How to Make Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are a classic winter craft that transforms simple sheets of paper into stunning decorative pieces. Whether you’re creating them for home decor, holiday cards, or as an engaging activity with kids, paper snowflakes add a whimsical touch to the season.
Plus, it’s a wonderfully sustainable craft—most paper can be recycled when you’re done, and you can use scraps or materials you already have at home. It’s a resourceful and eco-friendly way to celebrate the season!
Supplies Needed
You likely already have everything you need:
- White paper (printer paper works well)
- Scissors
- Pencil (optional, for sketching designs)
For an extra touch, try using patterned or colored paper, or add glitter and paint after cutting. This craft is an excellent way to repurpose leftover wrapping paper, old envelopes, or even pages from magazines, making it both creative and resourceful.
How to Make Paper Snowflakes
1.Start with a Square
- Take a sheet of paper and fold one corner to the opposite edge to create a triangle. Trim the excess strip at the bottom to make a perfect square.
2. Fold the Triangle
- Fold the triangle in half again to create a smaller triangle.
3. Divide Into Thirds
- With the smaller triangle, fold it into thirds by overlapping the edges. Adjust the folds until the sides are evenly aligned, forming a cone shape.
4. Trim the Excess
- Cut off the uneven ends of the cone so you’re left with a flat edge at the top.
5. Cut Your Design
- Use scissors to cut shapes along the folded edges. These can be triangles, half-circles, diamonds, or even intricate patterns. The key is symmetry—what you cut on one side will appear on both sides when unfolded.
- Experiment with cutting the top at an angle. It gives the snowflake a more pointed shape.
- The more paper you cut away, the more intricate your snowflake will appear.
6. Unfold and Reveal
- Carefully open the folded paper to reveal your snowflake. Marvel at your creation and adjust any edges if needed.
6. Make Homemade Paper with the Scraps!
- Once you’ve made a few snowflakes you know how quickly the scraps pile up. Unfortunately, small pieces of paper are not recyclable. They are a great for making handmade paper, which I wrote a blog post on how to make.
Creative Design Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, try these ideas to enhance your snowflakes:
- Themed Designs: Cut shapes like hearts, stars, or even holiday motifs like bells or trees into your snowflakes.
- Detailed Edges: Use fine-tipped scissors for intricate cuts to achieve lace-like designs.
- Cohesive Clusters: Use varying sizes of snowflakes to make a cohesive look.
Decorating with Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are versatile and can brighten up any space:
- Window Decor: Tape them to windows for a frosty look. Make it a fun tradition to fill every window in your home with paper snowflakes during the winter season. The effect is magical and adds to the cozy charm of the holidays.
- Garlands: String several snowflakes together with thread to create a festive garland.
- Gift Wrap: Use snowflakes as elegant toppers for wrapped presents.
- Table Decor: Place them under candleholders or plates for a winter-themed table setting.
Why Make Paper Snowflakes?
Making paper snowflakes is more than just a craft; it’s a tradition that fosters creativity and brings families together. It’s also a sustainable option for winter decorating. Since you can use any paper you have lying around—like leftover wrapping paper, old mail, or even grocery bags—you’re giving new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste. And when the season is over, most paper snowflakes can simply be recycled.
This winter, gather some paper, scissors, and your imagination to transform simple materials into stunning snowflake art. These timeless decorations are sure to make your home feel magical!
