:

• Cut strips approximately 4-6” wide
• Create fringe cuts about ¼” to ½” wide, stopping ½” from the top edge
• Layer multiple strips for fuller fringe
• Attach the solid edge to a cord, ribbon, or directly to furniture edges

Usage examples:

• Bright primary colors for a school graduation party or carnival theme
• Ombré pink shades for a Sweet 16 party
• Green and white layered fringe for a tropical luau
• Black and orange for Halloween party décor

This style works especially well across the front of dessert tables, bar carts, or high-top cocktail tables.

Layered Fringe Backdrops

Backdrops made by layering rows of fringe on a wall, foam board, or large cardboard create dramatic photo areas and cake table backgrounds.

Basic method:

• Attach the top row first, securing the solid edge with tape or glue
• Overlap each new row to hide the solid band above it
• Continue layering until the entire surface is covered with thick vertical fringe

Layout ideas:

• Horizontal rainbow stripes for kids’ birthdays
• Black and gold stripes for a 1920s Gatsby-style party
• Autumn tones in orange, burgundy, and gold for a Friendsgiving 2025
• Pastel ombré for gender reveal parties or baby showers

Practical tips:

• Build the backdrop on foam board in advance, then transport to the venue
• Use painter’s tape for temporary wall mounting without damage
• A 4’ x 6’ backdrop creates ample space for group photos

Despite their dramatic effect, these backdrops remain cheap to produce—a few packs of tissue paper and some tape are all you need.

Numbers, Letters, and Shaped Tissue Paper Décor

3D numbers and letters covered in tissue paper textures are ideal for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and graduation parties. These statement pieces photograph beautifully and serve as memorable focal points, especially when you understand the best types of paper for craft and décor.

Base materials:

• Cardboard or foam board cut into numbers or letters (e.g., “1” for a first birthday, “2026” for New Year’s Eve)
• Cardboard boxes can be repurposed and covered for added dimension

Two main texture options:

• Crumpled rosettes: Cut tissue into 2-3” squares, crumple each into a small ball or rosette, and glue close together across the surface
• Mini tissue flowers: Create small accordion-folded flowers and attach across the surface for a fluffier look

Event examples:

• Hot pink “16” for a Sweet Sixteen celebration
• Gold and black “50” for a golden anniversary party
• School colors “2026” for a graduation backdrop
• Silver “25” for a silver wedding anniversary

Size recommendations:

• 18” to 30” tall for freestanding statement pieces
• Smaller 8-12” versions for table centerpieces
• Attach a ribbon loop to the back for wall hanging, or use an easel stand for display

Custom Shapes: Hearts, Stars, and Seasonal Icons

The same rosette and mini-flower techniques apply to custom shapes cut from cardboard, including hearts, stars, pumpkins, trees, and more.

Seasonal ideas:

• Orange pumpkins and black bats for October Halloween décor
• Red and green trees or wreaths for December holiday homes
• Pastel eggs in pink, yellow, and lavender for Easter 2026
• Red hearts for Valentine’s Day mantels or party backdrops

Display options:

• Hang flat shapes on doors with ribbon loops
• Lean dimensional shapes on mantels or shelves
• Use as centerpieces on buffet tables surrounded by candles

Mixing tissue textures—such as combining ruffled fringe with rosettes—on one shape creates a more detailed, eye-catching look.

Tissue Paper Confetti, Gift Toppers, and Table Accents

These quick projects are ideal for using up leftover tissue paper from gift wrapping. Most can be completed in 15 minutes or less.

Tissue paper confetti:

• Stack several sheets and punch circles with a hole punch or circle punch
• Alternatively, cut small squares by hand for a more organic, handmade look
• Practical uses include:
  • Stuffing clear balloons before inflating
  • Scattering along table runners
  • Filling confetti poppers for New Year’s Eve 2025-2026

Tissue gift toppers:

• Create mini pom-poms (3-4” size) or tiny flowers
• Glue to wrapped presents or party favor bags
• Match the topper color to the gift wrap or party theme

Table accent ideas:

• Tissue runners: Overlap sheets of tissue paper down the center of a table, letting edges flutter naturally
• Mini rosettes: Place small tissue rosettes around centerpieces or votive candles
• Under-plate accents: Layer tissue under clear glass plates for a pop of color

These accents add a love of detail to your tablescape without requiring significant time or investment.

Holiday Decorations

When it comes to holiday decorating, tissue paper craft opens up a world of affordable and customizable options. For example, you can create stunning tissue paper flowers in festive colors to serve as centerpieces for Christmas dinners, Easter brunches, or Halloween parties, or mix them with easy paper snowflakes for beautiful winter décor. Tissue paper pom poms are another versatile choice—hang them from the ceiling, cluster them on walls, or string them into garlands to instantly add a burst of color and cheer to your space. You can even craft themed garlands, lanterns, or paper flowers that perfectly match your holiday décor. The beauty of tissue paper is that it allows you to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and color combinations, so you can create decorations that are truly unique to your celebration. Plus, since tissue paper is so affordable, you can easily refresh your holiday look each year without breaking the bank. Add a few pom poms or flowers to your holiday setup, and watch your home transform into a festive wonderland.

