How to Make 3D Paper Snowflakes
Handmade Christmas ornaments are fun and easy! One of the many handmade ornaments that can easily be created using squares of paper is the three dimensional paper snowflake. More detailed instructions are included below, but basically you fold, cut, roll and tape your paper to create one of the 3D snowflakes. Kids love this craft. And it is fun for all ages. Getting the children involved with decorating for Christmas can help with all that energy they seem to have during the Christmas holidays!
You can use different colored paper for this craft. For a more stunning look, choose a paper that is white on one side and colored on the other side. An example is gift wrap paper. You could make some beautiful snowflakes using extra gift wrap.
Grab your paper and your scissors and get started!
Photos used under Creative Commons from thn26987 with thanks!
Supplies for Your Paper Snowflake
Fun to make handmade snowflake ornament!
Photo used under Creative Commons from Liz with thanks!
Gather your supplies for your Snowflake project:
- Paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Sticky Glue
- Stapler
- Kids
- Hot Chocolate
- Christmas Music
Melissa & Doug Origami Paper
Smaller children will have fun making snowflakes with this paper!
Melissa & Doug Origami Paper
Amazon Price: $2.69 (as of 06/02/2012)
Melissa & Doug Origami Paper
How to Make the 3D Paper Snowflakes
- Start with a square piece of paper. Fold your paper from corner to opposite corner, forming a triangle.
Note: If you have an extra strip of paper because your paper was not quite square, just trim it off.
Then fold your paper in half again. You will now have a triangle. - Starting from the folded side of the paper, cut 4 slits parallel to the angled side of the paper. Do this for both sides of the paper. Don't let the cuts meet in the center. You want uncut paper so your snowflake is held together.
3. Unfold and flatten your paper.
4. Start rolling your paper. Roll the two inside papers in a tube and fasten with tape or glue.
- Flip the paper over and roll the next two paper lines.
- Continue with the flipping and rolling until all the paper lines have been rolled into tubes.
- Repeat with the remaining 5 pieces of paper (to have a six-point star).
- Take three of the rolled papers, pinch together at the tip, and staple together. Repeat with the remaining three snowflake "tips".
- Pinch the two halves together by matching the centers. Staple the pieces together in the middle.
- You can either staple, tape, or glue some of the other connecting spots of the snowflake points so that you have one continuous snowflake and not just six points stapled together.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Liz with thanks!
Metallic Foil Origami Paper
Nine colors for your snowflakes!
Metallic Foil Origami Paper: 18 5-7/8 x 5-7/8 Sheets in 9 Colors (Dover Origami Papercraft)
Amazon Price: $1.95 (as of 06/02/2012)
Right now this item is eligible for the 4-for-3 Promotion
The package of Origami paper includes colors that range from silver and gold to tangerine and sapphire blue.
Finished 3D Paper Snowflake
Using Colored Paper to Make the 3D Snowflake Ornaments
Kids will have fun being creative.
Photo used under Creative Commons from PatrickQ with thanks.
Leftover holiday wrapping paper is perfect for the snowflake craft. And you are recycling and helping the environment!
Christmas Music
Add some Christmas cheer to your craft session!
Video - How to Make 3D Snowflakes
Step by step video instructions for the paper snowflake.
If only I could cut and tape as fast as this person!
Here are the directions that are printed across the different areas of the video.
Use 6 equal squares of any paper.
Cut 4 slits on both sides. Do not join cuts.
Take one piece of paper and get some tape.
Take 2 sides and loop them and tape together.
Flip over and repeat on all.
This wil be one side of the snowflake.
Repeat on all pieces of paper.
Staple together ends.
Joining all six in the middle.
Staple outside arms together.
And it is done!
Duel!
Opinions on homemade ornaments.
Photo used under Creative Commons from LollyKnit with thanks.
How do you feel about handmade Christmas ornaments?
Wonderful! I love making my own Christmas ornaments.
naheedahsan says:
I'd love to try it.
MillBucks says:
I think this is a wonderful idea, handmade ornaments are always the best to bring back fond memories over the years. Thanks for posting these unique ideas.
printabledolls says:
My christmas tree is made with handmade ornaments and I love paper,so this lens is perfect for me thank you so much!
