Let It Snow: How to Make Paper Snowflakes
A great winter or Christmas craft to make with kids, paper snowflakes are easy to craft with these simple step-by-step instructions.
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 they were given as gifts. Today, 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. Keep reading to learn how to make paper snowflakes—the easy way!
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
Emily Fazio
Emily Fazio
Emily Fazio
Emily Fazio
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
Emily Fazio
Emily Fazio
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
Emily Fazio
Enjoy your homemade paper snowflakes.
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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.
