3D Paper Snowflakes: Simple Step-by-Step Folding Tutorial

Making 3-D paper snowflakes is fun, easy, and addictive. All you need is paper, scissors, a stapler and a glue stick. Step-by-step instructions and photos are below.

Over the years at my daycare we’ve made countless snowflake crafts using tissue paper, coffee filters, yarn and twigs. I’d always wanted to try 3-D paper snowflakes, but many tutorials felt too complicated.

3D Snowflakes Made Easy

I suspected an accordion (fan) fold could give a simple three-dimensional effect, so I explored “fan-fold snowflakes” and “accordion snowflakes.” Some tutorials used string, tape or multiple glued sections. After experimenting with a few ideas, I landed on a straightforward method that produces lovely 3-D snowflakes with minimal steps.

These snowflakes are smaller and simpler than many multi-piece “twirly” snowflakes, and they’re easy enough for young children to make with little assistance.

Two Snowflakes from One Sheet of Paper

Unlike some designs that require several sheets, this method yields two snowflakes from a single sheet of regular printer paper. An accordion fold along the short edge creates the 3-D structure.

They’re more interesting than flat, one-dimensional snowflakes. You can use plain printer paper or decorate it first. We marbleized some sheets with shaving cream and liquid watercolours so our snowflakes look swirly and colorful. The marbling process is easy and fun for all ages; allow drying time or speed it up with a hair dryer.

I enjoyed testing different cut patterns and made dozens. They look gorgeous strung into a garland, hung individually at varying lengths, or grouped in a mobile.

Watch the step-by-step video instructions:

How to Make a 3D Snowflake (Kid-Friendly Process)

Supplies:

• white printer paper
• scissors
• pencil
• stapler
• glue stick

To Make Your Snowflakes

How to marbleize your paper (optional)

If you choose to marbleize first, allow the paper to dry completely before folding. The marbling technique adds beautiful color and pattern and is enjoyable for kids.

How to Fold and Cut Your Paper to Make a 3-D Snowflake

Cut one piece of printer paper into two pieces

Start with an 8.5 x 11 sheet. Fold it in half and cut along the fold to create two equal pieces. Each piece becomes one snowflake.

Fold your paper into an accordion

Working with one half-sheet, fold along the short edge in an accordion (fan) style. Make folds about 1 inch wide. Trim any leftover strip so the final fold is neat.

Fold and staple

Fold the accordion in half and press a crease in the middle. Staple through the crease (close to the center). It doesn’t have to be perfectly centered.

Cut your snowflake design on one half of the accordion

On one side of the folded accordion, cut shapes—triangles, slits, semicircles—along the open edge to form your snowflake pattern. Try varied tips: rounded, pointed, or notched.

Fold and trace

Fold the accordion closed and trace the cut pattern onto the other half. Then cut the traced shapes so both halves match.

Glue your halves together

Apply a small amount of glue down one half of the folded snowflake. Fold the opposite half over and press briefly so the glue holds.

Fan and glue again

Gently fan the glued section open until the two unglued ends meet. Add a bit of glue to one end and press the ends together to form the circular, three-dimensional shape.

The big reveal!

Gently fluff any pleats and admire your three-dimensional snowflake. Repeat to make as many as you like—this process can quickly become addictive and fills the table with colorful snowflakes.

These simple 3D snowflakes are perfect for crafting with kids or students. They’re satisfying to make and look beautiful displayed as garlands, mobiles or individual ornaments. I’m already thinking of variations using wrapping paper or tissue paper—there are many creative possibilities.

If you try this tutorial, have fun experimenting with different papers and cut patterns. The results are charming and lightweight for hanging.