Annamadagan says:
Looks like fun! I'd love to try it.
GrammaLinda says:
These look like fun!
tracysmith159 says:
I love this. Simple, fun, and looks great. Making your own handmade Christmas ornaments is a great way to get the family to bond together.
curious0927 says:
They are my favorites, especially the ones my kids make!
darciefrench says:
We make our own decorations far more than we purchase them, it's always fun to make new ones and see what we did the previous years too
KevCooper says:
Love em! I made some stained glass ones.
intermarks says:
Handmade ornament will have more feeling and though when compared to a bough one. I like the feeling. It make the Christmas merrier!
Septamia says:
Purchased toys will never replace your own custom.
bossypants says:
It wouldn't be Christmas without homemade ornaments! It's a tradition inmy family that's generations old and I'm looking forward to adding your 3D snowflake design!
scarlettohairy says:
It's fun to make handmade ornaments and they are so nice and homey!
says:
Oh, I think they should be treasured. Your snowflakes are so beautiful. I do not like snow. Chicago winters are brutal. However, I have a new appreciation for snow now.
manicnymph says:
My favourites were always the ornaments that the kids made at school. The ornaments mean so much more when your kids put so much effort into making them for you. Each year when you decorate the tree you get to revisit those special times when they were little.
No way! That is why the great spirit created shopping malls.
Tolovaj says:
Love hand made ornaments, but my time is limited at the moment, so...
Poetryman says:
very cool though!
Image_Girl says:
actually i could... i just make so many other things. :) I'm happier though buying other people's handmade ornaments - they make up the bulk of my tree.
cleanyoucar says:
I would love to but my hands aren't that steady to cut such intricate shapes
kt_glasses says:
I am really an all-thumbed person.
lisals7777 says:
These are awesome, but I don't see myself doing it. I dont ever have enough time as it is. My favorite are vintage Christmas ornaments.
WindyWinters says:
My children would make all kinds of ornaments when they were in school and we had quite a collection. Now If we are home for the holidays, my hubby takes care of decorating the house and tree and uses our vintage ornaments.
Wrighteam says:
I love the IDEA of making them myself. If not - I love hitting the boutiques and supporting someone else with more creativity!
ConsumeTech says:
I usually just buy stuff cos I;m hopeless as arts and crafts. I'll give this a go tho
TWOnline2 says:
hand made things in general are more personal and worth more than manufactured items to family and friends. homemade ornaments can be universal. i would only make them if i could use them for many things throughout the year.
2muchtrash says:
I think they are really pretty and it is a great thing to get the kids to do, but at the end of the day I guess I am just too lazy to do it.
jaktraks says:
I like shiny glass ornaments, but I find the 3D snowflakes very pretty.
emerald125 says:
I usually dont have the patience but these look great
daria369 says:
I love handmade ornaments, just don't take time any longer to make them and decorate with them.
mazbond says:
I think handmade Christmas ornaments are lovely but I a hopeless at anything like this. I really wish I was good at art and crafts.
Angels Have Blessed This Lens!
This is my way of saying thanks to the Squid Angels who "bless" this lens.Three Dimensional Snowflakes
Additional Videos on How to Make Paper Snowflakes
Don't Forget to Check out These Great RocketMoms' Lenses!
"How To" is the Topic
Comments!
What do you think of the 3D snowflakes?
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grandmamarilyn
Apr 28, 2011 @ 4:00 am | delete
- I think this is a wonderful lens. I love the 3d snowflakes, especially the multicolored one.
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distancelearningcourses
Mar 18, 2011 @ 3:05 am | delete
- Nice Lens for 3D paper snowflakes
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distancelearningcourses
Mar 18, 2011 @ 3:04 am | delete
- Learn skill of #3D paper snowflakes ... keep writing good lens... visitors like me will always come and visit your lens.
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vikksimmons
Feb 22, 2011 @ 9:50 pm | delete
- I'm going to have to send this to my daughter so they can begin practicing. :)
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awelldressedbullet
Feb 10, 2011 @ 5:58 pm | delete
- Oh my, how cute are these! Great instructions and pictures too!
