Making snowflakes is a fun activity for children. Here are tips of making an easy and elegant snowflake with children. This might be harder for very young children, but with parents' help they can do it too.
A Square Piece of Paper to Make a Snowflake
Most people have white 8 by 10 inch paper around the house, and that can be folded and cut to make a square. Take the bottom right corner and get it to touch the upper left side of the paper so that it forms a diagonal triangle fold and the bottom of the paper is now in line with the left side of the paper. Then run fingers down the new fold. There should be a rectangle shape of paper above the fold. Neatly fold along that line and then cut that piece off to make a square.
Another option is to buy origami paper in winter colors, origami paper is already cut into squares. Smaller pieces of paper can also be used. But for kids it is easier to start out with a bigger sheet of paper first until they get the hang of making them.
Make an X on the Square for the Snowflake
There is already one diagonal fold on the paper, now make a second one so that it forms an X on the paper.
Fold into a Fat Triangle Shape to Make the Snowflake
This can be a bit tricky for kids (and adults too). Take fingers to the middle of the paper at the centre of the X fold. Push in the left and right triangle shapes so that they will fold in half and so that the top and bottom triangle shapes will be right up against each other. Press flat.
Making an Even Smaller Triangle Shape
Now take the left bottom corner of the triangle shape (and take both folded pieces from this spot) and line them up with the bottom right corner so that it makes a 90 degree angle triangle.
Final Fold for Snowflake
This step can be called “Making the Ice Cream Cone.” Take the bottom left corner of the triangle and bring it across to touch the right side of the triangle. Don’t make it touch the left side corner, just go right across so that the right folded edge is in line with the left folded edge of the paper. If it’s flipped the right way it will look like a cone shape with a triangular scoop of ice cream on top.
Cut Out Shapes to Make the Snowflake
Now cut into this ice cream cone shape. Try making rectangles, triangles, circles or other such shapes to come up with interesting designs in the snowflake. Try to cut shapes into the left side and the right side and slicing in from the top. Be careful about going all the way across, it will make for a much smaller snowflake! Experiment with different cuts to get new designs.
Unfold Paper and Press it Flat to Have Finished Snowflake
Once all the cuts are made, unfold and flatten the snowflake with a book. Voila, an original homemade snowflake! These snowflakes can be taped to windows, doors and walls. Or tie a piece of string or wire to them and hang them from the ceiling or on the Christmas tree.
Making snowflakes is a great winter activity with kids that helps them practice folding and cutting skills. Use these instruction and photos to have a fun-filled day of making unique snowflakes.
Also check out Having the Best Christmas Party for Kids and Making Simple and Fun Christmas Ornaments with Kids.
HOL101
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