How To Make DIY Decorations With Polystyrene Balls And Crepe Paper

Decorating the house with homemade crafts can be fun and rewarding. Whether you are creating special festive decor, holiday presents, or home decor, utilizing crepe paper and polystyrene balls is an innovative and simple way to achieve great results. They are easy to handle and have unlimited design possibilities, so they are ideal for professionals and beginners alike.

Homemade crepe paper and polystyrene ball designs can make any room special. Also, they can be made to fit any color scheme or theme, and the great thing about them is that they are cheap. You can transform plain objects into beautiful decor with little supplies and creativity.

This tutorial will guide you through several different ways to make beautiful DIY decor with crepe paper and polystyrene balls.

1. Choosing the Right Materials

Before starting the creative process, you should first gather all the materials. Fortunately, most materials are cheap and readily available at craft stores.

For instance, there are varying sizes of polystyrene balls that can be used for various decor projects. For small and delicate designs, small-sized balls should be used, but for dramatic centerpieces, use the large ones.

Equally important is crepe paper, which comes in numerous colors and textures. Ideally, you should invest in high-quality crepe paper, which is more durable and easier to shape.

Also, when selecting colors, consider the theme—bright, bold colors for celebratory occasions but soft pastel colors for an elegant and subtle appearance.

In addition to crepe paper and polystyrene balls, you will need simple craft tools such as glue, paintbrushes, and floral wire (if creating structured designs.

2. How To Prepare The Polystyrene Balls

The polystyrene balls need to be prepared first before the crepe paper is applied to get the best result. It will make the paper stick perfectly and give it a glossy finished look.

Start by selecting the ball you will be employing. When creating a hanging piece, it is also beneficial to include a small loop of thread or ribbon around the ball before covering it with crepe paper. This can be achieved by adding an eye pin or by gluing on the piece of string.

If the ball must be smoother, sand the ball’s surface with a fine-grit sandpaper. It is an optional step but can be employed to soothe the ball’s surface if it is rough. Once the surface is prepared, put a toothpick or skewer into the ball to be easily managed when it is being decorated.

3. Cutting And Shaping Crepe Paper

Crepe paper is a unique craft material that is both stretchy and textured. It will make all the difference to the overall appearance of your decor if you learn to cut and shape it properly.

Begin by deciding on the type of decor you want to achieve. Cut the crepe paper into usable squares or strips if decorating the whole ball. If making the texture like flowers, petal shapes will be required. For the ruffle effect, carefully pull the edge of the crepe paper.

If layering color or pattern, it is worthwhile to pre-cut all the needed shapes before gluing. This will save you time and make it easier to visualize the finished product. Crepe paper can be twisted or crumpled to add dimension and depth to the decor.

4. Applying Crepe Paper To Polystyrene Balls

Now that the polystyrene balls are prepared and the crepe paper is trimmed, you can cover them with paper. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can use several techniques.

One easy way is to wrap the ball with one layer of crepe paper. Apply a thin coat of glue to the ball with a paintbrush or by hand, and apply the crepe paper to the surface, smoothing the creases. If the paper does not lie flat, make small slits along the edge to help it conform to the shape.

For a textured or layered appearance, glue small sections at one time and cover the ball with small pieces of crepe paper. This method is perfect for the pom-pom effect or flower-like designs.

Let the glued crepe paper dry completely before moving on to the next step.

5. Adding Decorative Details

Once the crepe paper base layer is securely in place, you can add more details to make it more beautiful. This is the stage where creativity comes in to make every piece uniquely personalized according to your preference.

Some sparkles can be added by the use of glitter or sequins. A small bit of glue can be applied to specific areas before the glitter is applied to the surface. Ribbons, lace, or beads can be glued to the decor for an elegant or celebratory appearance.

To create floral arrangements, layer several layers of crepe paper to form petals and glue them to the ball. This technique is ideal for creating realistic-looking flowers that can be used as table centerpieces or ornaments.

Wrapping Up

Creating DIY decor with crepe paper and polystyrene balls is simple yet rewarding craft work with endless possibilities. Homemade decor pieces bring a personal element to any space for holiday decor, party decor, or creative home decor accents.

You can make beautiful, creative designs with imagination and simple materials to fit your style and purpose. It’s cheap, enjoyable, and available to everyone, so it’s the ideal activity for families and individuals.

So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and start crafting!