How to Make a Perfect Paper Snowflake

Learn how to make unique and individual snowflakes to be used as decorations for the holidays!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Unlined paper (printer paper works best)
• A very sharp pair of scissors (the smaller, the better)
• A sharpened pencil
• Cups of varying sizes

1. On a piece of the unlined paper, place a cup (use top or bottom)and trace lightly around the edge to make a circle. Depending on the size of the cups you're using, you may use that piece of paper for more than one snowflake.

2. Carefully cut out the circle.

3. Fold the circle in half three times. You should now have a triangle with a rounded base.

4. Now, its pretty much up to you how you want the snowflake to turn out. Personally, the first thing I do is cut off the three corners. Usually at an angle to give the snowflake a little more personality. But do make your cutouts different sizes to make it more unique. The smaller the cutout, the more intricate the detail. Just continue cutting around the edges until there isn't any space left. But remember, be careful not to cut yourself.

5. Once you have finished cutting out all the pieces you want, CAREFULLY unfold the snowflake. Place it on a hard surface and place a heave object on it to flatten it out. I usually use a big, heavy book.

6. Check on it after about an hour. If it lays flat, you're done! You can now decorate with it on any surface; I like taping them all over the walls. You can also use it to decorate your tree; just be careful while hanging it. It is made of paper and may rip.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make a mistake and accidentally cut through to the other side, its okay. Open it up carefully and see if you like what it looks like. If you don't, you can always start over.
• Try varying cuts of different sizes and shapes (circles are possible; just a little harder)to get a unique snowflake every time.
• Because of the sharp scissors, this really isn't something for very young children. Older children will have fun with it and can even use different colored paper if they prefer. But please, supervise!

[judymasse]

on 9/26/2009 Wow, I'm a teacher and I didn't even know how to do this. I was downloading designs from the internet. Thanks, Judy

[cis4car]

on 9/15/2009 Great idea...I like those..thanks...5* & recommended : )

[veryirie]

on 9/15/2009 These paper snowflakes look like little works of art. :)

[jfjones]

on 9/9/2009 I love these. Good article!

[trvlarrngr]

on 9/8/2009 great instructions for making the perfect paper snowflake. Thanks! 5 stars