Monday, May 23, 2011

DIY Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial and Giveaway!

UPDATE: For those of you who may like these toppers but not want to make them yourself, I'm now selling them on Etsy!

More Cupcakes for Joy's Birthday
I hope you guys liked these pom-pom cupcake toppers from my rum and raspberry custard cupcakes because they're not only fun and festive but easy to make! So fun and easy, in fact, that I'm debuting my first ever tutorial post today to show you how to make these with just a few simple tools and supplies, all readily available at your local crafts store. Potter & Butler deserves full credit for inspiring these toppers, but I must admit I'm pretty proud of myself for figuring out how to recreate them! Especially 'cause the premade ones are more than I can afford, poor student that I be =p. Plus, making my own let's me make them in any color, and I'm even gonna try combining several colors in the same topper!

Though I'm about to reveal just how truly simple these are to make for yourself, I'm also giving away a dozen pom-pom cupcake toppers to one lucky reader (free shipping to US or Canadian mailboxes only; others can enter if willing to pay for shipping). To enter, simply do as many of the following as you want and leave a separate comment for each thing you do! Don't forget to include a way for me to contact you if you win! The giveaway will close on June 1 at midnight, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Good luck! THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
  • Leave a comment telling me what type of cupcakes or what occasion you'd use these toppers for AND what color you'd like!
  • Like 6 Bittersweets on Facebook, then leave a comment telling me you did or already do.
  • Subscribe to this blog, then leave a comment telling me you did or already do.
  • Follow 6 Bittersweets on Twitter, then leave a comment telling me you did or already do including your Twitter name.
  • Link to this giveaway on Facebook, then leave a comment telling me including a link to the post.
  • Tweet about this giveaway tagging me @6bittersweets, then leave a comment telling me including a link to the post.
  • Blog about this giveaway, then leave a comment telling me including a link to the post.
I'd love to hear what you think of this tutorial and whether you'd be interested in more like it! Happy Crafting!

DIY Tissue Paper Pom-pom Cupcake Toppers [Printable Tutorial]
Inspired by Potter & Butler, Method by 6 Bittersweets

XIAOLU'S NOTES: Some types of tissue paper are too thick or waxy, and do not work well with a craft punch. You can still make these toppers with that type of tissue paper. But you will need to cut a 2-inch circle out of thicker paper (such as card stock), trace circle outlines onto that tissue paper, then cut out tissue paper circles manually along those outlines. This will definitely take longer than using the craft punch, but you can speed things up by cutting between 8 and 16 layers of tissue paper at a time.

Tissue paper (any color)
2-inch circle craft punch (such as this one)
Sewing needle
Thread (preferably in similar color to tissue paper)
Scissors
4 to 5-inch lollipop sticks OR wooden skewers cut to size
Double-sided tape

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 1
Fold or layer tissue paper so that it is between 8 and 16 layers thick and punch out 2-inch circles using the craft punch. You'll need 30 circles per pom-pom topper. Because it's so thin, the tissue paper easily gets stuck in the punch. After 30 minutes of frustration, I finally figured out the trick: (1) insert the paper into the punch and presh down just far enough that you can no longer shift the paper around freely; (2) continue holding the punch down partially as you use your other hand to pull the tissue paper in the other direction as if you're trying to remove it from the punch (this pulls the paper taut so the punch cuts the tissue paper instead of pulling it inside); (3) continue pulling the paper as you push the punch firmly down all the way and cut out your circles.

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 2
Double-thread your needle, double-knot the end, and sew through the center of a stack of 30 tissue paper circles.

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 3
Double-knot the thread on the opposite side as close to the tissue paper as possible and cut the remaining thread close to the knot.

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 4
Use scissors to cut 8 evenly spaced "spokes" into the circles, stopping 1/4 inch from the center.

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 5
Attach the circles to a 4 to 5-inch paper or wood stick using double-sided tape. First cover 1 inch of the tip of the stick with double-sided tape, then carefully insert the stick about halfway between the layers of circles and toward the center point of the circle. Do not insert the end of the stick beyond the center point or it will be hard to fluff the topper later. Once you've inserted the stick, press the tissue paper on both sides along the tip of the stick to ensure it adheres well.

Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Cupcake Topper Tutorial - Step 6
Use your fingers to separate and bend the tissue layers and cut sections until about half the layers have been fluffed out. Now turn the topper over and fluff out the rest of the layers from the other direction until it looks like a pom-pom. You want to be gentle since it's tissue paper, but you will also want to press near the base repeatedly as you fluff in order to crease the paper so that the sections don't fall flat again. Now you can instantly make any cupcake more festive with your new topper =D!

UPDATE: I've filmed a video demonstrating how to fluff up these toppers -- you can watch it HERE on my Youtube channel!

116 comments:

  1. So cute! A pity I cannot take part in the giveaway...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. man, I envy your patience and your eye for detail. Pfew

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  3. I LOVE the pom-pom!
    I would use them (and make more) for my kids' 5th birthday!

    malena@hansentriplets.com

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  4. Brilliant. Edible pom poms would be even more interesting.

    I didn't realise you were married/engaged:) Got distracted, sorry could not help commenting:)

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  5. liked you on facebook! too cute!

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  6. These are sooooo cute!! I use these for my Godson's 1st birthday party for sure!! If I do win...I would love these in a light blue color!! Thank You!!

    Yaneri
    yanerirodriguez@gmail.com

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  7. I "LIKE" 6 Bittersweets!!

    Yaneri
    yanerirodriguez@gmail.com

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  8. i like.. like the cupcakes and the pom-pom...i guess i would love to have them in any color and wid summer approaching i would love to use them on cupcakes for a pool/beach party...would love to see their feathers flutter in the wind:)i can see it's a lot of hard work to get the right pom pom...kudos & cheers to u!!!
    thanks..

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  9. Oh my gosh these are so adorable! I was going to ask you where you got them from, but yay! now I can make them myself! ( tho am sure they won't be as neat as yours!)

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  10. I'm a subscriber through Google Reader!

    Yaneri
    yanerirodriguez@gmail.com

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  11. Oh, these are super cute and I even shared it on Facebook before realizing there was a giveaway! Cannot wait to make some for my kiddo's end of the school year picnic on Friday. Thanks for sharing!
    ~artgirl68@yahoo.com

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  12. I love the pom poms they're so cute! I would used them for my daughter's sweet 1st birthday party!

    naneky@aol.com

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  13. I follow you on Twiiter! I twitted about your sweet little giveaway!

    Yaneri
    yanerirodriguez@gmail.com

    Tweeter name: Nrsegreeneyesrn
    http://twitter.com/#!/NrseGreenEyesRN/status/72793597140942848

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  14. I'm glad you all like these!

    Three Cookies - LOL I'm not married OR engaged...why did you think so?

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  15. I twitted about your giveway!

    http://twitter.com/#!/NrseGreenEyesRN/status/72794809454166017

    Yaneri
    yanerirodriguez@gmail.com

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  16. Such a beautiful cupcake celebration Xialu. You are a pro!

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  17. what a cute pop -pom... Nice way to spice up the baked goodies...:)
    Enjoyed your tutorial Xiaolu...:)

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  18. I like this blog on facebook too...:)

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  19. These are so sweet! That would be perfect for my sunshiny baby shower in June! In fact, if my sister hadn't forbidden me from sending her anymore ideas, I would send her this right now (I still might).

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  20. These are awesome! I had pom poms at our wedding so these are right up my alley. I'd love to use these for some cupcakes for my mom. She loves lime green!

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  21. I likes you on Facebook. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.

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  22. I couldn't resist, I just shared this with my sis (all passive-aggressively) via Facebook. And while "liking" 6bittersweets on Facebook, I realized your located in my area! (NOVA) Your pictures make me hungry.

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  23. And now I'm following you on Twitter (OneBlondeGirl).

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  24. I've seen cupcake toppers literally 'popping up' all over the blogosphere, but not come across a tutorial (I've been too lazy to search around). This is cute, I want to to make some too! :)

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  25. Thanks for sharing how to make these pom poms Xiaolu. They are absolutely adorable, so it's great I can now make my own!

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  26. These are so pretty! I would love pink ones and would use them in champagne cupcakes for my Bday next week :D

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  27. I had bought the ceiling poms for a party from Martha Stewart, and I love them but I'm glad you included the DIY.. spending $20 on toppers that will be thrown away is pricey... DIY makes them much more affordable neh?

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  28. Elle, it does as long as you're not charing yourself by the hour for making them =p

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  29. I linked to this giveaway on my FB page!

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  30. I tweeted about this giveaway. xoxo!

