How to make a paper snowflake

Generally I make it a rule not to put Christmas decor out, watch Christmas movies, listen to carols or think too much about Christmas before Thanksgiving.  Dear Husband is very diligent and helps keep me on track.  However, I felt the need to begin holiday preparations by making some paper snowflakes ahead of time.  I promise not to display them or use them in crafts until November 25th.

Also – I apologize in advance at the horrible condition of my hands and nails.  My cuticles are in a shambles, my skin is dry and I regularly nick my index nail with the butcher knife.  Manicures are not a part of my life right now.  Don’t feel bad for me, I’m at peace with that statement.  The condition of my hands and nails is not in my top ten list of priorities and it doesn’t bother me one little bit.  However, I am sorry that you have to be witness to my hands close up.

Now that we have that out of the way…on to paper snowflakes.

To begin we need a square piece of paper.  All the paper I have is from the printer so to make it into a square, fold one corner over and cut off the strip that is left at the bottom.

You are left with a right triangle.  Fold it in half.

Position it so that the 90 degree angle is pointing away from you.  Fold one corner over so that the edge is a little bit over the middle of the triangle then fold the other corner over in the same way.  You should have a cone shape with two tails sticking out of the bottom.

Cut those two tails off and you are left with an isosceles triangle.

Now it’s time to start cutting out the design.  There is no right or wrong way to do that.  Just start cutting and be prepared to experiment with a lot of paper.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Part of the folded side MUST remain intact.  If you cut away all of the folded side your finished snowflake will fall apart.

My folded edge is on the bottom and has four spots where it is still intact.

Once you get the hang of folding and cutting you can experiment with the size of the original square.

Flatten them out by pressing them in a big, thick book.  I have all of mine stored away in a huge atlas ready for black friday.  (What? You mean maps used to be printed on paper and then collected in a book?  What’s the point of that?  You can’t zoom in? How can you tell what the traffic is like on the interstate?)  That’s what I imagine all teenagers to ask when you show them an atlas.

Anyhoo – My snowflakes are tucked away between Albania and Greece safely awaiting their window display.  I also have a snowflake jar craft coming your way.

Here are a few more designs for inspiration.

9 Responses

  1. jamie wendorff

    yes!! this is so great steph!! i have been wanting to make these. thanks for posting. 🙂

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