Inspiration and Ideas

Looking for fresh ideas to spark your next tissue paper craft project? There’s a wealth of inspiration available online to help you get started. Platforms like YouTube are filled with step-by-step videos and tutorials that walk you through creating everything from classic tissue paper pom poms to intricate paper flowers and creative garlands, and sites such as Simply Paper Crafts offer galleries and tutorials dedicated to paper-based décor. Pinterest and craft blogs are also fantastic resources for discovering new shapes, color combinations, and display ideas. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try mixing different sizes, layering colors, or cutting unique shapes to create decorations that reflect your personal style. You can also branch out into related techniques like creative crepe paper flowers for stunning DIY projects or top paper mache designs for sculptural décor. Whether you want to add a playful touch to a birthday party or create elegant accents for a wedding, you’ll find plenty of affordable and creative ideas to check out. With a little imagination and a few sheets of tissue paper, you can create decorations that add charm and personality to any event or space, or even pair them with handmade paper sheets for unique creative projects.

Tips for Color Coordination, Storage, and Reuse

Choosing the right color palette elevates your tissue paper decorations from DIY project to polished event décor. The right storage and reuse practices also help you get long-term value from your creations.

Color palette guidance:

• Select 2-3 main colors plus 1 metallic or neutral accent
• Match colors to invitations, seasonal themes, or venue décor
• Check color combinations in natural and artificial light before committing

Specific palette ideas:

Event Type	Color Combination
2025 boho weddings	Sage, cream, and terracotta
Fall dinner parties	Navy, copper, and cream
Baby showers	Pastel rainbow or soft pink and mint
New Year’s Eve	Black, gold, and silver
Summer birthdays	Coral, turquoise, and white
Storage tips:

• Flatten pom-poms gently by pressing layers together, then store in labeled bins
• Keep unused tissue paper folded in plastic sleeves or ziplock bags to avoid dust and wrinkles
• Store wire, ribbon, and tools in a separate container for easy access

Reuse ideas:

• Repurpose pom-poms and flowers in kids’ rooms, playrooms, or craft corners
• Save color-neutral pieces (white, cream, gold) for future events
• Update decorations by adding new accent pieces to existing collections

Eco-friendly practices:

• Recycle used tissue when possible (remove any tape, wire, or glitter first)
• Compost uncoated, non-metallic tissue paper
• Avoid glitter tissue, which contaminates recycling streams and doesn’t break down

With a little planning, your tissue paper decorations can serve multiple celebrations, making them an even more affordable and sustainable choice for homes and events alike. Start with one simple project this weekend—whether it’s a tutorial for pom poms from a YouTube channel or a set of tassel garlands—and build your skills from there. The details you add through these handmade touches will make every celebration feel more personal and memorable.

FAQ

**Q: What is the best way to store leftover tissue paper?**A: To keep leftover tissue paper in great condition, store it flat in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. You can use plastic sleeves or ziplock bags to protect the sheets from dust and wrinkles. Leftover tissue paper is perfect for future craft projects—use it to create new tissue paper pom poms, flowers, or other decorations whenever inspiration strikes.

**Q: How do I attach tissue paper pom poms to the ceiling?**A: Attaching tissue paper pom poms is easy! Simply tie a piece of string or ribbon around the center of the pom pom, then use a removable adhesive hook, clear tape, or a small dab of glue to secure the string to the ceiling. Make sure everything is secure so your pom poms stay in place throughout the party.

**Q: Can I use tissue paper to create decorations for outdoor events?**A: Yes, tissue paper can be used for outdoor decorations, but it’s important to use waterproof glue and sturdy string or ribbon to help your creations withstand the elements. Keep in mind that tissue paper is lightweight and may not hold up well in windy or rainy conditions, so try to display your decorations in sheltered areas when possible.

**Q: How do I create a tissue paper flower?**A: To create a tissue paper flower, stack 5-7 sheets of tissue paper, accordion-fold them, and secure the center with floral wire. Trim the ends into your desired shape, then gently separate each layer toward the center to form a full, fluffy flower. There are plenty of videos and tutorials online that can guide you through each step, making it easy to create beautiful paper flowers for any occasion.

**Q: Can I customize tissue paper decorations to match my party theme?**A: Absolutely! Tissue paper decorations are incredibly versatile. Choose sheets in colors that match your party theme, and experiment with different shapes and sizes. You can also add embellishments like glitter, ribbon, or even small paper details to make your tissue paper pom poms and flowers truly unique. With a little creativity, you can create decorations that perfectly complement any celebration.