Making Paper Snowflakes: Patterns and Tips

Making hand-cut paper snowflakes with the kids is something I love to do every year. It seems we started when they were little and the patterns and cuts get bigger and better every year. Because we've tried/tested a variety of snowflake strategies, I thought I'd share some of our tried and true favorites with you here.

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paper snowflake cutouts

Supplies:

snowflake patterns

Star Wars snowflakes

But before I do, make sure you have a sharp pair of scissors. It makes all the difference. This pair has been my absolute fave for years. The big boys like to use these. And my two youngest have been enjoying these for years. I also introduced the exacto knife to the mix this year. I wouldn't recommend it for 8 years and under, but my older two seemed to handle it well, and it was necessary for their more intricate Star Wars patterns.

Patterns:

detailed snowflake cutouts

chewie snowflake

starwars snowflakes

olaf snowflake

displaying our paper snowflakes

I am drawn to scandinavian patterns. Maybe it's my Swedish heritage or the fact that I married a Norweigan, but This is the one I love by Willow Day. She has a snowman, a moose, and a dala horse. They do get pretty intricate, so if you have littles, pin this for later. They may become frustrated, but you could certainly give it a try while they snip the edges off a pre-folded sheet of plain paper.

Or, if they're good with a scissor, here's an intermediate pattern that my younger ones enjoyed. And if you have boys, they are sure to love these star wars snowflakes. This guy has a website full of spectacular designs that will peak the interest of even those non-crafters. ;)  I even found a couple Elsa & Harry Potter designs in there too.

If you have littles who are just learning how to weild a pair of scissors, we've always loved using the white round basket coffee filters and letting them snip away. It's always a surprise to see what they've created when unfolded. And it's fun to see all the different designs together. They are all different, even if mistakes are made.

We had some tears when a few snips got away from them, so we took a picture so we could see it through a different perspective. It was a great example of how no snowflake is perfect, and there can still be beauty in the design when finished and unfolded. Click here to read more of our life lessons from a snowflake. It's the object lesson that keeps on giving.

Happy Snipping!

Heidi

P.s. For a little different take on the snowflake craft, check out this video my daughter and I put together. I’ll think you’ll enjoy it!