8.23.2016

diy | pompoms + garland





   what you'll need
   + yarn of your choice (the fluffier it is, the better)
   + flexible cardboard or watercolor paper (I used 140 lb watercolor paper)
   + craft scissors (these are the ones I use)
   + something circular with a diameter of about 7 cm (for tracing)
   + something circular with a diameter of about 2.5 cm (for tracing)




    1. trace the larger circular object two times, then place the smaller one in the center of the circle (it doesn't have to be perfect, just eye it) and trace it






   2. cut out your circles (don't use fabric shears like I did... it'll dull them) | tip: it's easier to cut the centers out if you fold the paper in half, it will also make removing the ring easier later too




    3. sandwich the two rings together




   4. cut about 3 feet of yarn and begin wrapping the strand around the ring | hold the loose end and wrap the yarn on top of it to secure it (about three times)




   5. wrap the yarn around without overlapping after the loose end is secured, make sure you aren't pulling it too tight (it should be tight enough that it doesn't slip though)




   6. it is a circle, so every once in a while you have to push the yarn resting in the inner circle together and slightly fan out the top (without letting the paper show)






   7. once the first strand is placed securely on the ring, you will need to cut another piece of the same length | take the new loose end and place it over the top of the old loose end, then wrap the yarn around the two ends a few times (like in step 4); it will be bulky in those areas and that is completely ok | continue this process until you have covered the entire ring once




   8. this is how your ring should look after the first layer of yarn | notice how all of the yarn is neatly close together, but not tight at the outer edges




   9. now you're ready for the second layer; you'll be following the same steps as for the first layer | tip: you may have an empty spot due to lack of space in the inner circle (like in the photo for step 8); again, that's totally ok, just cover it with the second layer




   10. this is how the ring should look after the second layer; the inner circle has become smaller | continue to repeat the steps above for a third (and most likely final) layer




   11. after the third layer, the inner circle should be very small and it should be challenging to fit your index finger in it | put the yarn away, it's time to grab those sharp scissors




   12. the reason I highly recommend craft scissors for this is that the tips are VERY sharp, which is just what we need | begin cutting the edges, while holding the ring near the center (you do not want the yarn to stray from the ring) | tip: cut one layer at a time




   13. when you reach the first layer, you must insert the scissors in between the two paper rings (those skinny, sharp tips are super handy at this point) and make the final cut (DO NOT LET THE YARN FALL OFF THE RING)




   14. if done correctly, you will get a little sandwich like this one here, make sure you hold on to that center until you place it on a surface




   15. cut about a foot of yarn and slip it in between the two paper rings | tip: carefully bend the ring upward while doing this






   16. tie a knot, it has to be VERY tight




   17. this is where it helps to have another hand | tie another knot, again VERY tightly




   18. why do the rings need to be flexible? for easy removal | gently tug at the rings and slip them off either side of the pompom (this is my favorite step, so much excitement here)




   19. gently join the two side of the pompom together with your fingers




   20. gently tug on any loose yarn and pull it out, continue running your fingers through the yarn to make it fluffy | trim any long strands




   21. tie a knot in the long thread and cut off any excess




   22. enjoy your pompom!




   23. (optional) if you want to make a garland out of your pompoms, repeat the steps above to produce however many pompoms you desire and then simply tie them to a long strand of yarn










   You can make pompoms of any size, just make the paper cutout bigger; do make sure that the inner circle is fairly small in proportion to the larger one. Enjoy this little project! It's something you can make anywhere and at anytime. Once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze. Hope you'll love pompoms as much as I do.










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