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WeddingZazzle
Feb 5, 2011 @ 3:09 pm | delete
- Blessed by a SquidAngel
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Lisa-Marie-Mary Jan 17, 2011 @ 1:36 pm | delete
- I finally made one! It was so much fun! Thank you so much! :-D
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GonnaFly
Jan 16, 2011 @ 9:54 pm | delete
- What stunning snowflakes! I'll have to give these a try.
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peteriannuzzi
Jan 3, 2011 @ 2:27 am | delete
- awsome page
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mistyblue75605
Jan 2, 2011 @ 8:07 pm | delete
- lovin these snowflakes!
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Norma_Budden
Jan 2, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- Congratulations on your awards for this lens. It is beautiful!
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skiesgreen
Dec 31, 2010 @ 3:07 pm | delete
- Great lens and congrats on LOTD. Now featured on Squidoo LOTD Lenses.
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cherylsgifts2go
Dec 30, 2010 @ 9:15 am | delete
- Wow - this lens really made this an easy project. I am going to share it with my grandchildren who love doing crafts. You did a great job explaning with simple to follow steps. Thanks!
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MoonandMagic Dec 29, 2010 @ 6:53 pm | delete
- Congratulations on Lens of The Day! I really like these snowflakes definitely a great way to us up wrapping paper! Thank you
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NicoleDean
Dec 28, 2010 @ 7:15 pm | delete
- What a fun way to make snowflakes! These will definitely stand out!
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overcomefear
Dec 28, 2010 @ 1:09 pm | delete
- Congrats on Lens of the Day! I think this is a great idea and I can't wait to make one. Great job!
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College-Girl
Dec 28, 2010 @ 12:54 am | delete
- Amazing lens!
First I thought it must be very difficult to make 3D Paper Snowflake. But after reading your instructions, I feel that's it's very easy to do it. I will try and see. Thanks :)
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JeffreyTymczak
Dec 27, 2010 @ 7:47 am | delete
- Congratulations on your LENS of the Day! Great Job! I rated it up and joined your fan club, hope to see you in my fan club too! Great Job!!!
Jeff
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raosrinivas
Dec 26, 2010 @ 2:34 am | delete
- pretty loving lence, love to learn snowflakes making, thanks for sharing.
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rgasperson
Dec 25, 2010 @ 9:03 pm | delete
- Merry Christmas. Thank You for the Snowflake Idea. I Lensrolled you on my origami ornament lens http://www.squidoo.com/HomemadeChristmasDecorations
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LubosLabik
Dec 25, 2010 @ 3:05 pm | delete
- Very nice snowflake, definitelly going to make one next Christmas. Hopefully with my both children.
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ronpass
Dec 25, 2010 @ 2:29 pm | delete
- Great designs and ideas that are ideal for people who have limited resources to buy Christmas decorations. Congrats on the LOTD.
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Bluewren08
Dec 25, 2010 @ 1:59 pm | delete
- Thank you for a very comprehensive guide to making these beautiful Christmas stars! just lovely.
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pumpnut
Dec 25, 2010 @ 11:01 am | delete
- Pretty cool! Simple and elegant. I suppose you could spray glue them and throw some glitter on them too.
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clouda9
Dec 25, 2010 @ 3:42 am | delete
- Beautiful design...love that you included all the photos with the steps on how to make these paper snowflakes...visuals help me tremendously! Congrats on a well deserved LOTD!
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miaponzo
Dec 24, 2010 @ 10:03 pm | delete
- Thanks, they are beautiful!
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ajgodinho Dec 24, 2010 @ 8:51 pm | delete
- I was here before, just wanted to drop by to say congrats on LOTD and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! :)
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Ecolicious Dec 24, 2010 @ 5:07 pm | delete
- I love love love that you included an environmental tip to this awesome how-to lens.
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Dec 24, 2010 @ 6:09 am | delete
- They're beautiful!
lensrolled to Snowflake Christmas Ornaments.
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charlino Dec 23, 2010 @ 10:49 pm | delete
- I remember making paper snow flakes as a child, and this is a beautiful example of the craft.
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LizMac60 Dec 23, 2010 @ 12:07 pm | delete
- Great to make, so much more meaningful than ready made. Blessed by a squid angel.
