by Chanell Gautreaux

Created on: January 03, 2011

Snowflake crafts provide hours of simple winter fun for both adults and kids. Whether made from regular paper, yarn, felt or other materials, they are the quintessential craft that is synonymous to the cold weather season.

To make snowflakes from recycled cardboard and yarn assemble those two items use white yarn) along with a shallow plastic bowl, clear drying glue and iridescent glitter. Before beginning, cover a clean work surface with a plastic drop cloth to protect from glue spills and aid in easy cleanup.  Use a large paper snowflake as a template and trace its shape onto the cardboard.

The paper template is meant to be used as a guide for kids to create the snowflake shape onto the cardboard (use a piece that measures 8 x 10”) and doesn’t have to be traced in elaborate detail. Cut the yarn into lengths of about six inches. This will make it easier to work with, particularly if crafting with very young kids.

Pour a small amount of the glue into the bowl and add the glitter. You don’t want to pour too much glue since it dries fast and you can easily refill the bowl as needed. Stir the glue to evenly distribute the glitter.

Next take a strand of yarn and dip it lightly into the glue. Wipe excess away with fingers and arrange the strand of yarn onto the cardboard into the outline of the snowflake shape. Continue dipping and arranging yarn on the cardboard base until the snowflake takes shape. If necessary shake a little more glitter onto the finished snowflake before it dries.

It may be helpful to have containers of water handy to rinse sticky fingers as the glue begins to dry. It might also be helpful to use smocks or aprons for wiping hands after rinsing to eliminate the need for paper towels.

Allow the snowflake to dry completely before moving. Gently shake excess glitter off onto the table. Cut a mat from colored paper or other suitable material that is the same size as the cardboard with an opening large enough to display the snowflake. Glue it in place (or affix with double sided tape) and winter snowflake suitable for hanging is ready for framing.

If crafting with older kids they can cut out a snowflake shape and use an exacto or craft knife to remove small shapes to create a snowflake form and then glue on the yarn. If choosing this option, cut the yarn into smaller pieces.

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