Holiday Crafts for Kids: Paper Snowflakes, Garlands and More

on December 13, 2008 at 7:58 AM

D.Sharp.com

Call me crafty this weekend ... yesterday I discovered a super cool slide show for making hand print holiday wrapping paper with toddlers.

Today, I've got paper snowflakes on the brain. Problem is, I couldn't find any simple toddler-level patterns. Most were way too intricate, and I don't have the patience for complicated instructions or dozens of steps today.

Luckily, I did find a couple of sites with other winter-themed, paper craft ideas for younger children -- all suggestions from around CafeMom.

One of my favorites is The Crafty Crow, which has a collection of easy, winter-themed paper crafts like this snowman garland above.

Another good one is DLTK's Growing Together; they have a printable template for another type of easy snowflake project, as well as other quick crafts.

But my kids and I would still love to get some of those traditional paper snowflakes on the windows. Can you help us -- direct me to a good site with simple patterns?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: activities, play

Comments (8)

crazycountrymom

on Dec 13, 2008 at 9:53 AM

We used to make paper snowflakes to decorate with every year when my girls were small. They looked nice when done and it was a fun family activity and no two were alike.

Report this comment

NooYawka

on Dec 13, 2008 at 10:35 AM

http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/

That is one of the most fun snowflake-makers ever and? No mess! Make as many as you want! Try different shapes, different cuts...what happens when you snip off the tip? What happens if you only make one big giant cut?

Oh, I was talking about me, not kids, but if I'm this fascinated, kids are doubly so. Have fun.

LelandsMommy

on Dec 13, 2008 at 2:04 PM

This past week I discovered that the cure for the holiday crafting bug that is going around, is to cut out 40 felt Christmas trees with VERY dull scissors. I cut them all out, and now my 2 year old and I have to decorate them to give to his friends next Saturday at their Christmas Cookie Party.... I also have to bake 2 dozen cookies.

noel24

on Dec 13, 2008 at 8:56 PM

Hey girls I have got the Christmas craft bug too! Just happened today. I have got the white snowflakes on the glass patio door. Now what? I am looking for a cute, cheap project for my 3 and 8 year old to do together to give as homemade gifts for the family. I thought about treasure boxes you can decorate, but sort of hard to wrap. Jingle bell bracelts are only once a year. Any sugesstions?

EiEiO

on Dec 22, 2008 at 6:48 PM

http://www.highhopes.com/snowflakes.html

This shows you how to fold the paper. Then you can just give that to the kids and they can make any cut you want or follow the examples. Remember if you are not using sqaure paper to cut that edge off when you make the first fold into a triangle.

Nonmember comment from TheUniqueCraft

on Apr 24, 2009 at 6:24 AM

Nice idea and creative. I should try it at my home. Thank's.

snowflakegirl

on Jul 19, 2009 at 10:47 PM

http://www.firststepsnowflakes.com, First Step snowflake patterns is great for introducing very young children to snowflake cutting. Simple, basic shapes.