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  31. Oh my my !! Can the cup cakes get any cuter ..... Luv the details. I would luv to have a light mauve one :P Already a fan of yours and following you on FB too ..........

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  32. Eeeeeek!!!! Xiaolu I LOVE THIS! and I like this idea for craft tutorials, I am inspired to make some for my next party :) You're the best those cupcakes were so beautiful!!

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  33. Beatufiul pom pom! You are so creative and very very good at craft and baking and photography!!

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  34. Ooo, those are gorgeous. Of course I'd love to enter your giveaway. And I follow you on Twitter already :)

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  35. These are absolutely adorable. I woulduse them for my friends baby shower

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  36. Thank you very much Xiaolu for the tutorial. I definitely want to make this for sure :))

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  37. Just found you on facebook, and of course I "LIKE" ! Awesome pom pom tutorial!

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  38. This is a very cool tutorial. I would use them at my friend's twin girls 2nd birthday party.

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  39. I found you on facebook today and "like" you

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  40. Let's see...I think these would make a great mini mousse cake topper, so that's what I'd use it on. OK, my RSS feed thingy doesn't work on my laptop (need a new puter asap), so I'll tweet and twitter :)

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  41. I follow you on Twitter!! hehe

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  42. I would love to use them for a friend's baby shower. Nice tutorial!

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  43. I already "like" you on facebook :)!

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  44. this is soooooooo cool! I love it! and i know this has nothing to do with the post whatsoever, but I really like your ring! is that a giveaway too? ;-) and how do you take a photo of your own hands doing something? wow - teach me how to clone one of my limbs!

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  45. When I saw the cupcakes post, I really did think those toppers looked really cute! You are really very creative and have tons of patience :) I doubt I would be able to sit down and do that! :) Thanks for sharing :)

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  46. awwww.... love the pom-pom
    great pictorial too.. :D

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  47. These are so cute and look gorgeous on your cupcakes! My son (turning 3) and my brother (turning 30) are celebrating their birthdays on June 10 (we're going to be in my hometown in NoVa for the occasion and throwing a joint b-day bash). I'd love to use these for the cupcakes I'm making for them. Would probably like the pom poms in a light blue (even though my son claims pink is his favorite color -- I don't think my brother would appreciate that). :)

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  48. i love these little pompoms. thanks for the tutorial dear. and you are still a student?!! i had NO idea!!!

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  49. I think I use these toppers for chocolate or vanilla cupcakes as a summer treat. I could use them for summer birthdays in my family :).I would pick yellow for summertime!

    bd_657(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  50. Whoops I ended up sending the same first message twice previously,sorry.Please remove message 57 from Berendina. lol Silly me.

    Anyways I'm already a member of your Facebook page 6 Bittersweets under Berendina.D.

    bd_657(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  51. Already following you on twitter! @TheArtOfBaking

    bd_657(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  52. Facebook status about your giveaway!

    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=117206351698469&id=100001465500636

    bd_657(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  53. Tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/#!/TheArtOfBaking/status/72881101206589440

    bd_657(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  54. Sips and SpoonfulsMay 24, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    These are such a cute and simpel idea :) Love it....too bad I can't take part in the giveaway :(

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  55. These are too cute, and yellow is my favorite color! You are quite the crafty gal my friend! ;)

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  56. Congrats on your first tutorial! These pom pom toppers are so pretty and sweet :) thanks for sharing how to make them heh

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  57. It's so much fun! I think it suits well on a girly theme party with coordinating big tissue flower as the main decoration. I love picturing them gradating in pale pink to pansy red.

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  58. Following you on facebook - love love love these pom poms and the tutorial! I might have to make them for our wedding (you know, in my spare time!).

    Thanks for sharing!

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  59. oh so absolutelycute. Its a pity I cant take part in the giveaway..

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  60. Gosh. I'd probably use them for birthdays but graduation or any event would work--you could choose the color!!!
    TFS the tutorial and for a chance to win!

    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

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  61. These are insanely adorable and I am so super amazed by your creativity! I think these would be super festive on some pina colada cupcakes! Maybe light pink!

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  62. These are so cute! We have a birthday coming up, these would be perfect--in red or blue, please. Fingers crossed!

    frugalmomof9 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  63. Subscribed. Thanks!
    frugalmomof9 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  64. 'd love to use these pom poms for my daughter's 4th birthday! They'd be cutest in pink or purple of course :)
    I have a eggless cake recipe I have to use because of allergies and its made with orange juice, and its quite tasty!

