Cold weather outdoors means it’s time to get crafty indoors. This week we tackled  snowflake crafts and were thrilled to master the art of making the 3D Paper Snowflake. 3D Paper Snowflakes look super cool and are actually quite simple for children to make with the help of an adult once you know the step by step instructions.

Here’s our tutorial and instructions for how to make a 3D paper snowflake with photos so you can really get a feel for the process. It is easy once you know how to do it, but as you can tell the snowflake is complex so it does take a dose of patience along with the knowledge of the right steps.

My 7 year old was able to help me make this and she was fascinated by the process and very proud of her final result. My son just turned 5 and he definitely did not have the patience to help, but he was totally wowed by our 3D snowflake masterpiece.

Here’s what you’ll need: 6 Pieces of White paper, and Scissors, Scotch Tape. A mini stapler is optional for connecting the snowflake together however, we used scotch tape for our version showed here.

Step by Step instructions on how to make a 3D Snowflake with Photos 

Step 1:

Cut each of your 6 pieces of paper into a Square. Create a square by folding it like this and then cutting off the scrap. You’ll do the below steps 6 times to create the 6 “arms” of your snowflake.

Step 2:

Fold your square diagonally so that it is now a triangle. Cut along the folded line approximately 6 times like this.

Step 3:

Position your snowflake like this as you prepare to fold the pieces together to get your 3D look.

Step 4:

Begin to fold and tape your snowflake. Start from the inside by taking the 2 corners along the fold line and tape them together. Tip: Remember to always work from the fold line when bringing pieces together.

Step 5:

Flip your snowflake over. Next, repeat the above process of folding the next 2 corners along the fold line and tape them together.

Step 6:

Flip your snowflake over again. You will repeat the folding, taping, and then flipping the snowflake over to repeat the process until complete.

Step 7:

After you have all 6 sides made, you are ready to connect all the pieces to complete your 3D snowflake.

Start with 2 of your individual “arms” or pieces that you made. Now, you will connect them in the center like this with a small piece of scotch tape – or if you have a mini stapler that works well too.

Step 8:

Next connect the 2 “arms” of the snowflake together at their tips with scotch tape to form the CENTER of what will be your 3D snowflake.

This is a great time for kids to help with the process. Kenzie loved putting it all together with me.

Step 9:

Continuing adding sides of your snowflake to the main body of the snowflake until it is complete. Tip: Remember to tape each new arm in 2 places as you connect it to the main body of the snowflake. (Both in the center of the arm and taping the tip of the snowflake to all the other pieces at the new CENTER of your 3D snowflake)

Our snowflake has 6 sides but you could make a bigger one if you’d like, however, we find that 6 works great since it is more symmetrical.

After your done your masterpiece, your snowflakes will look great hanging from a chandelier or as a centerpiece at the kitchen table surrounded by regular paper snowflakes.

Disclosure: Thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this post to inspire families to get crafty with their children. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own. This is a sponsored post. I’m a participant in the Walmart Moms Program. Walmart has providedcompensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. Participation in this program is voluntary and the opinions stated above are entirely my own.