Free Christmas Crafts
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Smiley Foam Snowflake
CD Snowman
Fancy Ornament Hooks
Glistening Snowflakes
Easy Bead Trims
Beaded Stars
Christmas Card Ornaments
Q-Tip Snowflakes
By: Emma Snow
I first heard this idea at a teacher’s convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my elementary classes for years. The activity was so enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The result is incredible—transforming hallways, windows, and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the snowflakes with my elementary students I always read the book Snowflake Bentley
, by Jacquelyn Briggs Martin, about the first man to successfully photograph snowflakes. The story is engaging, and it also teaches facts that you can use to make prettier, more accurate snowflakes.
Equipment Needed:
Elmer’s Glue, 1 small bottle per person
Q-tips, 30-60 per person, or more, depending on the number and size of snowflakes you want to make.
Waxed paper, one 18 inch sheet per snowflake
Glitter, optional (glitter glue also lends a neat effect)
Procedure:
Spread a sheet of waxed paper on the table surface. This will be your working space. Using Q-tips, design a snowflake on the waxed paper. Q-tips may be bent, broken in two, or used whole for different effects. In general, the end with the cotton swab should create a corner with a neighboring swab.
An interesting fact about snow crystals is that they are made up of water molecules frozen to ice in a hexagonal lattice formation, which accounts for their six-fold symmetry. The best-looking, most accurate snowflakes, therefore, are six sided, although three-sided works well too. Experiment by arranging three or six Q-tips in a sunburst fashion, with one end meeting in the middle. These will be your stems. Using more Q-tip pieces, repeat patterns between the stems. Keep in mind that every Q-tip must be connected to the whole.
When you have finished your snowflake design, squeeze a puddle of glue over each joint. Do not skimp! Use lots of glue. A large puddle is needed to connect Q-tips together. Don’t worry if the puddle spreads and loses shape—it will harden clear and contribute to the overall crystalline effect of the snowflake. For a sparkly effect, shake the snowflake with glitter before the glue dries.
Set the snowflake on the waxed paper aside until the glue dries. This will take several hours, and maybe even overnight. Continue making more snowflakes! You can use the Caltech Snowflakes and Snow Crystals photo gallery for ideas to model your snowflakes. Try different sizes by using different lengths of cotton swaps for the stems.
When the glue has dried completely, carefully pull the snowflake away from the waxed paper. If an insufficient amount of glue was used to hold the Q-tips together, simply return the snowflake to the waxed paper and cover with more glue. You will have to wait again for the glue to dry. Then remove the snowflake from the waxed paper. Use clear fishing line to hang from the ceiling. Voila! An instant blizzard! Make some hot chocolate and enjoy!
Writer Bio: About the Author:
Emma Snow is a creator at Craft Kits, leading portals for crafts and creative individuals.
thank you! i will try this craft with my sister. thanx emma SNOW!
That is the most creative thing I have ever seen!
I wish I could do that
i was looking for a 4-H project but thanks to you all my worries are gone and i love that feeling with me being 10 and all so THANKS A WHOLE LOT I love the idea(im not being sarcastic)
Hi,
I tried this and the next morning some of it fell apart...I used plenty of glue, although I poured it on the snowflake would it be better to twirl each end in the glue to get a better hold? I'm using this for a 5th grade classroom and I'd really like it to work the 1st time instead of repeating process so they can take it home.
My grade 8 class tried this craft and made snowflakes the size of their desks. They were quick to catch on that their first attempts needed to be down-sized. With some creative cutting and bending of swabs, their efforts were quickly transformed into works of art! A fun time had by all... especially me!
Just done this with my 3 and 2 year olds. They manage most of it themselves. Brilliant fun! Thank you all freecrafts....
this craft is extremly easy and i'm getting my whole bingo parlar to do it maybe we will set a world record for the most q-tip snow flakes although most of my bingo buddies will actully clean their ears with them and we won't get hardly any done Wish me luck !!!!!!!!!!!!
For you information i tried to do this in my nursing home and it was impossible like you said everyone just used the q-tips and if i tried to help them they get at me and went on cleaning their ears. But we did get 4 done although 2 of them were finished by the nurses,i did one and one of the old coops grand daughter did one so hope you have better luck Bailey
Couldn't we just use a hot glue gun to put them together? And then use elmers for the glitter? Seems like it would make things easier.
With 15 grandchildren, we are not buying presents this year. instead, will be doing crafts - have ages 5 through 21 and this should be a good one for all.
