How to Make Honeycomb Paper Balls from Coffee Filters

This tutorial is something I've intended to share for several years now. I taught this class in 2009 (I believe) and have wanted to share it on the World Wide Web since that time. Not nearly as daunting to put together as I had imagined (now that it's done anyway:).....here it is and I hope it goes to good use among World Wide Crafters:)

How to Make Honeycomb Paper Balls from Coffee Filters - Tutorial

Supplies you will need:

23 round coffee filters (ironed and cut in half to make 46 halves)

Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue

2 1/2 tinsel sticks or pipe cleaners (stain with Tim Holtz mushroom & expresso alcohol inks for a tarnished look)

A grid made on your computer

Tools to have handy:

Chain nose or needle nose pliers

A pencil or small dowel rod

Cutting mat with grid lines

Rotary cutter (such as Olfa or Fiskars)

That's all you need to make one coffee filter honeycomb ball. At the end of the tutorial I will discuss variations from the coffee filters so you can make balls in different sizes. This is a relatively simple craft but it's a bit tedious and mundane so get your favorite TV show, music or audio book going before you set to work.....or go to RadioLab, TED or TAL (here is one of my favorite This American Life episodes). Okay, now that you're armed with all my anti-bordom devices, let's get started.

1. This tip will make it easier.....actually this tip makes it doable because if not for this, you'd go crazy:)

Take the lid off your glue bottle and place the bottle upside down in a glass (or whatever so long as it's heavy enough that the glue bottle doesn't tip it over). In this manner you can keep the lid off of the glue all through the craft or all day long for that matter. I never worry about it and I only replace the lid when I'm quite finished crafting for the day. I always keep my glue bottles stored in the upside down position so I never have to wait for glue to venture down to the opening. This is a must for Aleene's glue because it's mighty thick. I have actually altered a Morton salt container so I have a pretty way to store my glue upside down.

2. How to make the grid for your guidelines

Here is a photo of my grid. Just go into your favorite software program and draw horizontal lines down the page 1" apart. Color them in alternating contrasting colors (black and red work nicely). Make a vertical line a couple of inches in from the left edge and a horizontal "TOP" line about 1/8" below the second (red) horizontal line. Note: I will refer to red lines and black lines throughout this tutorial so it is probably best to make your grid lines in these colors (matching mine) to avoid confusion. 

3. Iron your coffee filters

You can iron a fair size stack at one time. Maybe 6, 10....12....I didn't count....just grab a reasonable amount and iron away. You want the filters to be flat.

4. Cut the filters in half

Stack them and line them up on a grid mat so that your cut is in the center. You really need a mat and rotary cutter for this. You can easily cut the stack of all 23 filters in one cut.

5. Lay your first half filter on the grid as shown below

6. Lay down glue lines as shown below. You can start on black or red it doesn't matter. If you start on red, you will end on black. To avoid confusion while following this tutorial, it's probably best to start with black as I have.

7. Lay the next half filter on top of this one.

You can easily see through the coffee filter that the black glue lines were the last ones you laid down so it is time for the red glue lines.

8. Lay down your red glue lines

When doing the red lines, the top and bottom just need a dot.

As you add filters and glue lines, it's important to wipe any seeping glue and make sure there is no stray glue anywhere.

9. Lay down the next half filter and you will see this:

You can easily see that the red lines were the last lines you laid down. The fact that you can see through the filters in this way is very helpful in knowing what glue lines come next. It is imperative that you alternate the glue lines or the ball will not be right. It's kind of one of those things that you can't screw up on or you will probably need to throw the thing away and start again. I will say that I am very scatter-brained and I have never had a problem keeping this alternating process going without confusion. No one in my class had the slightest problem with it either. Just make sure that you keep in mind the fact that you really don't want to screw this alternating thing up. You'll see that's it's easy to keep track.

10. Keep the following in mind each time when you lay down the red lines. Look at the next photo for reference:

See the glue seepage when you lay the next filter down? Clean it up. It's best to clean up all glue seepage because it will wind up making things stick where you don't want them to stick.

Now, just continue to alternate laying down glue lines in this manner through all 46 half filters. When you've done all 46, you will have a honeycomb ball. However, be sure to keep reading because there are some important steps and warnings that are imperative for success. You must fan the piece out (accordian style) 7 or 8 times from start to finish or you will have a nightmare on your hands:) Don't despair....just keep reading:)

ACTUALLY, NOW IS A GOOD TIME FOR A WARNING:

Stray glue is a no-no. You will see the importance of this when we do the first pull-to-fan-out-the accordian move (coming next). If you get glue anywhere but on the glue lines, wipe it off completely so that it does not stick in places you don't want it to stick.

11. After you have glued your first 9 or 10 half filters, you will need to fan the thing out like so:

This maneuver is slightly awkward at first, especially the first time you pull it out, but it gets easier as the piece gets bigger. Pick it up and start working it like an accordian.

