How to make 5-pointed paper snowflakes
Though no longer in elementary school, I still get a kick out of paper snowflakes. I made this snowflake garland the other night from origami paper, dental floss, and tape.
The second and third flakes in this garland are based on a 5-pointed star. Download the 5-point folding directions right here. I think they're easier to cut since there are fewer paper layers.
The first, fourth, and fifth flakes in the garland are based on 8 points. (Fold a square in half diagonally and keep halving it until it's nearly too thick to cut, then snip out small shapes ). 
Here's an 8-pointer. Unfolding is my favorite part; it's practically as thrilling as bungee jumping. To get them nice and flat, iron your snowflakes with the steam setting turned off. 
137 comments:
I always cut six-pointed paper snowflakes, because they're scientifically accurate. It's nerdy of me, but they make me happy.
That is very scientifically commendable. Are they actual size, too? :)
Okay, I'm trying it out and having some trouble with the directions.
Am I supposed to flip the paper over to the other side around step 6?
Just gorgeous!
Ahh... I just wrote a post about 8 point flakes. Then wrote another cuz I was corrected by my momther. I love thes 5 pointers!
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-one-teeny-little-issue.html
Nevermind, I figured it out! Gorgeous!
Liz, no flipping the thing over. In step 6, grab the left corner and bring it over so you're folding on that dotted line. What used to be your bottom edge should now line up with the edge on the right.
Ah! You got it while I was typing. Good job.
Excellent instructions - thanks.
Other Liz: fabulous. You've covered 6. Okay, who wants to figure out how to do 7? Um, not me.
When did you go bungee jumping?!?!!!!!
I love the 8-pointer!!
Is that package for me???
Mum/lovespresents
And hahaha to "actual size". :)
here's my eight pointer...
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/12/make-flake.html
It's easier to fold than a 6 point BUT way harder to cut into.
Just did it! Patting myself on the back! Now going to make GIATNT ones for my daughter's "Penguin Snow Party" next week! Thanks so much!
Julie
You brat- you make my snowflakes look sad...lol.
You are great!
Danielle
I can't wait to try this. Thanks for the instructions!
It is sooooo beautiful!
I just made three of them with white paper and taped them onto my big window! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing these fabulous snowflakes! It''l be a perfect addition to my holiday decor. Love your site BTW!
Hmmm...I'm going to give it a try!!
I made some of these following a tutorial on YouTube. They were so much fun to make!
i always make white ones, i never thought of making orange ones!!! exciting!!!!
*gasp*!! these are fabulous! another thing for my to-do list! i've already been working on your white modern decorations...(i agree, those DO take forever, btw) :)
Love it! I am doing a Virtual Advent calendar and yesterday's action was to cut snowflakes - I linked to you today. These are beautiful! Thanks for the tip on pressing them and the gift wrapping idea.
Wow, the red paper is genius! Thanks for the great photos and clear instruction.
I had no idea you were a bungee jumper either. You don't write about that much...
Anyway, if Bee is only going to cut six-pointed paper snowflakes, she probably isn't going to cut them out of orange paper either. Just a thought...
I'm going to give these a try for sure!
your flakes are so purrteeeh
How Sweet,
What Fun!
How much I love vibrant Orange!!!
Many, Many, Thanks for Sharing
From Very Happy;) Sue
Perfect! I was just going to get started on a snowflake garland for the french doors in our dining room. This will definitely be helpful :)
(I admit I usually try to do 6 pointers too, because I'm a nerd. And I like them. But I can't for the life of me get my laser to the setting I need for actual size! hehe)
Sweet! I just made one and now my 6 yo dd wants to also :)
I love your directions for 5 pointers ~Thank you! Except mine look more like thid-grader made them.... :b
LOVE the orange, would have never thought of using a bright color like that!
I've been cutting these out for packages too! But, yes, I am a strict 6-pointer as well. Though 5 points would make lovely stars!
WOW! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!!
this. is amazing. love it.
also loving the scientifically accurate comments haha so fun! three cheers for science!
