ArtsAutosBooksBusinessEducationEntertainmentFamilyFashionFoodGamesGenderHealthHolidaysHomeHubPagesPersonal FinancePetsPoliticsReligionSportsTechnologyTravel

How to Make Paper Snowflakes with Eight Points: Step By Step Instructions

Updated on November 18, 2015
Flower like creation
Flower like creation | Source

Have you ever made paper snowflakes?

See results

Everyone loves to make paper snowflakes

It rarely snowed where I grew up. We only saw the cold stuff once in my entire childhood. The only snowflakes I'm familiar with are the paper kind.

Do you remember making paper snowflakes in elementary school? I sure do! We made them throughout December. I think it was a way for the teachers to keep us occupied while we dreaming of Winter break.

Paper snowflakes are one of the easiest things you can make and still show a little creativity. I've seen various methods on the internet on how to make paper snowflakes. I'm going to walk you through the method I learned in school--and relearned from an an Army Veteran.

So, get out some colorful paper and a pair of scissors. We're going to make paper snowflakes!

It looks like a mandala
It looks like a mandala

Origami Paper Works the Best

The best paper for paper snowflakes is origami paper. Why? It's the right thickness and weight. It is thin enough for cutting, but it doesn't tear easily. Also, it doesn't leave marks from the folds.

You can also use color computer paper for larger snowflakes, but it will be difficult to use for smaller ones. The thicker the paper the more difficult it will be to cut through all the layers.

Do you have a bunch of wrapping paper scraps laying around? Most wrapping paper makes great paper snowflakes. Some wrapping paper is too thin and will tear. It also has a tendency to rub off at the folds. This will leave white wear marks on your snowflakes at the creases.

Tissue paper will not work. Although it is thin and easy to fold, you have to treat it gently. It will rip with very little effort.

Construction is a good option. However, it has the opposite problem of wrapping paper. It can be too thick. You'll notice that is it is harder to fold. When you try to cut your shapes, the scissors will have a hard time getting through the layers.

Test out different paper and see which works best. It's a great way to make decorations and get rid of some of the scraps that are too small to wrap presents with.

Thin Paper Works the Best

Let's Do It!

Step-By-Step Tutorial for Making Paper Snowflakes

Start with a square
Start with a square | Source

Step 1: Start with a Square

For these snowflakes, start with a square. It doesn't have to be a perfect square. A little overhang won't hurt.

You can either use a template or fold your piece of paper to make a square and cut off the access. Either way works just fine.

Fold it into a large triangle
Fold it into a large triangle | Source

Step 2: Fold into a large triangle

Now you're ready to make the first fold. Fold the square in half to make a large triangle. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, but try to get the edges close. If it's uneven, that's okay. The excess will be trimmed off later.

Fold it into a triangle again
Fold it into a triangle again | Source

Step 3: Fold the triangle in half

Next, fold the triangle in half so that it is half the size that it was.

You now have a smaller triangle that has been folded from the larger one. If folded right, you'll have two open sides and one closed, folded over side.

And, fold it one more time
And, fold it one more time | Source

Step 3: Fold the paper in half again

Fold the triangle in half one more time. This makes three triangle folds.

Fold it across, a small triangle on a bigger triangle
Fold it across, a small triangle on a bigger triangle | Source

Step 5: Fold in half, small side towards big side

This fold confuses some. Take the short side of your triangle and fold over to meet the long side. You will have a small triangle leftover at the top of your paper.

Remove the extra top triangle
Remove the extra top triangle | Source

Step 6: Cut off the top part

Your narrow triangle shape has an extra flap of paper at the top. Cut that piece off so the edge is even. Your triangle should look like the one in the example--a narrow, even triangle.

Make the first design cut
Make the first design cut | Source

Step 7: Begin cutting the snowflake design

Now it's time to cut your snowflake! This is the fun part.

There is no correct way to cut a paper snowflake. There are two thing to keep in mind. One, don't cut completely across. Always leave an edge. Otherwise, you'll cut your snowflake right in half. Two, if you want a spiky snowflake, cut from the point on the "closed" side to the edge of the "open" fold side side. If you do it the other way (from the the open side to the closed side) you get what I call and opposite snowflake. You'll know it when you see it!

Be as creative as you like! Experiment with shapes, patterns, long cuts, and short cuts. Some people like to plan it out. I like to wing it and see what happens. I'm not all that great at figuring out what my cuts will look like when I open my paper snowflakes. It's kind of nice to be surprised.

And, some extra cuts
And, some extra cuts | Source

Step 8: Cut some more

As you can see in the example, you can cut quite a bit off both sides of triangle. But, notice that I've always left just enough of an edge so that the snowflake stays together.

I've cut a spiky type of snowflake with a hole in the center. I wonder what this will look like in the end?

Add some flourishes with circles, triangles, diamond, etc. shapes
Add some flourishes with circles, triangles, diamond, etc. shapes | Source

Step 9: Time to unfold it

If you've done you cuts right, your paper snowflake will hold together as you fold it. Be very careful if you are using thin paper like wrapping paper. It's easy to tear it when unfolding as some of the edges of the paper can be stuck together.

