We all probably learned how to make a simple paper snowflake at some point when we were kids, but here's the "grown-up" version of this favorite childhood wintertime craft.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Folding the Paper
Method One: Four Pointed Snowflake/Star
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Fold the paper in half. -
Fold the paper in half again, making quarters.Advertisement
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Fold each folded edge over to touch its opposite folded edge.Advertisement
Method Two: Six Pointed Snowflake/Star
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Fold the paper in half.
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First fold by one third (60-degree angle).
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Turn over and make the second 60-degree fold.
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Fold the paper into 60-degree angles from the folded edge of the paper.
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Cut away waste paper (anything that is less than six layers). Stop at this point to make a star/snowflake with a pattern that repeats only three times.
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Fold the paper in half again, so that the two folded edges lie atop each other. This will make a 6 pointed snowflake with a pattern that repeats six times.Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Cutting
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1Cut the raw edges first. These will become the outside edge of your snowflake, so make them as interesting as you like. Cutting one side of the outer edge further away from the center than the other will yield "points" that stick out in the manner of a "real" snowflake.
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2Cut one divot from each folded edge, keeping your cuts parallel to previous cuts, and taking large chunks of paper from the base.
- If your scissors begin cutting on one folded side, they must also end cutting on that same side. If you begin on one side and end on the other side, you will suddenly be making a much smaller snowflake.
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3Keep in mind that elegant means simple. Three larger cuts to your snowflake blank will generally yield better results than 10 smaller cuts.
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4Make your cuts parallel and equidistant from each other, to give a more "finished" or "polished" look to the craft.
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5Leave only 20-25% of your blank. (Cut away 75-85% of your blank.)
- Use smooth, flowing curves for best results at first - This will make achieving the look easier. Attempt cutting the more angular flakes after you've mastered the tips.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Getting Ideas for Designs
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I make a snowflake without cutting it into pieces?Community AnswerMy suggestion would be to go to your local craft store and find a lace pattern paper that already has the holes cut into it to make it look like lace. Then simply cut out a snowflake pattern.
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QuestionI tried making one of the snowflakes and it didn't work. It just fell apart and I followed the instructions very carefully. What should I do?Community AnswerJust keep at it. Some things take practice. If you keep trying, you will get it right.
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Tips
- Sharp scissors make this much easier.Thanks
- You can sketch your pattern lightly in pencil on the bank if you need some extra help.Thanks
- The neatness of the initial folds determines the overall symmetry of your snowflake.Thanks
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Warnings
- Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate caution.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- White paper
- Utility Knife (optional)
- Sharp Scissors
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 363,335 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Step 6 design helped me a lot; I'm a cat lover, and I've been looking for a cat snowflake design, and when I saw it, I quickly started doing it. I accidentally made a mistake and did the outside as inside, but I kept cutting, and it turned out beautiful!" ..." more
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"Step 6 design helped me a lot; I'm a cat lover, and I've been looking for a cat snowflake design, and when I saw it, I quickly started doing it. I accidentally made a mistake and did the outside as inside, but I kept cutting, and it turned out beautiful!"
..."
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"I realized that my room didn't look very Christmas-y so I decided to make paper snowflakes to give my room that wintry feeling. "
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"It was good. Really helpful when you're out of ideas for decorating your scrapbook."
"This one helps me a lot, as do all of your articles on wikiHow."
"It was helpful but needs improving a bit on the instructions."
