Wintertime Fun: Papercrafts

Do you like to cut paper? These 3 papercrafts - "Pleated Snowflake", a "Row of Snowmen", and "Basic Snowflakes" - are fun and quick to make by using my easy-to-follow directions and photos! They may be hung on a wall or window, used as ornaments, or tied on a package. This is a great kid craft!

Pleated Snowflake

Materials: 

1 sheet of 8.5" x 11" copy paper

scissors

stapler

paperclips

glue

string or yarn

Fold paper in half lengthwise (hot-dog fold). Cut on the fold.

Accordion pleat the paper with 1-1/4" folds, creating a "fan".

Fold "fan" in half and crease; staple in the center. Use sharp scissors to cut designs in both sides of the fan.

Note: For ease in making both sides the same, you may cut 1 side, fold in the center, and draw the design on the remaining side before cutting.

Glue the 2 center folds together, and secure with paperclips until dry.

Use the other 1/2 sheet of paper to make a 2nd fan. Glue both fans together and secure with paperclips until dry.

Remove the paperclips when dry. Punch a hole in the top and insert a string for hanging.

A Row of Snowmen

Materials: 

1 sheet of 8.5" x 11" copy paper

scissors

glue

Directions:

Fold paper in half lengthwise (hot-dog fold). Cut on the fold.

Accordion pleat the paper with 1-1/2" folds, creating a "fan".

1-1/2" folds

Holding the fan together, cut a 1/2 snowman similar to below through all layers. Be careful to leave the folded edges at the back and arms intact when you cut!

Note: You may first draw the shape with a pencil before cutting.

For a longer row, cut another "Row of Snowmen" and glue the 2 together, overlapping a fold on each. 

These make a great border for a winter bulletin board!

Basic Snowflakes

Materials: 

1 sheet of 8.5" x 11" copy paper

scissors

Directions:

Make a diagonal fold (taco fold), creating a triangle. Cut off excess paper.

Taco fold

Remove the excess

Mark center of the folded edge. Fold triangle in half with folded edge together. Fold in half 2 additional times with folds toward center.

Fold

Fold

Fold

After folding, make a "V" cut in the end through all layers.

Make cuts on each side. Be creative! Remember, no 2 snowflakes are alike!

"V"cut

Cuts on both sides

Carefully unfold. If more cuts are needed, refold and cut again. Completed snowflake may be pressed by hand or with a warm iron. 

A string may be added to hang from the ceiling.

Completed Snowflake

Snowflakes make a chart look special!

Nancy's Notes:

• For variety, try other colors of copy paper.
• Finished papercrafts may be embellished with markers and/or glitter glue, etc.
• Basic Snowflakes may easily be laminated. When stored flat, they can be enjoyed year after year.