How to Cut Elegant Paper Snowflakes

We all probably learned how to make a simple paper snowflake at some point when we were kids, but here's the "grown-up" version of this favorite childhood wintertime craft.

EditSteps

EditFolding the paper

EditFour Pointed Snowflake/Star

1. Fold the paper in half.
   
   
2. Fold the paper in half again, making quarters.
   
   
3. Fold each folded edge over to touch its opposite folded edge.
   
   

EditSix Pointed Snowflake/Star

1. Fold the paper in half.
   
   
2. First fold by one third (60-degree angle).
   
   
3. Turn over and make the second 60-degree fold.
   
   
4. Fold the paper into 60-degree angles from the folded edge of the paper.
   
   
5. Cut away waste paper (anything that is less than six layers). Stop at this point to make a star/snowflake with a pattern that repeats only three times.
   
   
6. Fold the paper in half again, so that the two folded edges lie atop each other. This will make a 6 pointed snowflake with a pattern that repeats six times.
   
   
   

EditCutting

1. Cut the raw edges first. These will become the outside edge of your snowflake, so make them as interesting as you like. Cutting one side of the outer edge further away from the center than the other will yield "points" that stick out in the manner of a "real" snowflake
   
   
2. Cut one divot from each folded edge, keeping your cuts parallel to previous cuts, and taking large chunks of paper from the base.
   
   
   • If your scissors begin cutting on one folded side, they must also end cutting on that same side. If you begin on one side and end on the other side, you will suddenly be making a much smaller snowflake.
3. Keep in mind that elegant means simple. Three larger cuts to your snowflake blank will generally yield better results than 10 smaller cuts.
   
   
4. Make your cuts parallel and equidistant from each other, to give a more "finished" or "polished" look to the craft.
   
   
5. Leave only 20-25% of your blank. (Cut away 75-85% of your blank.)
   
   
   • Use smooth, flowing curves for best results at first - This will make achieving the look easier. Attempt cutting the more angular flakes after you've mastered the tips.
6. Finished.
   
   

EditExamples

• 
  A typical grade school snowflake.
  
• 
  Inspired by a church rose window.
  
• 
  Angel.
  
• 
  Abstract.
  
• 
  Geometric.
  
• 
  Five cuts.
  
• 
  Three cuts.
  
• 
  Way too many cuts...but still fun!
  
  
  
  

EditPrintable Templates

Printable Heart Snowflake Template

Printable Snowflake Template

Printable Tree Snowflake Template

EditTips

• Sharp scissors make this much easier.
• You can sketch your pattern lightly in pencil on the bank if you need some extra help.
• The neatness of the initial folds determines the overall symmetry of your snowflake.
• Always leave at least half an inch of each folded side left uncut. Any less and the snowflake will be too delicate to hang.
• If you can imagine (or see) the outline of something, you can probably cut it.
• The fewer cuts the better. Try to aim for a 3-to-5 range. Anything more or less than that gets choppy pretty quickly.
• And a link to a fun, free website where you can practice without using up a lot of paper! http://ift.tt/Q29aZV
• You also could use a utility knife for smaller cuts. Make sure to have something underneath protecting your work surface.

EditWarnings

• Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate caution.

EditThings You'll Need

• White paper
• Utility Knife (optional)
• Sharp Scissors
  

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake
• How to Make a Paper Snowflake
• How to Make a Sparkly Snowflake Ornament
• How to Make a German Paper Star
• How to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas
• How to Fight Winter Blues
• How to Make Decorative Candles for Christmas
• How to String Popcorn on a Christmas Tree
• How to Make Star Wars Snowflakes

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1sZKFBk