- It is likely that the art of making paper snowflakes originated in the Victorian era. Around the turn of the twentieth century, paper production was mechanized, allowing for numerous paper-based activities such as keeping notebooks in school, journaling and decorative arts.
- Paper snowflakes, aside from their most basic components (often thin, white office paper with portions cut out), are generally four- or six-sided creations. Their features correspond to how the paper is folded--twice for a four-sided snowflake, or thrice for a six-sided snowflake (natural snowflakes are six-sided). Any cuts made in this folded paper will be replicated on each layer of folded paper, which, after unfolding, will compose the snowflake.
- There is great variety not only in the choice of cuts but also in the materials. Thicker paper, such as wallpaper or construction paper, will make a sturdier snowflake, while flimsy, fibrous paper like a coffee filter will produce a more delicate flake. While the average paper snowflake is two-dimensional, one can also follow patterns that create a three-dimensional snowflake, or incorporate origami techniques. One can also adjust the shape of the resulting snowflake by rounding the edges of the folded paper before beginning to cut.
- When working with children, choose lightweight paper that is easy to cut and hang. When considering scissors, it is also worthwhile to note which create the best incisions. Remember, the more incisions, the more delicate the resulting snowflake will be. Remind children or beginners of what folded lines cannot be crossed with the scissors, lest they chop off portions of their snowflake.
- Paper snowflakes can be used in a myriad of ways: individually as Christmas tree ornaments, for example, or tied together to make decorative chains or headdresses. They can also be an educational tool that teaches young people about proportion, symmetry, and trial and error methods.