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Steve-SEO-UK
Dec 23, 2010 @ 10:11 am | delete
- Going to make the presents look something special. Many thanks for sharing this.
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DebMartin
Dec 23, 2010 @ 8:39 am | delete
- Thanks for bringing us back to the art of "creating" Christmas rather than "buying" Christmas. Nice lens.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Dec 23, 2010 @ 5:48 am | delete
- Wonderful! Congrats on LOTD! Happy holidays.
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CosmeticMom
Dec 22, 2010 @ 2:09 pm | delete
- Fun, fun, FUN! I see why you made LOTD!
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0ctavias0fferings
Dec 22, 2010 @ 11:26 am | delete
- An excellent lens. Of course making your own Christmas ornaments is the best and if you're neat with it you can make them for gifts as well. A hand made gift always means that bit more to me.
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AdriennePetersen
Dec 22, 2010 @ 9:55 am | delete
- Great lens, congrats on LOTD!
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jgelien Dec 22, 2010 @ 9:37 am | delete
- These are fabulous snowflakes. I can't wait to try them. I have only made the two dimensional variety before. Thanks for the instructions.
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Chinajoy
Dec 22, 2010 @ 9:26 am | delete
- beautiful...I am going to use these rather than bows on my gifts this year.
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dryder
Dec 22, 2010 @ 8:11 am | delete
- Fantastic lens ... congrats on getting LOTD, very well deserved!
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Arquinn
Dec 22, 2010 @ 8:03 am | delete
- Nice lens!!! Merry Christmas :-)
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MusicalKay28
Dec 22, 2010 @ 7:44 am | delete
- I like it! I think I will try making some soon!
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Cinetech
Dec 22, 2010 @ 6:09 am | delete
- Great selection for LoTD! You know how to keep readers on your lens, you must have read my lens on the subject, or not :) All the best!
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Oliversbabycarecouk
Dec 22, 2010 @ 3:59 am | delete
- congrats on the lens of the day and yes amazing 3d snowflakes! mine were never that good :)
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webdiva888 Dec 22, 2010 @ 3:05 am | delete
- Beautiful....really lovely. I am too spastic to try this but bravo! Really! Thanks for sharing.
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- Beautiful....really lovely. I am too spastic to try this but bravo! Really! Thanks for sharing.
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hmsweaver
Dec 21, 2010 @ 9:29 pm | delete
- So beautiful!!! Lovely and instructional lens. Thank you!
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rachsue
Dec 21, 2010 @ 8:53 pm | delete
- I have always liked making these snowflakes with the kids. You are right making your own is great fun for the whole family. COngrats on LOTD!!
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lisals7777
Dec 21, 2010 @ 8:44 pm | delete
- Very creative, and looks like it's actuallly pretty easy to do!
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One4Nell
Dec 21, 2010 @ 8:20 pm | delete
- They're awesome. We used them to decorate for our company Christmas party.
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Index for How To Make 3D Paper Snowflakes
- Supplies for Your Paper Snowflake
- Melissa & Doug Origami Paper
- How to Make the 3D Paper Snowflakes
- Metallic Foil Origami Paper
- Finished 3D Paper Snowflake
- Using Colored Paper to Make the 3D Snowflake Ornaments
- Christmas Music
- Video - How to Make 3D Snowflakes
- Duel!
- Angels Have Blessed This Lens!
- Three Dimensional Snowflakes
- Don't Forget to Check out These Great RocketMoms' Lenses!
- Comments!
- Join me on Twitter!
This Happy Snowman page written by
capriliz
Making handmade Christmas ornaments is a great holiday family activity. The kids can really get creative with the 3D paper snowflakes. more »
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Seasons Greetings from the Wonderland
Connect with Happy Snowman
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Easy Christmas Origami
Make candy canes and stockings to go along with the snowflakes.
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Simple directions and clearly detailed diagrams for making more than 42 projects, from easy to complex. Includes origami candles, stockings, bells, stars, and other traditional tree ornaments; a paper train; a Nativity scene with Mary, the Wise Men, and Baby Jesus, and a winter wonderland with Santa, a sleigh, and reindeer.
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