Three Dimensional Paper Snowflakes

The holiday season approaches ever nearer, and there is no better way to get hyped for the winter merriment than making cheap, simple, eye-catching snowflake decorations.

• Be patient. You can't rush art. The Statue of David wasn't built in twenty minutes, neither will your snowflake.
• Have fun. “Do anything, but let it produce joy.” -- Walt Whitman
• Don't stress. Mistakes can happen. After all, to err is human.

Step 1: Procure Your Supplies

• Paper (This can be wrapping paper, regular computer paper, or construction paper. For the sake of this Instructable, we'll be using wrapping paper)
• Scissors
• Clear scotch tape
• Stapler
• Pencil
• Measuring Tape (A ruler also works fine)

Step 2: Establish Dimensions for First Sheet

Aim for your sheet to be roughly the size of an ordinary computer paper page (8.5 inches by 11 inches).

Step 3: Mark Your Dimensions

Make small, light lines or dots with your pencil to indicate the length and width of your sheet of paper.

Step 4: Cut Out the Sheet

Glide the scissors along your predetermined dimensions slowly and methodically.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 & 4

Create five additional sheets for a total of six pieces of paper. You are going to need each sheet to be equal in size.

Step 6: Fold Sheet in Half

Fold your sheet in half vertically, or "hamburger-style."

Step 7: Fold Sheet Diagonally

Fold the sheet diagonally, creating a triangle to the edge of the paper.

• Make sure to fold the "bottom" of the sheet--where the creased edge is--towards the open area of the paper.

Step 8: Remove Any Extra Paper

Cut away any portions of the sheet that are not part of the diagonally-folded triangle with your scissors.

Step 9: Fold Triangle in Half

Fold your triangle sheet of paper in half once more.

Step 10: Cut Three Incisions Into Triangle

Cut three equally spaced incisions into triangle. Be sure to cut starting with the "open" portion of the sheet to the creased edge. Try to cut as closely to the opposite edge without cutting through the crease.

Step 11: Unfold Your Sheet of Paper

Unfold your paper entirely. It should resemble a diamond-like shape. Have your sheet facing upwards; this will be the side that the paper naturally conforms to.

Step 12: Create a Tube

Roll the innermost lines into a tube. There should be two equally sized triangles in the negative space of the sheet of paper in the inner lines' absence. Attach the two sides together with tape.

Step 13: Flip Paper Over & Create Another Tube

Turn your sheet of paper over after the original tube is secure. With the next set of incisions, create an additional, larger tube, facing the opposite way. Once again, tape the tube into place.

Step 14: Flip Paper Over Again & Create Tube

Remember to have the two sides of your tube be as even as possible.

Step 15: Flip Paper Again & Create Final Tube

Your outermost layer and second layer will be facing opposite of your innermost and third tube layer.

Step 16: Repeat Steps 6 Through 15

You will now have six completed sides to your snowflake.

Step 17: Connect Three Sides Together

Staple three of the sides together while having each facing the same direction.

Step 18: Repeat Step 17 With Other Three

Remember to keep each piece facing the same direction.

Step 19: Staple the Two Sections Together

Staple the two three-sided sections together in the center of the snowflake.

Step 20: Staple Each Side Where It Meets

Staple each section of the snowflake in the center of the piece, where it should meet the two pieces adjacent to it.

Step 21: Marvel in Awe

Fight back the tears welling in your eyes. No, you have never seen anything this beautiful in your life. But what makes it so special is that you made it, champ!

Happy Holidays!