How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake

This is a little more complicated than a two-dimensional paper snowflake but it looks excellent and is a suitable craft for children adept with scissors and who have patience in making crafts. It will produce a 6-armed three-dimensional snowflake decoration that makes a perfect tree decoration or window-hanger.

Step

1. Assemble the materials (see "Things You'll Need"). Paper, scissors, stapler, & tape

Paper, scissors, stapler, & tape

2. Fold each of the 6 pieces of paper in half, diagonally. If the paper you're using doesn't make a perfect square, cut off the edge that sticks out (rectangular edge) and make it align perfectly.

3. Cut 3 lines each side of the triangle from the folded edge (as per illustration), making sure not to cut through the unfolded paper edges. The cut lines should be parallel to one another each side and come close to meeting in the middle but not touch; leave a small space between them. To make this easier, you can fold the triangle in half. This way you'll cut both sides at once, making a very symmetrical snowflake. This might not be suitable for thicker paper, since the number of layers makes it difficult to cut through.


Parallel cuts

4. Unfold your paper and turn it so that the diamond shape is facing you for working with.


Unfolded paper

5. Still keeping your paper diamond side-up, roll the first two innermost paper lines together to form a tube. Tape these two pieces together. You should see triangle shapes on each side of the roll.


First roll

6. Turn the diamond over to the other side. Take the next two paper lines and pull them together on the opposite side of the tube and tape together as before. This will be a more rounded shape and wider than the first tube.


Next join

7. Keep turning the paper and joining the paper lines together on opposite side until all paper lines have been joined.


Once all lines are joined

8. Repeat this process (steps 3 - 7) with the remaining 5 pieces of paper.

9. Join 3 of the completed rolled pieces together at one end (draw together with your fingertips) and staple together using the other hand. Do the other 3 pieces the same way. Now you will have 2 pieces consisting of 3 strands or "arms" each.


Joining 3 rolled pieces together

10.Staple the two new pieces together in the middle. You will almost have the snowflake shape by now.

Joining the 2 pieces to form a snowflake

11. Staple where each of the 6 arms meet. This ensures that the snowflake shape is pulled into place. See illustration at top for the finished snowflake.


Staple where the arms meet

12. Decorate further if desired (see "Tips" for suggestions). This is optional but might be suitable if you are creating a Christmas scene or other decorative theme.

13. Choose one point to be at the top of your snowflake and attach a piece of metallic yarn or cotton for hanging. (This is best tied on the decoration, as a staple might not hold the thread well.) Pierce a tiny hole with a needle and thread through the metallic thread and tie with a small knot, twice. Do this very gently to avoid tearing the paper.


Select shiny threads from your thread collection

14. Hang your new decoration on the tree or in a window space. Make several snowflakes and hang them at different lengths against a window for an effective display. They appear especially beautiful against a backdrop of a dark night sky.


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