It helps to get a pencil or a small dowel to help you pull it apart.

Keep working it apart to reveal the honeycomb.

See it taking shape? Kinda fun isn't it?

I try to do most of my poking and tugging on the flat edge (or what will be the inside) of the ball. In this way, I maintain the integrity of the outside of the ball. If that makes sense. I think you'll see what I mean as you work with it. You want to keep your paws off the outside of the ball as much as possible, but don't be paranoid about it. The filters are quite a bit more forgiving than you would think. 

While the thing is fanned out, check to make sure that all seeping glue is wiped and that all the glue lines are good and stuck (the Aleene's Fast Grab Glue is very nice for this craft...no other glue would work as well and many glues would not work at all). You can leave it fanned out for a couple of minutes to let the glue set a bit. If you set it down be sure to leave the flat (inside of the ball) edge on your work surface. If you let it lay on the rounded side for too long, it might develop permanent bed head:)

12. Lay it down flat on your grid and begin adding the alternating glue lines once again.

You will be able to see what color lines you did last....in this case, I did red last so it's time for black.

13. Glue down another 6 or 7 half filters...........

14. then pull out the accordian again:

I needed a third hand in order to take photos so I used my ribbon storage dowel rod so I could free up my camera hand. You will be fine just using your hands.

AT THIS POINT I'LL INSERT ANOTHER WARNING:

I can't stress the importance of this accordian pulling step. You MUST glue down 6 or 7 half filters then pull apart......glue down 6 or 7 more filters and pull it apart again.....6 or 7 more glue downs then the accordian pull thing again. Seriously. Do it.

Note: As you pull out the accordian each time, check to make sure those top and bottom tips (red line glue dots) stick together properly. For example:

Here it is fixed:

15. Lay it flat once again:

Again you can see the red lines were the last ones laid down so you will lay down black lines on this filter.

16. As the stack gets larger you will want to run your finger over the glue lines to make sure all your glue lines are adhering.

17. Alternate another 6 or 7 times

18. Pull the accordian apart once again:

Pinch together any places that are pulling apart and check those top & bottom (red line) tips to make sure they are sticking in the right places.

Now you can see it taking shape:

19. Lay it flat once again and continue alternating red and black glue lines.

In the above photo you can see that the red lines are next....the stack is getting bigger and the ball is almost complete! Keep going til all 46 half filters are glued. (Don't forget the importance of the accordian pull out:)

20. The following photo shows the glue lines on the final (46th) half filter. Now it's time to pull this around and attach it to the other end to form a ball.

21. The next step is a little awkward. You might want to practice bringing it around into a ball BEFORE adding the final glue lines that will marry the two ends. When you're nice and comfortable with the maneuver, add the glue lines and bring it around making sure to line up the two ends precisely:

Once together NOTE the next photos for the best way to make these two ends stick together:

Pinch together like I'm doing in the above photo.....then...

grab several layers on either side of the two ends and pinch together to secure the ends. In this way you won't risk ripping the two end filters while trying to get them to stick together.

Now you can sit back and be pleased with yourself for a minute:)

How To Make the Pipe Cleaner Hanger:

1. Twist the 2 full length (12") pipe cleaners together to form one long stick.

2. Take the long stick and make it into a spiral. Start it off using pliers:

Continue twisting it into a spiral using your fingers:

3. Next, take the 6" (half pipe cleaner) and make a loop. I think the cap of a reinker bottle is the perfect size:

4. Give it a few twists to form the following:

(showing the 1/2 ounce reinker bottle I used. The cap not the bottle unless you want a larger loop.)

5. Next, stick the looped piece into the center of the spiral:

6. You'll want to cinch in that loose end on the spiral so it doesn't give you grief when you attach it to the ball. I glued mine (Fast Grab glue is great for gluing pipe cleaners). See the following photos:

NOTE: If you choose to glue it, be sure to take the clothespin off and on every couple of minutes until you're sure all danger of having a permanently attached clothespin on your spiral has passed:) Let it dry thoroughly. Rather than gluing you could also just twist the loose end of the pipe cleaner onto the spiral.

Attaching the Hanger to the Honeycomb Ball

1. Add copius amounts of Fast Grab glue onto the underside of the spiral:

2. Take your honeycomb ball and squish it together (see the following photo) holding it in place with one hand while using your other hand to stick the glued hanger in:

3. HOLD IT IN PLACE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES WHILE THE GLUE GRABS. (I didn't photograph myself holding it). Fast Grab glue is great for this (hence the name:)

4. Let it set up for one or two hours (preferable not overnight because you don't want the honeycomb ball to develop bedhead in the spot where it's sitting on your work surface). After the hanger is set to the point that it won't pull out, you can hang it to dry overnight.

