Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Holidays
  4. Christmas
  5. 8 Creative Snowflake Decorations That Go Way Beyond Paper Cutouts

8 Creative Snowflake Decorations That Go Way Beyond Paper Cutouts

Brigitt Earley, Writer and Editor
By Brigitt Earley Updated December 10, 2020
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - mug decoration tout
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Remember those paper snowflakes you made in school (or maybe your children still bring them home every year)? They're pretty and fun to make, but we suggest you take your snowflake decorations up a step this holiday season. Yes, those traditional cutouts are beautiful, but these fun snowflake crafts provide even more intrigue with a similar amount of effort. (If you really want to create a wintery wonderland in your living room, you're going to need more than one kind of snowflake decoration, after all.)

You'll be surprised by what ordinary items can be transformed into beautifully intricate snowflakes. Clothespins become dazzling tree ornaments, reinforcement stickers (yes, that utilitarian item you've had tucked in your drawer forever) become gorgeous gift tags for the very best Christmas gifts, ribbon helps to transform an inexpensive throw pillow into seasonal decor, paper straws turn into whimsical window hangings, and more.

What's even better? All of these fun snowflake crafts can be completed in an hour or less (many even faster). Minimal supplies are required, too. In fact, we're willing to bet you already own a large portion of these items. So crack open the door to your craft closet, grab friends or family, and get to work (if you can even call it that!). Add a few other Christmas crafts to the itinerary, and soon your home will be a winter wonderland bursting with homemade snowflake decorations.

RELATED: The Best Christmas Movies on Netflix

Start Slideshow

1 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Paper Straw Snowflake Window Hangings

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Paper Straw Snowflake Window Hangings
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Get the kids to help you with this fun, easy project (just use white craft glue instead—or give them a little assistance with the hot glue!). Make an array of snowflakes in varying sizes, and then hang them in a window at different heights.

What you'll need:

  • Paper straws
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Scissors
  • Cardstock
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • White string

How-to:

  1. Place pipe cleaners in a star shape (use three for a smaller six-sided star; use four for a larger eight-sided star). Twist in the center to secure.
  2. Slide paper straws over the pipe cleaners, cutting to fit if necessary.
  3. Cut an array of triangles and diamonds from card stock. Glue to the ends of the paper straws to mimic the look of a snowflake. Add some shapes to the center, if desired. (Pro tip: Don't worry about making these shapes look perfect—the beauty of snowflakes is that each one is unique!)
  4. Use glue to secure string to one end of the snowflake for hanging.

1 of 8

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Marshmallow Snowflakes

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Marshmallow Snowflakes
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

A steaming mug of hot chocolate is made even better by the addition of a whimsical and edible piece of drink décor. Rest the marshmallow creation on the side of the glass and enjoy a bite with each and every sip.

What you'll need:

  • 1 large marshmallow
  • 8 wooden toothpicks
  • 16 mini marshmallows
  • Clean scissors or knife

How-to:

  1. Holding the large marshmallow in your hand, insert the toothpicks, spacing them evenly around the edges of the marshmallow. (Pro tip: Be careful not to push each toothpick all the way through!)
  2. Slide two mini marshmallows onto each toothpick.
  3. Using clean scissors or a knife, cut a small slit in the large marshmallow to help it rest on the edge of the mug. (Alternatively, snip a straw in half and insert it into the side of the large marshmallow to create a drink stirrer.)

2 of 8

3 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Balsa Wood Snowflake Hanging

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Balsa Wood Snowflake Hanging
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Skip the evergreen variety this year, and add this striking piece to your front door instead. You could also swap out the mirror over the mantle or find an empty spot on the wall over the buffet.

What you'll need:

  • Balsa wood (ideally ⅛-inch thick and 1-inch wide)
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Small pinecones

How-to:

  1. Cut three different sizes of balsa wood, long (four), medium (16), and small (16).
  2. Arrange the four long pieces in a star shape, crossing in the middle. Glue together.
  3. On each point, lay two medium pieces in a V-shape, approximately half way to the center of the star. Glue together, then glue to the long piece. Continue until all medium pieces are glued down.
  4. At the end of each point, lay two small pieces in a V-shape. Glue together, then glue to the long piece.
  5. Glue a pinecone to the center, then glue on eight more pinecones, one at the top of each point.