Now let's see the final product

Open it up and see what you've got!
Open it up and see what you've got! | Source

Here's what my paper snowflake looks like. It's not as spiky as I wanted. Looks like I've got people holding hands around the outer edge. Most likely some strange pagan ritual :D Not exactly what I planned, but I like the final product. It kind of looks like a spider web.

Snowflake Creations

Paper snowflakes were big when I was a kid. We always made them in elementary school, then decorated the classroom with them during the winter months. Perhaps because it never snowed where I lived. This was the only way we'd see anything resembling the phenomena.

I've often wondered if this was something all school children did or if it was a California thing. How about you? Did you make paper snowflakes as a child?


Some of My Masterpieces: These are Some of My Snowflake Creations

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Is it a flower in the center or candle votives on the ends?Red sunburst paper snowflakeYellow candle shaped designRed spiny arrow point endsYellow wheel hub Dark purple stain glass with flower centerGreen spindly thin design
Is it a flower in the center or candle votives on the ends?
Is it a flower in the center or candle votives on the ends? | Source
Red sunburst paper snowflake
Red sunburst paper snowflake | Source
Yellow candle shaped design
Yellow candle shaped design | Source
Red spiny arrow point ends
Red spiny arrow point ends | Source
Yellow wheel hub
Yellow wheel hub | Source
Source
Dark purple stain glass with flower center
Dark purple stain glass with flower center | Source
Green spindly thin design
Green spindly thin design | Source
An eight pointed snowflake with light bulb ends
An eight pointed snowflake with light bulb ends | Source

I Learned it from an Army Veteran

I remember making paper snowflakes in elementary school. By the time I started my first job when I was 17, I had forgotten all about them.

I had a co-worker who was in her late 50s. She was a no nonsense woman who had been in the army--and she acted like she still was! One day around the holidays, I found this very serious woman at her desk making paper snowflakes. It seemed so out of character!

I wanted to learn how to make them, but I was afraid to ask her. I was a bit intimidated by her. So, a few days later, I screwed up the courage to approach her. I was informed that there was only one proper way to make paper snowflakes and that she would show me.

I have been making paper snowflakes ever since. I've perfected my skills a bit and I've taught several others how to make them. My nieces and nephews all know how to fold paper the "proper" way--thanks to my elderly co-worker!

Get Inspired

Snowflakes for all Seasons: 72 Fold & Cut Paper Snowflakes
Snowflakes for all Seasons: 72 Fold & Cut Paper Snowflakes
A great way to start with kids or not so creative adults. Book offers 72 different cutting patterns for you to follow. Just fold you paper, then follow the patterns.
 

To Pattern or Not to Pattern?

Do you cut yours from patterns or free form?

See results

Patterns Can Give Predictable Results

You've seen them. Prefolded sheets that have the pattern drawn out so as to make a specific snowflake pattern. You know what you'll get when you unfold your paper and it is lovely. But, is it as much fun?

I've worked with patterns in the past. However, I prefer to create mine from my imagination. I like the idea of cutting away the little pieces and designing it as I go. Then, when I unfold it, I am surprised as everyone else.

I never know what my snowflakes will look like. For me, it's more interesting that way. However, it can be interesting to make a specific design especially if you are working on a project that uses multiple snowflakes. You can predict what it will look like in the end.

Patterns can be found on the internet. There are many pinned on Pinterest and websites for elementary school projects usually have pre-made sheets. Also, there are books that provide an array of origami designs you can work from.

Things to Do with Paper Snowflakes: What the Heck Do You Do with Them Once You've Made Them?

  1. Hang them on the wall.
  2. Tie yarn to them and hang them from the ceiling.
  3. String several on length of yarn and make paper chains.
  4. Use small snowflakes as gift tags.
  5. Make a gigantic snowflake and tack it to the door.
  6. Make small snowflakes and decorate the kitchen table.
  7. Staple several together in a circle and make a wreath.
  8. Attach them to strings, tie them to wire, and make a mobile.

I hope you enjoyed this page. After reading the instructions, did you make a paper snowflake?

working

This website uses cookies

As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: https://corp.maven.io/privacy-policy

Show Details
Necessary
HubPages Device IDThis is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
Google RecaptchaThis is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy)
AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Traffic PixelThis is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
Amazon Web ServicesThis is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
CloudflareThis is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
Google Hosted LibrariesJavascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)
Features
Google Custom SearchThis is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
Google MapsSome articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Google ChartsThis is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
Google AdSense Host APIThis service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Google YouTubeSome articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
VimeoSome articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
PaypalThis is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook LoginYou can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
MavenThis supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)
Marketing
Google AdSenseThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Google DoubleClickGoogle provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Index ExchangeThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
SovrnThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook AdsThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Unified Ad MarketplaceThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
AppNexusThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
OpenxThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Rubicon ProjectThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
TripleLiftThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Say MediaWe partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
Remarketing PixelsWe may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
Conversion Tracking PixelsWe may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.
Statistics
Author Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
ComscoreComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Tracking PixelSome articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
ClickscoThis is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)