How to Make Paper Snowflakes

A great winter or Christmas craft to make with kids, you can let it snow inside by creating your very own wintry flurry of snowflakes out of paper.

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Winter Craft Projects and Activities for Kids

Learn how to make paper snowflakes that are intricately cut like these.

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Learn how to make paper snowflakes that are intricately cut like these.

There is something magical about creating art from paper. Paper snowflakes are said to have originated in the Victorian era when paper snowflakes were given as gifts. Today, easy paper snowflakes are among the most versatile and family-friendly holiday crafts. Try using paper squares of different sizes for paper snowflakes big and small. You can also add a little sparkle with glitter. Use your finished paper snowflakes to decorate the windows or string them together to make a garland. You can also use double-sided tape to stick paper snowflakes to mirrors or hang them from the center of a curtain rod to mimic falling snow.

Materials Needed

  • white printer paper or card stock
  • scissors
  • paint or glitter
  • decoupage medium
  • chip or foam brush
  • dropcloth or plastic to protect work surface

1. Master the Paper Fold

The key to easy paper snowflakes is folding technique. First, start with a square sheet of paper and fold it into a triangle (Image 1). Then, fold it in half again (Image 2). Next, fold the paper in half at the arrow but pull the tip of the triangle down like so (Image 3). Finally, fold the right side over the left (Image 4).

2. Cut and Add Shapes

Cut across the dotted line (Image 1). Cut patterns and shapes into each snowflake like so (Image 2).

3. Optional: Add Some Color and Sparkle

Unfold your snowflakes and enjoy the results. If you want, at this point you can use the brush, paints or apply a thin layer of decoupage medium and sprinkle with glitter. Once they are fully dry, place your snowflakes under a heavy book to flatten the paper.

One of a kind paper snowflakes.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Enjoy your homemade paper snowflakes.

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Enjoy your homemade paper snowflakes.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes from Coffee Filters
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