Analyzing a Snowflake

Step 10: Analyzing a Snowflake

If you do want to try and copy a snowflake that you see, or at least get an idea of how to make one similar, try to visualize the slice of the snowflake that represents the completely folded paper. This is one slice out of twelve symmetrical slices. It will be a line that cuts through the middle of one point, and intersects with a line cut though the middle of the "valley" between it and the adjacent point. If it makes it easier, pretend that the snowflake is a clock and the lines you're imagining are the hands when it's one o'clock. See picture.

This slice of the snowflake shows what your cuts should look like if you want a snowflake that looks like this. It may be easier to visualize if you look at the black (cut out) spaces and think about those shapes being cut away.

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PaganRaven says: Nov 29, 2012. 3:01 PM

I have to tell you that your snowflakes are gorgeous! I've tried all my life to do this and they never look quite as good. I know you posted this a year ago, and I'm a late starter on Instructables (totally addicted now) but I hope at some point you do read this. Merry Yule and a warm winter Solstice!!

ReadsInTrees (author) in reply to PaganRavenNov 29, 2012. 3:58 PM

Thank you! I hope my instructions and tips help you make beautiful snowflakes of your own! Happy Solstice!

maggieelrod says: Dec 15, 2011. 6:56 AM

just wanted to thank you for your time to go into such detail to explain how to do this. Merry Christmas!
Maggie Elrod

ReadsInTrees (author) in reply to maggieelrodDec 15, 2011. 8:12 AM

You're welcome! I hope you're having fun making snowflakes!

designteach says: Dec 15, 2011. 7:05 AM

Excellent instructions! Enjoyed making these in class today!

leslie555 says: Dec 16, 2010. 6:01 PM

I really like step 10. It allows me to make snowflakes that I'm not disappointed in. :) Could you make up some templates that show where cuts can be made on the triangle to make some of your beautiful designs.

sashadistan says: Nov 29, 2010. 4:54 AM

You have just upgraded my year 9 (12-13 yeas old) graphics lesson extra session. They're not a top set and this will make a really nice pre Christmas filler for them to practice they're accuracy and paper crafting skills. lovely and so ingenious. Thankyou.

tbvb05 says: Nov 27, 2010. 5:31 PM

I just made my first one and I have to say this: when you are following the step by step it might be best to be home alone so when you talk to yourself (or to the pictures and instructions) no one is there thinking you are a lunatic!!!
I love these and want to try more tomorrow.
Thanks SO much for giving us the instructions!

picklet says: May 13, 2010. 11:33 PM

I just wonder, have you found any kind of scissors that cut well for fine work like this? Can you sharpen scissors? -
Thanks for the lovely instructable! The generosity of people like you sharing on this site helps to put things in perspective. Bless.

LaBeasy in reply to pickletNov 1, 2010. 7:58 PM

if you want to be extremely accurate, i would suggest using an exacto knife, if its brand new, itll be razor sharp and super precise.

ReadsInTrees (author) in reply to pickletMay 14, 2010. 4:23 AM

I use regular scissors like you'd get at any office supply store. If you scroll further down in the comments here, I wrote a long explanation about which scissors I've used. I think it's a matter of experimenting to find what works for you.

As for sharpening scissors....I've never actually sharpened a pair, but I've heard that you can sharpen them easily by scissoring through several layers of aluminum foil. I just tried this, but it didn't seem to make a huge difference...maybe I needed to do it for longer. I believe there are scissor sharpening devices that you can purchase in craft stores.

frenchbird in reply to ReadsInTreesDec 13, 2011. 4:35 AM

Hi. I was told cutting foil blunts your scissors! You can have them sharpened at some hardware stores tho sometimes the cost of doing so isnt really economic when scissors can be bought so cheaply. love the snowflakes and shall be making a window load tonight :) thank you

picklet in reply to ReadsInTreesMay 14, 2010. 5:26 PM

Much appreciated, Ms ReadsIntTees. May you have wonderful trees and inspiring reading material! :)

redcanary2 says: Feb 4, 2010. 9:45 AM

What a fab instructable! A few years ago, when I decided I wanted to hang decorations from my ceiling, I spent a lot of time cutting paper snowflakes. These I hung up, to the applause of friends and family. This instuctable has given us a clear, precise set of instructions, along with a large helping of creativity and flair and was just what I wanted in the way of extra inspiration for new and improved decorations for this Christmas. I particularly praise the visualisation of the section of a snowflake that needs to be studied in order to cut the design successfully. Thanks!

coodec says: Jan 6, 2010. 10:39 AM

perfect and very nice thanks....

Lintballoon says: Nov 29, 2009. 7:34 AM

Wow, those are really beautiful! Striking variety and delicacy! I wonder if your could dip them in something like plaster or clay to make them stiff enough to use as tree orniments...

PKM in reply to LintballoonNov 30, 2009. 9:31 AM

You could try spraying them with spray glue or lightly brushing with watered-down PVA (white glue) on a non-gluable surface like a plastic shopping bag. When they are dry, peel them off the plastic and they should be a little more rigid.

ReadsInTrees (author) in reply to LintballoonNov 29, 2009. 6:29 PM

I bet laminating them would probably work, but I don't have a laminating machine so I've never tried.

Maryline says: Nov 28, 2009. 3:09 AM

Beautiful! thank you