Q&A for How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake

The snowflake is made out of 7 joined pieces of folded paper. You can use more or fewer to make a larger or smaller snowflake, but we wouldn't recommend using any fewer than about 5 pieces.

Nope! You can secure the snowflakes using glue or tape if you don't have a stapler on-hand.

You don't have to perform any calculations, simply eyeball it for evenly spaced folds and cuts. Any imperfections will be mostly hidden and unnoticeable once the snowflakes are assembled.

As long as the paper is somewhat flexible to accommodate the folding and bending, you should be good to go. Give it a try!

These snowflakes tend to work better with sturdier types of paper, like construction paper. If all you have is printer paper, try making smaller snowflakes, which are sturdier.

Yes, but it's easy to turn a rectangular sheet of paper into a square. Fold one corner over to the opposite side, lining up the edges to form a triangle. Cut off the "leftover" rectangle below the triangle. Unfold the triangle, and you have a square.

You can use as many pieces of paper as you can fit together. Even numbers (6, 8, 10) look best because the snowflake is symmetric. You can mix and match different paper colors, but stick to the same type (printer, construction, origami) to avoid lopsided snowflakes.

The larger they are, the easier it will be to work with them. Go for at least 6 inches (15 cm) on each side for best results.

One hour is a good estimate. It can be faster with more people, if you're working together on enough snowflakes to decorate a room.

Yes, although the snowflake might not be as sturdy. Wrap the tape around tightly when joining the pieces together.

it doesn't really mater, it depends on how much work you want to put in it -- the smaller the lines are, the more layers you will have.

Yes. Any sort of paper, such as printer paper etc., of any color can do. Just make sure you use the same type of paper for one whole snowflake.

Of course you can! Experiment and combine whatever you like. Look up color combinations for more ideas.

A clear spray-on lacquer or finish could work. Keep the snowflakes out of direct sun, or pick a finish that includes UV protection.

Take a pencil, roll the outside corner of the paper around the middle of the pencil, and roll the pencil to the center of the paper.

Yes, but make sure to not leave gaps unless you're going for a messy look.

It will take around about 30-40 minutes.

Any celebratory occasion that is happening in the winter would be great, a Christmas or Hanukkah party, a winter birthday party, baby shower, etc.

I wouldn't recommend it as it could burn the paper or cause it to tear.

Yes, these make great decorations for Christmas or winter themed parties! They are fairly quick and easy to make and look very fancy.

Yes, but when you cut the paper, the design might not come out as you intended.

It has to be symmetrical, but you would either staple the pieces in a certain way or fold the individual shapes differently.

You can do either. Staples are sturdier.

No, but a stapler will hold the pieces together longer than tape.

Yes. Make sure you have enough of the same paper for the whole project, though.

Yes there are, you just have to go on the right websites. Or if you look on YouTube that would probably be the easiest way to find different ways.

Use a clear acrylic or polyurethane coating, using several thin coats, and let dry completely after cutting and before stapling.

You can make it with most sizes of paper, as long as it is cut into a square.

I would advise shipping unfolded with instructions for completion. If you wish to send them complete, use sturdy paper, such as poster board; ship the plastic wrapped snowflakes in an oversized box filled with packing peanuts.

It could take anywhere from about 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the level of care and detail you put into it.