Tissue Paper Poms

 

Now I know you might already know how to make these tissue poms, but I always seem to find posts from people asking how to do it. So since I'm trying to work my way up to Morgan's birthday party post, I thought I'd go ahead and share. They are SO simple and since tissue paper comes in so many patterns and colors now, you can make them to match any party or event.

 All you need is some tissue paper, a pair of scissors and string, twine, yarn or fishing line. Keep an eye out during post-holiday clearance and you can snag a great deal on the tissue.

Open your packs and spread out your tissue. At this point, you can leave them the size they are, or trim them to make them smaller.

I wanted a variety of sizes, so I cut this one down a bit. Also, the more layers you use, the fluffier they will be. I like to use at least eight.

Now, starting on one end, start folding the sheets, accordion style.  I usually do about an inch or so on this, but I never measure it.

Keep folding until the entire sheet is finished. I like to press down on the edges to flatten the folds as much as I can. 

For the ends, you can either cut them rounded, or pointed. It's totally up to you. But snip off both ends of the tissue. 

Fold your tissue over enough that you can find the center. Using your string of choice, wrap it around and tie a secure knot.  Make sure you leave a long enough tail that you can hang them at the height you need.

Now it's time to fluff. Carefully pull up each each layer of tissue, making sure to undo any folds. Be careful because it tears easy. But I've also found that minor tears don't really show.

Complete one side, then flip over and repeat.

And there you have it!

Here are all the ones I did for Morgan's party. I did orange and two shades of blue, in several different sizes. If you want to add to your display, check out my post on tulle pom poms. I apologize for the lack of crafty posts and all the sponsored posts. I got a little backed up, and then we went to North Carolina for another vacation. I promise to have more crafty posts (including Morgan's cookie decorating party & Layla's Lego party!) coming soon!

Patio Fun & a Giveaway!

Being in the south I long for a front porch. Sadly, we don't have a porch, but we do have a large screened in room as well as a carport. We don't use then that much in our every day lives, but they do become the main hangout areas when we have parties.

We always have the kids birthday parties at home, and the 4th of July celebration is here every year as well. I'm crossing my fingers that one of these years before the kids are grown, we can have a Halloween party!

Here's the screen room being used for Morgan's 3rd birthday. We tend to have messy activities for their parties, and a lot of that happens out here. This was the cookie decorating area.

And here it is for Layla's 8th birthday.

These are just some of my favorite activities that my family enjoys on our patio. What activities do you and your family enjoy on your patio? Answer the question below and one of my readers will win a $25 Sears gift card!

Need some help figuring out your style? Sears is making it easy with their interactive quiz that helps you select your perfect style.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sears. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

School Safety Tips & The Master Combo Challenge

As you know, the kids are getting ready to head back to school. I was surprised to see that they had already started when we were on vacation in North Carolina this past week! Besides all of the school supplies that are needed, you should be thinking of safety and security, too. 

You paid a lot of money for those supplies, gear and gadgets, and the last thing you, or your kids want, is for those things to come up missing. That's where Master Lock® comes in. My kids don't ride their bikes to school, but the Master Lock SafeSpace Laptop Lock could definitely come in handy. This handy device keeps everything locked up safe insie, not just laptops!

Of course, don't forget to remind them of some of the basics as they head back. 

• Do not talk to strangers
• Never get in the car with someone they do not know
• Label your belongings
• Never leave valuables unattended
• Remember 911! 

Now, Master Lock® invites you to take “The Master Combo Challenge,” an interactive game on the company’s Facebook page. By playing, students & their parents can discover tips on how to stay safe at school as well as the best products that will keep their belongings safe & secure. While there, you can also enter for a chance to win back-to-campus-themed prizes, including the new Set-Your-Own Combination SafeSpace™ Laptop Computer Lock.

Disclosure: By posting this information, I'm entered to win a Master Lock back-to-school prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.