How to Make a 3D Paper
Snowflake
Finished 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.
STEPS
1.
Paper, scissors, stapler, & tape
Assemble the materials (see "Things You'll Need").
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.
www.staidenshomeschool.com Source: http://www.wikihow.com
Parallel cuts
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.
4.
Unfolded paper
Unfold your paper and turn it so that the diamond shape is facing you for working
with.
5.
First roll
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.
6.
Next join
www.staidenshomeschool.com Source: http://www.wikihow.com
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.
7.
Once all lines are joined
Keep turning the paper and joining the paper lines together on opposite side until
all paper lines have been joined.
8.
Repeat this process (steps 3 - 7) with the remaining 5 pieces of paper.
9.
Joining 3 rolled pieces together
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.
10.
Joining the 2 pieces to form a snowflake
Staple the two new pieces together in the middle. You will almost have the
snowflake shape by now.
www.staidenshomeschool.com Source: http://www.wikihow.com
11.
Staple where the arms meet
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.
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.
Select shiny threads from your thread collection
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.
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.
TIPS
Larger snowflakes: If you want larger snowflakes, use larger paper. You will probably
need to cut more lines though; work it out from how large your piece of paper is.
Don't try enlarging your snowflakes until you are comfortable with the method of
making them with the suggested paper size first.
Paper color variations: You could vary the paper color if you want to match a
Christmas color theme - red or green for instance. Those left over bits of holiday
wrapping paper also work very well - just keep in mind that one side of the paper will
be plain white while the other side will be colorful.
www.staidenshomeschool.com Source: http://www.wikihow.com
Decoration ideas: If you want to "jazz up" your snowflakes, put liquid glitter on the
snowflake along various]] parts of the paper lines. Silver, gold, red or green are
probably the most suitable colors to use. Or you could think of other additions; the
author tried tiny buttons and stick-on costume gems one year and they looked
exquisite. Just remember though, that these do not store very well (easily crushed)
and you might be throwing them out. Of course, you can always pull off the
additional decorated pieces and keep for another time or craft.
Be patient. This is not a craft to be rushed but it is easy to make if you proceed slowly
and carefully.
2-Dimensional alternatives: See Related Links and External Links below for 2dimensional snowflake patterns suitable for younger kids (and the impatient!).
For extra special results, mirror two pieces next to each other.
Fold one edge in half twice to find the position where to cut, and use this as a
template for all the other pieces.
WARNINGS
Be patient when cutting the parallel lines, so that you don't overcut to the other
edges or accidentally cut into the line on the opposite side; if this happens, start
again with a new piece of paper.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED
•
•
•
•
6 evenly sized squares of paper - preferably white, for the color of snowflakes;
printer paper is fine, or try drawing pad paper. The size of your paper square
can vary from 4" to 10" (10cm - 25cm). The paper should be of a good strength
to hold up the snowflake structure. You might want to look for "patty paper",
the kind used in food service, if there is a restaurant supply store near you.
Scissors
Tape
Stapler
SOURCES & CITATIONS
Acknowledgment: Thanks to LizMarie's Make a Snowflake photos on Flickr for the
majority of the photos displayed here & for additional ideas for improving the
instructions.
•
•
•
Simple Paper Snowflakes - includes photo instructions
Snowflake Patterns for Children
Make a 2-D Snowflake Online!
www.staidenshomeschool.com Source: http://www.wikihow.com
Filename:
How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake
Directory:
C:\Documents and Settings\DONNETTE DAVIS\My
Documents\our books\christmasbooks
Template:
C:\Documents and Settings\DONNETTE
DAVIS\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\Normal.dot
Title:
How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake
Subject:
Author:
DONNETTE DAVIS
Keywords:
Comments:
Creation Date:
12/16/2007 9:37:00 AM
Change Number:
2
Last Saved On:
12/17/2007 6:52:00 PM
Last Saved By:
DONNETTE DAVIS
Total Editing Time: 6 Minutes
Last Printed On:
12/17/2007 6:52:00 PM
As of Last Complete Printing
Number of Pages: 5
Number of Words:
1,174 (approx.)
Number of Characters: 6,692 (approx.)