How to make a paper snowflake

You only need paper, scissors and a sprinkle of festive spirit for this super easy activity! Making paper snowflakes is a great project for all ages – younger kids can use safe scissors and a bigger piece of paper to make it easier, whereas older kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy the challenge of making an intricate design. Best of all, every snowflake is unique – so you can be as creative as you like.

For more fun ideas, try our top 5 Christmas crafts for kids.

How to make a paper snowflake

Makes one snowflake
Prep 10 mins

You will need
• A square piece of paper (if using A4 paper, simply fold the bottom of the paper upwards into a triangle and cut away the excess)
• Scissors

Step one: fold the paper into a triangle

Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle, as shown below.

Step two: fold in half again

Fold the triangle in half again, to make a smaller triangle.

Step three: fold one third

Fold over the right hand side of the triangle so that you are folding into thirds.

Step four: turn the paper over

Turn the paper over.

Step five: fold again

Repeat the fold as you did for step three, this time on the other side.

Step six: trim the top

Use scissors to cut straight across the top, as shown, so that you are left with a thin folded triangle.

Step seven: shape it

Now you can cut any shape into the folded snowflake, being careful not to make any cuts that go all the way across (this will break your snowflake).

Step eight: unfold and reveal

When you’re happy with your shapes, unfold your snowflake to reveal your finished design!

Tips for how to make snowflakes

• Use thin paper: standard printer paper works best, as it’s easy to fold and cut cleanly. Thicker paper can be tricky to shape neatly.
• Keep your folds crisp: run your finger or the edge of a ruler along each fold for sharp, even lines.
  
• Start with simple cuts: small triangles or half-moon shapes are easy to handle and still create lovely patterns once unfolded.
• Unfold carefully: the paper can tear easily after being folded so many times, so open it out slowly to reveal your snowflake design.

How to decorate with snowflakes

• Create a window display: stick your snowflakes to windows with double-sided tape to catch the light and bring a wintry feel indoors.
• Dress your table: scatter smaller snowflakes down the centre of your Christmas table or use them as pretty place settings.
• Add sparkle: brush each snowflake with a little glue and dust with glitter or iridescent powder for a frosty shimmer
• Hang a few: thread snowflakes onto clear string or fishing line and hang them at different heights for a magical, floating effect.
• Top your gifts: swap ribbons for a handmade snowflake tied or taped onto wrapped presents for a personal touch

Looking for more festive craft projects? Try these guides…

How to make fake snow
Top 5 Christmas crafts for kids
How to make a snow globe
How to make a hot chocolate cone
How to make salt dough decorations
How to make a bath bomb

Tell us what festive fun you have planned this year in the comments below…