Today’s DIY project is sponsored by The Confetti Bar.
Confetti poppers just got an upgrade—for two great reasons. First, The Confetti Bar is open and ready to fill all your confetti needs. It’s a shop dedicated to confetti supplies, and when founder Jessica asked to collaborate, I was excited to team up. We’re kicking off a few summer projects together starting with a fresh take on the classic confetti popper: a popper that hides a surprise message banner inside. This burst of confetti doesn’t just say “Hooray!”—it announces it. Ready to make one?
The Confetti Bar’s smaller confetti comes in these adorable little jars, perfect for everyday projects. There are lots of varieties, but I especially love the letter and number confetti and the neon mixes.
Let’s put some of that confetti to work.
Supplies:
Cardboard tube
Fine crepe paper
Heavy cotton fabric
Printable banner template in your color of choice (or a message you create) + inkjet printer
Sewing machine or fusible bonding web
Small dowel
Twine
Confetti
Sequin trim or ribbon (optional)
Scissors
Double-stick tape
Masking or artist’s tape
Start by preparing the crepe paper. Cut one piece approximately 16″ x 12″. Measure the 12″ side across the non-stretch grain, and let the 16″ side run with the stretch—this makes the paper easier to tear when the popper is used. You can leave straight edges or scallop them. To scallop, fold the crepe into a long strip about 1″ by 12″ and cut half-circle shapes at the ends.
Next, make the banner. Print your banner template on cardstock. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the template—about 1/2″ extra on each edge. Lay the fabric over the cardstock and secure the edges with masking tape, keeping the tape away from the printing area so the printer feeds correctly. Feed the fabric-covered cardstock into your printer the same way and print the template onto the fabric. Let the ink dry completely. Note: this worked on my HP Photosmart; printers vary, so if yours won’t feed fabric, use the same taped-cardstock method and trace the letters on fabric with a fabric pen instead.
Cut out the banner and fold about 1/2″ over the top to form a narrow pocket. Use a sewing machine or fusible bonding to create a 1/4″ pocket for the dowel. Insert the dowel and thread a length of twine through the pocket, leaving about six inches of twine extending from each side of the banner.
Cut your cardboard tube in half. Tape one end of the twine to the inside of one half of the tube, then tape the other end of the twine inside the other half. Roll the banner tightly and tuck it inside the tube so it stays compact and ready to unfurl when popped.
Use double-stick tape to attach the tube to the center of one side of the crepe paper. Roll the crepe paper around the tube, securing as you go with more double-stick tape. Tie one end shut snugly with twine.
Fill the tube with confetti—generously. When you’re satisfied, tie off the other end with twine and add ribbon or sequin trim if you like for extra flair.
Now it’s ready to pop. For popping etiquette, hold the tube underneath with both hands and pull hard to release the confetti and banner. Do this indoors or in an area where confetti can be cleaned up easily—let’s avoid littering, even when it’s beautiful.
SURPRISE! Even I was surprised, and I made it.
These poppers are perfect for gender reveals—you can use pink and blue banners and colored confetti—or for any celebration that calls for a big “HOORAY!” Guests can even keep the tiny banner as a keepsake from the party.
All photos by Mary Costa Photography for Studio DIY
The confetti popper will never be the same. What would you use one of these surprise bursts for?
This DIY project is sponsored by The Confetti Bar. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep the Studio DIY party going! Read more about editorial policies in the site’s policy section.