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  65. Christine (chrissy.eew@gmail.com)May 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    i'd love these toppers for my yellow wedding this summer :)

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  66. Christine (chrissy.eew@gmail.com)May 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    one more for good luck: i like you on FB :)

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  67. I might make a pretty teal color for my husbands birthday in June!

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  68. I posted about you on facebook.

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  69. Excellent tutorial and a surprisingly easy topper to create.

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  70. So adorable. Will have to bookmark this page. Now I have a little daughter, I'm sure they'll be plenty of cupcake baking in my future! :)

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  72. I would use these cute pom pom toppers on top of red velvet cupcakes for my sister's birthday and the pom poms would either be pink or purple...2 of my sister's favorite colors! :)

    krileong@gmail.com

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  73. I like 6 Bittersweets on Facebook as Kristen L.

    krileong@gmail.com

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  74. Cutest cupcake toppers! Love them.

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  75. This is absolutely unique cupcake topper. I also want to try this one in variety of colors.

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  76. I love these!!!! I would love pink one's for a bridal shower that I am working on. They are so cute and I am sure would be the talk of the party! Thank you for sharing!

    Kupcakegirl@aol.com

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  77. I would love these in red or blue for our 4th of July bbq we do every year!

    beccafilley@hotmail.com

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  78. So sweet of you to take out time and teach us how to make these :)

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  79. everything i make from this day forward, will have a pompom topper!

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  80. I would love a deep purple colour to go on top of a simple vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream.

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  81. how pretty,loved your pom pom idea

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  82. Cute! You're going to send Potter & Butler out of business :p

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  83. the yellow would be perfect for my friend's wedding in june! lovely crafting. :)

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  84. It's difficult deciding on a favorite color. I love the yellow, but for a Springy color combination: minty green topper on top of strawberry or orange cupcakes for good times with friends (if it's a celebration, then strawberry daiquiri or Mimosa cupcakes).

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  85. I also subscribed to the blog using google. Same account, fanya.valentine at gmail.

    Just found your site today and browsing through recipes. There are some really good ones! Already bookmarked a couple to try.

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  86. I liked your blog on Facebook!

    (Will be making those black sesame macaroons as soon as I get my hands on some sesames...)

    Ah, if I win, contact me through this email. Thanks and great blog!

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  87. ADORE the pom pom :)

    Karen Gonyea
    ktgonyea at gmail.com

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  88. This post has been removed by the author.

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  89. Love this! I'd probably use it for a birthday party! I would like pink, I think :)

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  90. I tweeted about it as well :) http://twitter.com/#!/NourhanKay

    Thanks for the tutorial/giveaway!

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  91. Love these!! Go perfectly for my dAughters 2nd birthday party!! Yellow and all in her lemonade theme!!

    Jillian

    Jillianmcovey@gmail.com

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  92. Liked on fb too!!!

    Jillian

    Jillianmcovey@gmail.com

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  93. Thanks for the awesome tutorial for something so cute and creative. I used this tutorial to make pom pom cucpake toppers for my son's 3rd birthday.

    Here's the link to his party:
    http://turtlecraftygirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/rawr-dinosaur-birthday-party.html

    --
    Tania
    www.turtlecraftygirl.blogspot.com/

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  94. This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

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  95. Love this idea. Wonderful work! Thanks for the inspiration. Blogged here: http://blog.joyhey.com/2012/01/12/inspiration-diy-cupcake-toppers/

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  96. love this idea and am trying to make them as we speak, but I can't get them to fluff like yours, can you be a little more specific with how to fluff. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Hannah, thanks for trying these out and I'm sorry they're not fluffing out like the photos. I actually included a pretty detailed decription of the process. Can you possibly give me more detail of how it's not working out for you (even a photo of what yours currently looks like)? That would help me give you additional directions. Thanks!

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  97. Awesome! Love it and will start making some for my sons birthday! We're on a tight budget but I still want his party to be as magical as I can make it be! <3

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  98. Amazing and simple! I like this idea. I will use in my work. Thank you for inspiration. Gosia http://cupcakelove.pl

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  99. So adorable. Thanks for showing us how to make these.

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  100. So cute!i love your idea!!I want to do this.

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I love hearing from you all! Please leave me a message if you have questions, advice, or just to let me know you stopped by. Your feedback is always very much appreciated. Thanks! <3 Xiaolu