How to Make Wooden Snow Flakes

Recycle scrap wood and create wooden snowflakes for winter-inspired decorations.

Recycling wood scraps into holiday decorations is another way to repurpose old pieces of wood. Winter-inspired motifs, such as snowflakes, are used to decorate and transform rooms and windows into a winter wonderland scene by dangling the wooden snowflakes with string or fishing wire. The wood is prepared by removing old layers of paint and finishes as well as sanded to create a smooth surface for the woodworker. Paper folding techniques are implemented to create the snowflake's delicate openings and evenly shaped edges. The paper pattern is then traced onto the prepared wood to cut and saw into the wooden snowflake.

Things You'll Need

• Paper square
• Paper scissors
• Decorative blade scissors
• Carpenter's pencil
• Wood scraps
• Old rags or cloth
• Mineral spirits
• Paint thinner
• Varnish remover
• Lacquer thinner
• Protective eye wear, mask and gloves
• Wood scraper
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Cutting table or workbench
• Clamps
• Powered handsaw or jigsaw
• Primer
• Brush applicator
• Wood color stain (optional)
• Multipurpose spray adhesive
• Glitter
• Glitter spray paint (optional)
• String, ribbon or fishing wire
• Drill (optional)
• Drill bit (optional)

Instructions

Creating the Snowflake Paper Pattern

1. Fold a paper square measuring 6 inches in width by 6 inches in length vertically in half. The folded paper will appear like a rectangle shape. Alter the paper square dimensions to your desired specifications. Bear in mind, the larger the paper square the bigger the snowflake shape.

2. Fold the rectangle shape horizontally. The folded paper will appear like a mini square. Make sure the two fold lines run along one side of the mini square and one fold line across the top of the square. It is important to be aware of the fold lines prior to cutting the snowflake pattern.

3. Cut the snowflake shape with paper scissors along the open flaps. For instance, cut a diagonal zigzag pattern to create a diamond shaped snowflake. Another option is to use decorative blade scissors to create circular or stylized shapes. If you cut along the fold lines, the pattern will not stay intact.

4. Cut the upper corner tip of the folded area diagonally to create a diamond center opening in the snowflake pattern. Open the pattern to reveal the shape. Re-fold the pattern along the existing fold lines to continue to cut into the folded square until you are satisfied with the design. Keep in mind, fine line details are challenging to cut into the wood shape.

5. Open the folded paper to reveal the snowflake pattern. Position the pattern onto prepared wood and trace with a carpenter's pencil to define the cutting lines.

Preparing and Creating the Wooden Snowflake

1. Prepare the wood scraps, such as pine, spruce or cherry, by removing old layers of paint or finishes. For instance, dab an old rag or cloth with mineral spirits or paint thinner and wipe along the natural wood grain in a back and forth motion. If the wood has a finish such as varnish or lacquer, use varnish remover or lacquer thinner. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective eye wear, mask and gloves during this process.

2. Scrape any leftover traces of paint or finishes from the wood with a wood scraper.

3. Sand the wood to smooth the surface with fine grit sandpaper.

4. Position the wood on the cutting table or work bench and secure the wood piece with clamps.

5. Cut along the traced snowflake lines with a powered handsaw or jigsaw. Change blades to create intricate pattern lines. Wear protective eye wear and gloves to prevent injury from sawdust or splinters. Vacuum your workspace frequently.

6. Sand the edges to smooth out the cut lines. It also prepares the wooden snowflake for painting, adding a wood color stain or decorative finish.

7. Brush a coat of primer along the natural grain line of the wooden snowflake with a brush applicator. Let dry your brand's recommended time. If you are staining the snowflakes with color wood stain, such as cherry, skip this step.

8. Paint the wooden snowflakes and let dry your brand's recommended time. Another alternative is to spray a multipurpose spray adhesive onto one side of the snowflake and sprinkle glitter. Repeat on the other side. Another alternative is to spray glitter spray paint on both sides of the snowflake available at arts and crafts stores in several colors.

9. Hang the snowflakes with string, ribbon or fishing wire. Cut the string your desired length and pass it through one of the openings. Another option is to drill a hole with the appropriate sized drill bit through one point to hang the finished snowflakes.

References

• "101 Quick & Easy Woodworking Projects"; Charles R. Self; 1992
• "Turning Wood with Richard Raffan: Updated and Expanded Third Edition"; Richard Raffan; 2008
• "Box-Making Basics: Design, Technique, Projects"; David M. Freedman; 1997