So pretty! In Kindergarten, we made German Stars and those were really cool...I was trying to do one the other day...
This is so simple and gorgeous - I love it! Thanks for the tip! :-)
"it's practically as thrilling as bungee jumping" Love that! My thoughts exactly
Truly beautiful little pieces of art....as snow isn't really happening in Australia at this time of year I'm going to have to try and do decorative ball-balls. Or have a Christmas in July party?? Hmmm
"Paint the town orange."
-Leo Blanchette
I thought you might enjoy the quote. :) CUTE snowflake, by the way!!
Nice! I make them with white paper almost every year for x-mas. Tip: As a finishing touch I iron them first and then dip them in a pan with melted candle wax. Makes them very stirdy and long-lasting.
Cutting up snowflakes is one of my happy Christmas moments. Thanks for the 5 pointer instructions, must try it out
I think these would look complete with sparkles, glitter or beads for a finishing touch. =)
I ♥ making the kids do this. Beautiful post!
One of my readers led me over here after pleading for help in my post today...wish I'd seen this tutorial before making the worst looking felt snowflake placemats ever! These are gorgeous...and now I'm hooked on your blog!
So pretty! Where do you get your colored paper? I have problem finding those that are thin enough for paper cutting! I wish to cut some red snowflakes...
Thanks!
Ellen
Ellen, I used this stuff. I also have some bigger sheets I use sometimes.
I am totally wrapping my presents with these! I was looking for something special to add and as always, your blog has the perfect touch! Thank you!
these RED snowflakes are just adorable!
i'm WILD over them!
whoever thought? red! (or orange/red)
novel idea! ;)
i honestly couldn't even remember how to make a snowflake anymore....so i had to youtube for instructions. and....i'm finding there is an "art" to making the BEAUTIFUL ones that i see here!
i'm trying!
i just LOVE your "orange" site. i check daily. :)
I made a bunch of snowflakes yesterday, which I'm now gathering up to throw away because they look so pathetic compared to your gorgeousness!!!! Thanks for the tutorial!!!!
I've been bungee jumping, and you're right. this is almost as great! :)
I love paper snowflakes. i make tons every year!
Thank you for this! Fun! But I wish there was a "print friendly" version so I wouldnt get all the other stuff on the page when I print the directions. thanks
J, the PDF page has only the folding instructions, nothing else. It's letter sized for printing. When you've clicked the link and the PDF appears in your browser window, right click (or on a Mac, hold down the Control button and click), and you should see an option to save the PDF on your computer. Do that. You can open it in Adobe Reader (it's free and you probably have it already) or in Preview on a Mac. Then print it.
I'm able to print it right from the browser window with no problem, too. Not sure what the "other stuff" is that you're seeing...
I love these snowflakes! Thanks for the folding directions for 5 points! I can't wait to try it! I love to make snowflakes too though have never tried them in orange - I usually just go with boring white :)
eek! I didnt even know this was possible!! SO excited right now.
Thank you so much, they are great!
love from germany
Michaela
LOL I had forgotten that I did this as a kid, so had to try! Love it!
Adorable!!!
Beautiful!
I just love your orange snowflakes.
these are beautiful!!!
showed you post to my daughter, now she wants to make them!
I love homemade decorations!
Cheryl
goodnufranch.blogspot.com
Those snowflakes are gorgeous! Where did you find your templates?
Lovely! Thanks for sharing the instructions!
Enjoy your holiday season!
How do you fold the paper to make an 8 point snowflake? I know, I should be able to figure it out, but I'm clueless. I only got the 5 point snowflake from using the instructions.
I love your posts. I will definitely continue to follow
I featured this idea on our blog at Materials for the Arts.
http://mfta.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/gift-wrapping-ideas/
LOVE!!!!
These are awesome! I can't wait to make some myself!
these are the most beautiful snowflakes I have ever seen, seriously!
They are each so beautiful. Love this.
