How to Make Paper Pompoms

Pompoms have been around since cheerleaders began using them at sporting events in the 1930s. You can find vinyl pompoms sold in stores today, but originally they were made out of paper. Making your own paper pompoms is easy and traditional. They are a fun craft for children to play with, or for shaking around on holidays or other festive occasions, like parades. Follow these instructions to make your own paper pompoms.

Things You'll Need

• 5 to 10 sheets of paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Ruler (optional)
• Pencil (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a paper to make your pompoms that is not too thick or heavy. It's a great way to recycle newspapers if your kids just want to shake them around in the yard. Another great option is to use tissue paper used in gift wrapping. It's soft enough to shake, comes in many bright, festive colors, and you can even buy the type with sparkles embedded in the paper.

2. Hold your paper so that it is longer than it is taller.

3. 

   Take your scissor. Begin cutting strips up the paper from the bottom edge, about two-thirds of the way up the paper. Make the strips as narrow as you can, about 1/2 inch or less, but be careful not to cut any off. If you're insecure about your ability to cut straight, use a ruler and a pencil to make guide lines.

4. Lay your papers carefully on top of each other as you finish cutting the strips. The more paper you layer, the thicker and fuller your pompoms will be. If you like, you can use two or three different colors.

5. Take one of the top corners that are still intact. Start rolling your pompom, from one side to the other, being careful not to tangle the strips as you roll. Roll it into a fairly tight tube.

6. Tape around the top third of the pompom that is still intact. You can use regular Scotch tape, or if you would like colorful, interesting "handles," you can use one of the many neon colors available by Duck Tape brand. These should be easy to find in any craft, home improvement, or office supply store. Wrap the tape completely around the intact end to form the handle.

7. Give your pompoms a shake. Remember to keep them dry and to try to only hold them by the handles, and they will last longer.