Variations

You can also make these balls from cupcake liners, large or jumbo muffin liners, very small candy paper liners (that you can buy in the candy-making aisle at Hobby Lobby) or any other paper thing you can buy in quantity, iron and cut in half to form mirror images. You can also make any shape that can be cut in half to make a mirror image (I made a heart-shaped one--all pieces must be uniform). Of course it's much easier and faster to stick to balls. The only thing that will change if you use smaller sizes like standard cupcake liners or the tiny candy liners (think Reese's or miniature Reese's) is the distance between your horizontal grid lines.  If you use Large Muffin Liners (I use the one's from Hobby Lobby) the grid size is the same as what you would use for coffee filters (one-inch apart as explained in the tutorial). If you decide to do smaller honeycomb balls, you will need to decrease the distance between horizontal lines on your grid. I've made a tiny ball with candy liners which worked like a charm but it was very tedious and my goal was to make a cool garland with old mercury glass beads and tiny handmade honeycomb balls. When I considered how many of those little suckers I would have to make I totally dropped the ball (no pun intended). I just couldn't do it no matter how cool the thought of it was.

If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave it in the comments section. Happy Crafting:)

Note: for some reason I can't get spell check to work so please forgive any typos. I checked several times, but I'm sure I missed some.

Comments

[Jen Duncan]

Wow! That was a lot of work putting this together. They look awesome. May have to try them someday :-)

[Heather]

You are BRILLIANT!! and have immense patience.. I don't think I have the patience to do these but I pinned it to try later :) Thanks for the tutorial!!

[Boxwood Cottage]

Ohhh Donna thank you so much for sharing this awesome tutorial with us! Your honeycomb balls are the most beautiful I've ever seen!! My oh my I'm totally amazed on how you figured it all out and also about your patience in doing it and in putting this step by step tutorial together. I gonna pin it too for future reference. If ever you decide to sell some finished balls please let me know! I also love the hangers you made from the tinsel pipe cleaners they make them look even older and somehow Christmassy.
Great work really!
Sending you happy Summer wishes from Germany
Carola xoxo~

[Shelly Rollins]

What a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I love making things w/ papers!

Stop by and see me sometime!

Shell

[Shelly]

Oh this is soo great! Honeycomb paper is all the rage right now..how cool to be able to make my own!

[Heidi German]

Oh my gosh, I want to make one of these RIGHT NOW! I knew there was a reason that I kept that stash of coffee filters in my craft closet. You could even dye the white ones so you could make colored balls. Thanks so much for putting together such a thorough tutorial!

[Shelly Rae Wood]

Wow.....amazing. I need to try this when I have a lot of time and patience! :) Beautiful tutorial....thank you so much! :)

[Helene]

Really good. First tutorial I find with photos and so well explained
thank you.

[single garage]

Wow! This is indeed really cool page. Thanks a lot for the tutorial.

[Rebekka Smith]

you make this look so easy. I'm excited to try this. Thanks for the glue tip.

[Maria Scott]

I don't know what words to give for this effort to have produced something so tedious to work on. But this give idea to me. This would be great for my kids to work on every Sunday of the week. We have run out of things to-do because I thought they have tried everything I introduced to them. This must be exciting!

[garage equipment]

Some people are spending their money just to buy a decorations. For for some people that can afford to buy, this project is really good for us. This also looks good without spending too much and it fun to do with our kids or friends.

[marie claire]

hello Donna this is a great tutorial i will use this for festive events in our neighborhood. better grab some coffee filters now! :)

[Kate]

Coffee filters are a fabulous craft medium! Thanks for sharing another great use for them!
Also, think about how cool they would look if you sprayed them first with some inks (such as Ranger's Color Wash or Dylusion spray inks), and then assembled the balls with the bright colors...sort of a tie dye effect! Can't wait to try it!

[bitcoins]

I got this site from my buddy who shared with me
on the topic of this site and at the moment this time I am visiting this website
and reading very informative articles at this
time.

[shredding Houston]

This certainly looks a lot of work but the result is simply beautiful. I also love the color because it looks a little old which makes it appear so fragile. Thank you for sharing this art work. Using recycled materials will absolutely make this better. This is such an inspiration.

[AlwaysARedhead]

Wow, that is amazingly creative!

[Carol]

These are incredibly gorgeous! I am pinning and hoping I don't make a complete disaster of them :)

[BettyJean@ShabbyTeaParty]

WOW I just stumbled upon this post and I'm so glad I did. I recently found some vintage honeycomb table decorations (a pumpkin and a turkey) and was studying the construction of the honeycomb wondering if I could craft something with a tissue honeycomb. You've just answered my question. The coffee filter is Genius! Brilliant tutorial! Many thanks for sharing!!!

[Nola Musitano]

You are so clever and I thank you for the opportunity to be able to download and make these GREAT

[roselyne]

c'est vraiment bluffant j'adore!