How to Cut a Paper Snowflake

Traditional wintertime crafts include the cutting of paper snowflakes. Both young and young at heart enjoy watching the transformation take place, from plain paper into an exciting reveal of shape and wonderment. Not a winter with children around should pass that doesn't include this project. Can you remember being so amazed the first time you watched someone cut a paper snowflake? Passing along the tradition might be something you desire, but you can't quite remember how to fold the paper.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8.5- by 11-inch white paper Scissors Pencil (optional)

1. Fold the paper in half. It should now be 8 1/2- by 5 1/2-inches.

2. Fold the paper in half again, perpendicularly. Now the paper should measure 4 1/4 by 5 1/2.

3. Take one corner of the paper, use the two sides that make that corner and fold the paper so they now touch. You should have a triangle.

4. Fold the loose edge back towards the folded edge. You have one edge that is a fold and the other two edges of the triangle are open. Using one of these open edges, take the top layer and fold it towards the folded edge. Turn the paper over and do the same fold with the other half of the loose-edged paper. You should now have an isosceles triangle.

5. Cut along the top of the triangle either by cutting off the excess paper, or cutting a shaped edge.

6. Draw shapes on the triangles surface if you desire before cutting, or just cut freehand. Cut into the sides of the triangle but do not cut completely across the form. Cut into alternating sides of the paper. Change the kinds of shapes you cut into the paper.

7. Unfold the paper once you are satisfied with the amount of cutting to reveal your snowflake design. Like real snowflakes, no two will be alike if you change the cuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Smaller scissors will create more detailed cuts. Experiment with the folding and cutting to make more elaborate snowflakes.
• Do not leave young children unattended with scissors.