Paper Snowflake Ideas: 17 Gorgeous Winter Cutouts That Look Store Bought

Paper snowflake ideas take most of us straight back to a school classroom, folding white paper at our desks and holding our breath as we opened the final cut. That little moment of surprise never gets old. Today, paper snowflakes have grown up. Big ones cover living room walls, layered 3D ones hang on Christmas trees, and delicate lacy ones dress up windows and gift boxes. Short videos of people cutting snowflakes are racking up millions of views right now, and it is easy to see why. The craft costs almost nothing, it calms the mind, and the results look like expensive decor from a boutique. All you need is paper, sharp scissors and a cozy afternoon. Here are the prettiest designs to make this winter, with simple steps for each one..

Paper Snowflake Ideas for a Winter Wonderland

A wall or window covered in paper snowflakes of different sizes looks like a real winter wonderland. The trick is to mix big, medium and tiny flakes and to use a few different papers, like plain white, silver and vellum. Hang some with clear thread so they move a little in the air. Once you start cutting, it is hard to stop, and the whole family can join in..

You will need: White copy paper, silver paper, sharp small scissors, clear thread, removable tape.

How to make it: 1. Cut paper into squares in three or four sizes. 2. Fold and cut several snowflakes in each size. 3. Arrange them on the wall or window with removable tape and hang a few on thread.

The Classic Six Point Window Snowflake

Real snowflakes have six points, so the best looking paper flakes do too. Most people fold paper into eighths, which gives eight points, but folding into sixths makes a far more realistic flake. Fold a square into a triangle, then fold it into thirds like a paper cone before cutting. One paper snowflake video on YouTube passed 1.2 million views in five days with simple cuts like these. Learning this fold is the first step for all the paper snowflake ideas below. Have you ever tried the six point fold?

You will need: Square sheets of white paper, small sharp scissors, a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Fold a square in half into a triangle, then fold it into thirds. 2. Trim the uneven top straight across. 3. Draw small shapes along the edges, cut them out and unfold slowly.

A Giant Poster Board Snowflake for a Wall

A snowflake as big as a table makes a dramatic statement on a blank wall or above a bed. Cut it from large sheets of white poster paper or wrapping paper, using the same folds as a small one. Because the paper is thick, cut in sections with a craft knife, with an adult doing the knife work. Hang it with removable strips so nothing gets damaged. Big paper snowflake ideas like this one also make a fun backdrop for holiday photos. Where in your home could a giant flake go?

You will need: Large white poster paper, a craft knife for adults, a cutting mat, a pencil, removable strips.

How to make it: 1. Fold the large sheet into a six point triangle. 2. Draw a bold, simple design with big shapes. 3. Have an adult cut it on a mat, unfold and hang with removable strips.

3D Paper Snowflake Ideas for the Tree

Layered snowflakes look far more expensive than flat ones. Cut two or three flakes in slightly different sizes, stack them, and fold the points of the top one up a little so it pops out. A tiny bead in the center ties it all together. These make some of the best paper snowflake ideas for the tree, and they weigh almost nothing. Which color would you use on your tree?

You will need: White and silver cardstock, small scissors, a glue stick, a small bead, thread.

How to make it: 1. Cut three snowflakes in small, medium and large sizes. 2. Glue them together at the centers, turning each one slightly. 3. Bend the top points up and add a thread loop.

Quilled Paper Snowflakes

Quilling uses thin strips of paper rolled into coils and teardrops, then glued together into a shape. A quilled snowflake looks like fine lace and makes a beautiful ornament or card topper. It takes a little patience, but each piece is easy. Many people find the rolling very relaxing on a winter evening. Start with a small flake before trying a big one. Would you try quilling?

You will need: Quilling paper strips or thin paper strips, a toothpick, white craft glue, a foam board.

How to make it: 1. Roll strips around a toothpick and let them loosen into coils. 2. Pinch some into teardrops and points. 3. Glue six matching shapes around a center coil.

Snowflake Garland on Baker’s Twine

Small snowflakes strung on baker’s twine make a sweet garland for a mantel, a doorway or a bookshelf. Cut a dozen or more small flakes in different designs and attach them with tiny clips or a dab of glue. It is a lovely way to use up scraps. These paper snowflake ideas also work across a window to soften the view. How long would your garland be?

You will need: Small paper squares, scissors, baker’s twine, a glue stick or mini clothespins.

How to make it: 1. Cut a dozen small snowflakes. 2. Lay the twine flat and space the flakes along it. 3. Glue or clip each flake to the twine and hang.

Book Page Snowflakes

Old book pages give snowflakes a soft, vintage look with lines of tiny print showing through. Use a damaged book from a thrift store, never a treasured one. The cream color and old fashioned texture look lovely on a farmhouse or cottage style tree. They are also a great match for brown kraft paper gifts. Do you have an old paperback that is falling apart?

You will need: Pages from a worn out book, small scissors, thread or tape.

How to make it: 1. Cut book pages into squares. 2. Fold into a six point triangle and cut a design. 3. Unfold, press flat under a heavy book and hang.

Lacy Doily Style Snowflakes

The more you cut, the lacier the snowflake. Use small, sharp scissors and cut many tiny shapes close together, like a lace doily. Thin paper works best, because it folds flat and cuts cleanly. Lay it on dark blue or green paper to show off every detail, or frame it for a winter wall piece. Lacy paper snowflake ideas like this one look stunning in a simple frame. How fine can you cut?