I've never seen 5-pointed ones before. Fun! I usually do 6-sided ones and definitely find them easier to cut than the 8-sided kind.
I wrote a tutorial this year for how to make lacy looking snowflakes: http://allison.gryski.com/2010/12/lacy-paper-snowflake-tutorial-and.html
I just spent my Saturday morning making these. Each one was cuter then the previous. I think the key is ironing them when they are finished. I tried to skip this step but they were not as nice. I can't help it I am an immediate satisfaction kinda gal!
Thanks!
Jess, Do you buy your origami paper in bulk from somewhere? And what sizes do you usually keep on hand? Thanks. You've got some super cool ideas!
they are so lovely! i´ve already made a few ones and i love the 5-point-system!
So pretty! I shall make some of these for my sister who is having her first xmas in her own place.
Poupee, see my comment higher up in this thread for a couple links. I just have 6" and 10" sizes, and have ordered some from Amazon or picked some up here and there at art stores. Haven't bought any in bulk.
Love these as a wrapping accessory. I'm terrible at wrapping gifts but with the butcher paper and simple twine it looks so cute!
I'm totally in love with this tutorial!!! I'm making just plain STARS! 5 points and perfect ;) eheheh!!
Thanks Jessica!
Amazing! I've always wondered how to make these beauties! Thanks!
http://www.acquiredtaste.org/
Thank you SO much for posting this! I immediately made two of that 8 pointer, and then four more of my own design, which I NEVER would have known how to do without this. Thank you! I had been longing for days to make beautiful paper snowflakes!
These are lovely!
Definitely going to try this out!
those are so cool! way better than the lame fat ones i always end up making...i might try your version. i'm sure it will DEF be more thrilling than skydiving. haha!
wonderful as always!!!!
so beautiful and lovely....what are the winter months without paper snowflakes? i shared on she's crafty,
http://crafty.littlerockmamas.com/index.php/2010/12/14/25-crafts-of-christmas-nos-16-17-and-18/
Thank you! I am folding right now. Can you show us how to fold for the 8 point? I am dying to make the gorgeous one you shared here!
Hi! I'm 15 and I go to an online school. My art teacher showed me your blog and I think it's really cool! I love the designs!
love the orange on the packages!
I love these! I've always wanted to know how to make them but could never figure it out (I must have missed that class in kindergarten).
I just made a huuuuuuuge one to pass some time at work :D
I going to use some pretty paper to make small ones and paste on to cardstock for my xmas cards. It's going to look like it took me an age heheheh
love the snow flakes in red
LOVE it!! (And love the banter between you and "Bee"... ha ha! "Actual size"... and no nerds here! :) Just fabulously creative folks.)
very very beautiful and nice pics of orange color.
i like your art.
Prepaid Wireless refill
thank you so much for the instructions.
http://herthreebirds.blogspot.com/2010/12/window-shopping-wednesday-part-6.html
you saved my decorating life, hahaha.
This seem very do-able. Today I am going to try them with 2nd graders! I did make my original pattern (for folding) with marks at the fold points to help them out. We will see ... thanks for such clear directions. ~Denise
Beautiful! So simple and easy and yet makes such a difference on a simple gift wrap!-
I love that you the color was not plain white~
thank you for your blog!!
Thank you so much for sharing this, very beautiful!
Oh my word! Those snowflakes are awesome!!
Thank you so much for the tutorial.
http://designinit.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-friday-snowflake-packaging.html
thanks for the know how!!
So fun! Oh, now I wish we hadn't made so many damn cranes out of the origami paper!
loved this! couldn't resist reblogging at http://grazinggoat.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/cut-out-snowflakes/
thanks for the inspiration!
GrazingGoat.
These are so nice! I wish I had your patience. I don't seem to be able to manage snowflakes:(
Ooh, thank you for sharing tutorial and ideas on snowflake patterns!!! I'm already cutting 5th one. I'm about to decorate wrapping paper and gift tags. Gorgeous! :) Happy Holidays! Ady
they look great, also easy to make. Wonderful! :)
oooh lala! LOVE.
xx libby
Beautiful snowflakes! I like to do them too :) And thank's for the tip about ironing!
