How to Make 3D Snowflakes From Holiday Gift Wrap

Dec 19, 2010
Sara McGrath

3D paper snowflake from gift wrap - S.McGrath

A fun twist on cut paper snowflakes, along with some additional snowflake learning fun.

It's winter time and the Christmas holiday season. Snowflakes are here, at least in decoration, if not falling from the sky. These 3D snowflake crafts are a fun twist on flat paper snowflakes, and a fun way to celebrate the season, to incorporate into learning activities, and to use up extra gift wrapping paper.

What You'll Need:

gift wrapping paper
scissors
tape
stapler
Christmas coloring pages to occupy younger kids

3D Snowflake Instructions:

Cut the gift wrap into 6 square pieces (i.e., 6-8 inch on a side).
Fold each square paper diagonally in half to make triangles.
Paper number one: Turn the first triangle so the folded edge is at the bottom.
Cut three lines parallel to each of the two diagonal sides of the triangle, taking care that the cut lines do not quite meet in the middle. The cut lines should resemble three nestled triangles.
Open the folded triangle and turn it to look like a diamond.
Bring together the innermost cut lines on each side of the center and tape together the points to form a tube shape.
Flip over the diamond.
Roll the next innermost cut lines into a tube shape and tape together the points.
Flip over the diamond and repeat until all cut lines have been rolled and taped.
Papers two through six: Repeat steps 3 through 9 above to create snowflake branches.
Hold together the end points of three snowflake branches and staple them together.
Staple together the remaining three snowflake branches to create two snowflake halves.
Hold together the two halves and staple in the middle and between the branches to finish the snowflake.

For extra help, watch a 3D paper snowflake video.

Do You Know the Four Common Types of Snowflakes?

Dendrite (branched, 6 points)
Column (hexagonal, 6 sides)
Needle (needle-like)
Rime (covered in frozen droplets)

Dendrite snowflakes have tree-like, branched points. Column snowflakes have a six-sided hexagonal shape. Needle snowflakes look like their namesake. Rime snowflakes have a coating of tiny, frozen water droplets from passing through super-cooled clouds. Learn more about the different types of snowflakes.

Which type of snowflakes do the 3D craft snowflakes most resemble? Probably dendrites.

More Fun Snowflake and Snow Crystal Activities

See snow crystals up close with the New Scientist photomicroscope snow crystal gallery.
Make your own snowflake with the Make-A-Flake online game.
Consider David Perkins' Snowflake Model of Creativity.

Snow crystals and snowflakes can play a versatile role in holiday fun and learning. Creating craft snowflakes uses up extra gift wrap, provides a visible example of a snow crystal, is fun and challenging to make, and results in a beautiful holiday decoration.

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