How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Making the Snowflake

Gather scissors and plain, white computer paper, or whatever paper you may have in your home. You will cut the paper into a square shape. The easiest way to do this is to cut 2 1/2 " off of the long side of a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper, creating an 8 1/2" square. From there, fold the paper into three successive triangles until you are left with a small triangle.

In other words, fold your square sheet of paper into a triangle, then fold that triangle into a small triangle, and do it once more. Now you are ready to create your snowflake design. Cut into the folded edge of your triangle in any shape you would like. Try different designs. Instruct your children not to cut all the way through the triangle to the other side, however. Now, unfold your piece of paper to reveal the snowflake you have created.

Get Creative

If you have glue and glitter, or cotton balls, here is where your child can get creative and decorate his or her snowflake. Make large and small snowflakes. Use colorful paper to make different colored snowflakes. Remember, no two snowflakes are alike! Each paper snowflake creation will be unique, just like your child!

What to Do with Your Snowflakes

You can hang your snowflakes in the window using a paperclip and a piece of string or floss taped to the ceiling. Glue the snowflake to a folded piece of construction paper and create a card for Grandma or Grandpa. Affix the snowflakes to pieces of construction paper to use as wrapping paper. Get silly and throw the snowflakes in the air. Ta da! It's snowing! A younger child will enjoy this, much like playing in fall leaves. Serve hot cocoa afterwards to reward your little one's imagination and further celebrate winter weather!