Loved the refresher course on making five point snowflakes. So much fun. Just gave it a try and it worked great.
Thanks for the inspiration! I decorated the house and all my Christmas presents with them. No need for ribbon. They looked beautiful. :)
awe, was catching up on old posts and ran across this. I've lost faith in you! snowflakes are supposed to have six points!
But the fact that these are red didn't bother you? :)
It looks beautiful. I´ll try it. Thank you :)
I cut tons of paper snowflakes every year but always 6-sided because that's what we teach the kids about snow at preschool. I'm going to be making some 5-pointed ones for me, though, and using fun colors. And I'm not waiting for winter, either! Thanks!
looks like polish tratitional cut-outs :)
Yess!! Terrific. Thank you oh so very much! I pin these to my curtains for a festive holiday touch :)
this is great! I am going to use this idea for my son's winter themed birthday party!
thank you for sharing! There are going to be some nice snowflakes over here in Holland!
Merci pour ce tuto
Hi Jessica. I wanted to let you know I linked back to your post in my first holiday post of the season. Love your ideas! http://wp.me/p1WPm9-U
Love these ans am going to try in felt.
Thanks for sharing the 5 point star instructions. Been looking for them everywhere!
Hi, the snow flakes are beautiful. I was wondering if you have some kind of templates for cutting it since your designs are so beautiful and I can't get them.
Thanks.
I'm going paper this year - I made 7 paper ornaments last night and making snowflake garland tonight to hang on our fireplace. Thanks for the ideas and I love your blog!
Thanks for instructions. We made many with children. What a good afternoon we had! Now they are into my windows, it's beautifull forXmas.
I love this tutorial! I just wanted to let you know that I've included this in our giftwrap roundup on the FaveCrafts Blog: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/link-love-cute-gift-wrap-ideas/
Please let me know if you're ever interested in publishing your tutorials/patterns with FaveCrafts!
cool! I can use that 5 point folding technique to mark negative areas for quilting! Thanks!
Hi! I love this packaging. I featured you on Fun Friday Finds today! I hope you can stop by and check it out and even grab a featured button while you are there.
www.itsybitsypaperblog.com
Ohh this is AWESOME!! I just tried it out on a piece of scrap paper and while it's not at all pretty it does show me the endless posibilities! Thanks so much for the folding directions. Do you have any for 6 and 8 pointers as well?? That last one you used for that package is beautiful!
Guess who's going to be making papercut snowflake garlands for christmas decoration hahah! Thanks so much!:)
Just want to let you know that I'm featuring your red snowflake wrapped package on Dec. 4, 2012. Thank you its beautiful.
I like your design on your snowflake!!
clearly I should find some kids to help me out with this as I seem to have no spatial skills! I think I got the folding right after a number of tries but then when I tried to do similar fancy cuts I ended up slicing right through a section. I pretty much ended up with an overly handled ugly wad of paper bits. :(
Thanks for sharing! I made it! :)
I've been checking so many pages, and yours has the clearest folding instruction on 5 pointed snowflakes! Thanks a lot. Now i can start making my Christmas cards! Merry Christmas in advance~
The two snowflakes are wonderful!There are many snowflakes shown here, but I have found only two with instructions. Did I miss something?
All the snowflakes shown are based on either 8 points or 5 points, so that's why I've only mentioned how to make those two.
Hi Jessica, Thanks for posting this. I recently used your snowflake template :)
Great, Shayne!
pretty eye catcher!
I linked to your tutorial on my blog - thanks for sharing!
doro K.
where do you get the paper?
I ordered a pack of red origami paper at Amazon.
Does anyone know how to make the red snowflake at the top of the page.
I love your colorful snowflakes! Thanks for sharing!
I've included them in my latest blog post:
http://www.thepaperycraftery.com/other-fun-things/eleven-ways-to-decorate-with-paper-snowflakes-all-winter-long/
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