You will need: Thin white paper, small sharp scissors, a pencil, dark paper for display.

How to make it: 1. Fold thin paper into a six point triangle. 2. Draw many small shapes close together. 3. Cut slowly, unfold and press flat.

Coffee Filter Paper Snowflake Ideas

Round coffee filters are already the perfect shape for snowflakes, and they are thin enough to cut through many folds. They look soft and glowing when light shines through them on a window. A big pack costs very little, so you can make dozens. This is one of the easiest paper snowflake ideas for a group or a craft night. How many windows would you fill?

You will need: White coffee filters, small scissors, removable tape.

How to make it: 1. Flatten a filter and fold it into a six point triangle. 2. Cut shapes along the edges. 3. Unfold and tape to the window.

Glitter Edged Snowflake Ornaments

A thin line of glitter around the edge turns a simple paper flake into a sparkling ornament. Brush a little glue along the edges and sprinkle silver or iridescent glitter, then shake off the extra. Cardstock holds up best. They catch the tree lights beautifully. This is a fun job for older kids with a grown up nearby. Would you choose silver, gold or icy blue?

You will need: White cardstock snowflakes, a glue pen or craft glue, fine glitter, a tray, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Lay the snowflake on a tray. 2. Run glue along the edges and sprinkle glitter. 3. Tap off the extra, let dry and add a ribbon loop.

Paper Snowflake Ideas for Gift Toppers

A paper snowflake on top of a gift looks prettier than a store bow and costs nothing. Wrap gifts in plain kraft or navy paper, tie them with twine, and tuck a white snowflake under the knot. Write the name on the center of the flake as a tag. It makes the pile under the tree look matched and stylish. Will your gifts all match this year?

You will need: Kraft or navy wrapping paper, twine, paper snowflakes, a pen.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the gift in plain paper. 2. Tie twine around it and slide a snowflake under the knot. 3. Write the name on the snowflake.

A Pop Up Kirigami Snowflake Card

Kirigami is the art of cutting and folding paper so it pops up when opened. A snowflake that rises out of a card feels like magic to the person who opens it. Cut slits along a folded snowflake shape and push them out so they stand up. Glue it into a folded piece of colored cardstock. It is one of the sweetest paper snowflake ideas for a teacher or grandparent. Who would love to get a card like this?

You will need: White and blue cardstock, a craft knife for adults, a cutting mat, a ruler, glue.

How to make it: 1. Fold white cardstock and draw half a snowflake on the fold. 2. Have an adult cut the slits on a mat. 3. Push the shapes forward and glue into a blue card.

An Embroidery Hoop Snowflake Mobile

Hang snowflakes at different lengths from a wooden embroidery hoop, and you have a soft, floating mobile. It looks lovely over a reading chair, in a window or above a dining table. The flakes turn slowly in the air, which is very calming to watch. Wrap the hoop in white ribbon for a clean look. Add a few silver flakes to make it sparkle. Where would you hang it?

You will need: A wooden embroidery hoop, white ribbon, clear thread, paper snowflakes, a hook.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the hoop in ribbon. 2. Tie threads of different lengths around the hoop. 3. Attach a snowflake to each thread and hang from a hook.

Sheet Music Snowflakes

Old sheet music makes beautiful snowflakes, with little notes and lines peeking through the cutouts. They suit a piano room, a vintage tree or a music lover’s gift. Use copies or worn pages, not a treasured song book. Pair them with gold ribbon for a warm, classic look. This is one of the most charming paper snowflake ideas for music fans. A gold glitter edge looks especially pretty on music pages. What song would you choose?

You will need: Old or photocopied sheet music, small scissors, gold thread.

How to make it: 1. Cut the music into squares. 2. Fold and cut a six point snowflake. 3. Press flat and hang with gold thread.

Snowflake Place Cards for the Holiday Table

A small paper snowflake on each plate makes a holiday table feel special. Write each guest’s name in the center with a silver pen, or tuck the flake into a folded napkin. They are cheap, quick and guests often take them home. If you love paper crafts, our paper Christmas stars make a great match. How many guests are you hosting?

You will need: Small paper snowflakes, a silver or blue pen, napkins.

How to make it: 1. Cut one small snowflake per guest. 2. Write each name in the center. 3. Place on the plate or tuck into the napkin.

Paper Snowflake Ideas for a Winter Wreath

Overlap dozens of white snowflakes on a cardboard ring, and you have a wreath that looks like fresh snow. Use a mix of sizes and a few silver ones for sparkle. Hang it indoors, or on a covered door away from rain. It is a lovely winter wreath that can stay up until spring. These paper snowflake ideas are perfect for using every last scrap. Would you hang it inside or out?

You will need: A cardboard ring, many paper snowflakes, a glue stick, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Cut a ring from sturdy cardboard. 2. Glue snowflakes around it, overlapping them. 3. Add a ribbon loop at the top.

A Hanging Snowflake Curtain for a Doorway

Strings of snowflakes hanging at different heights in a doorway feel like walking through a gentle snowfall. Tape the top of each thread to a tension rod or the top of the frame. Kids love it, and it makes a great party backdrop for photos. Keep the strands short enough that nobody trips. It is a playful way to finish your paper snowflake ideas collection. Which doorway in your home would you choose?

You will need: Paper snowflakes, clear thread, a tension rod or removable tape.

How to make it: 1. Tie several snowflakes along each thread. 2. Cut threads to different lengths. 3. Hang them from a tension rod across the doorway.