3 of 8

Advertisement

4 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Snowflake Present Toppers

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Snowflake Present Toppers
Credit: PHILIP FRIEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHER

We're willing to bet you never looked at the twist tie on that bag of bread in your pantry and thought: that would make a great present topper. But this utilitarian item becomes surprisingly delightful when manipulated to look like a snowflake. Collect a bunch (or buy a pack… they come in all kinds of fun colors), then get to work creating little snowflakes that can be used as present toppers, napkin ring embellishments, or even window hangings.

What You'll Need:

  • Twist ties
  • Scissors
  • Double-sided tape or glue

How-to:

  1. Arrange three or four ties on a flat surface to form a six- or eight-pointed snowflake, respectively. Twist the ties around one another in the center to secure.
  2. To create the arrows on the tips, cut a twist tie in half, then wrap one half around each point to form a v shape.
  3. Use double-sided tape or glue to attach each snowflake to wrapping paper or ribbon.

4 of 8

5 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Snowflake Pillow

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Snowflake Pillow
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

One of the easiest seasonal décor swaps you can make is to change out the throw pillows on your furniture. This festive red version, which features a playful snowflake, will add plenty of holiday cheer to the sofa in your living room—it would even look great atop your bed.

What you'll need:

  • Plain throw pillow case
  • White pom-poms
  • Thin silver ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Fabric glue

How-to:

  1. Cut strips of silver ribbon. Lay out your snowflake design before gluing to ensure you like the look.
  2. Use fabric glue to glue each piece of ribbon down, one by one. Then, glue on pom-poms.

5 of 8

6 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Snowflake Clothespin Ornaments

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Snowflake Clothespin Ornaments
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

This eye-catching DIY is easily adaptable based on style and what you have in the craft closet. Go sparkly or keep it natural—it's up to you.

What you'll need:

  • Clothespins
  • Craft glue
  • Glitter
  • White or silver paint
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Silver string

How-to:

  1. Take the spring out of each clothespin by pulling the wood pieces away from the spring. Glue the two pieces together.
  2. To make glitter snowflakes, paint the clothespin pieces with a layer of craft glue. Sprinkle with glitter. Let dry.
  3. To make painted snowflakes, paint the clothespin with white or silver paint.
  4. Glue together each set of clothespin in the shape of an eight-pointed star. (Pro tip: To create a more intricate snowflake, glue smaller clothespins on top of the large ones as a second layer.)
  5. Cut a piece of string, form into an upside-down U-shape, then glue to the back of the clothespin snowflake.

6 of 8

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Snowflake Place Card

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Snowflake Place Card
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Think doilies are best suited for Valentine's Day or the dessert table? Think again. Here, they make for the easiest place cards ever. All you need are scissors, a steady hand, and a fine marker. Voila—elegant table décor you can create while dinner is in the oven.

What you'll need:

  • Doily
  • Scissors
  • Thin marker

How-to:

  1. Carefully cut away the intricate outside ring of a paper doily, leaving only the center and its surrounding points. (Pro tip: Leave two stuck together for a more opaque, sturdy place card.)
  2. Write each person's name on the doily and set atop a napkin.

7 of 8

8 of 8

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Snowflake Gift Tags and Card Embellishments

Snowflake decorations and snowflake crafts - Snowflake Gift Tags and Card Embellishments
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Transform standard desk supplies into festive decorations for holiday cards or gift tags. With a little creativity, the white stickers can look just like intricate snowflakes.

What you'll need:

  • Colored cardstock or envelopes
  • Scissors
  • White mailing label stickers
  • Reinforcement stickers
  • Hole punch
  • Thin ribbon or string

How-to:

  1. Cut colored card stock into the shape of your choice (circle, square, hexagon).
  2. Cut strips from the white mailing labels. Stick the strips on to the paper in the shape of a star.
  3. Add reinforcement circles to the design to make the star look like a snowflake.
  4. If making gift tags, punch a hole in your shape and add a thin ribbon for hanging.

8 of 8

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Brigitt Earley

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 8 Paper Straw Snowflake Window Hangings
    2 of 8 Marshmallow Snowflakes
    3 of 8 Balsa Wood Snowflake Hanging
    4 of 8 Snowflake Present Toppers
    5 of 8 Snowflake Pillow
    6 of 8 Snowflake Clothespin Ornaments
    7 of 8 Snowflake Place Card
    8 of 8 Snowflake Gift Tags and Card Embellishments

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    8 Creative Snowflake Decorations That Go Way Beyond Paper Cutouts
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.