Technically speaking, there is no way to create a “cutout” snowflake in origami—once the cuts are made, it officially becomes “Kirigami” and not origami. However, the method of creating a hexagon is used in origami quite often, particularly while making flowers, stars, and coin purses. If you’re using printer paper, make sure you first cut it to a square shape. Do this easily by diagonally folding one of the short edges to align with the opposing long edge and cutting off the excess.
Start Folding the Origami Snowflake
Start by holding your square sheet of paper and bring the bottom edge up to align with the top edge and create a small crease on the right edge. Next, bring the bottom edge up to meet the crease you just created and make another small crease on the right edge. Now you should have a mark at the 1 1/2 quarter waypoint on the right edge.
Continue the Folds
Next, rotate the paper counterclockwise and fold the paper in half diagonally. Make sure your marks are on the top right slanted edge. Fold the triangle in half from left to right and unfold. Pick up the paper and re-crease the crease that is halfway between the top point and bottom-right point to include the layer behind. Fold the right section diagonally up to the left. The crease should start from the bottom of the vertical crease in the center. Align the crease that you re-folded in the last step with the crease that’s on the layer behind. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the right section diagonally up to the left to meet the left diagonal edge. Note: If your edges do not align properly, don’t worry too much, if you want to fix it, just re-fold the paper until it matches better.
Create Your Snowflake Design
Fold the right side of the paper behind—this central crease already exists, so just re-fold. Now you can draw your snowflake design with a pencil. You don’t have to draw one, however, as you could just start randomly cutting and come up with some great shapes. If you need a little inspiration, there are plenty of snowflake designs to choose from online—Pinterest, for example, has a great selection. You can also copy the design in the last picture. The design must stop where the layers end.
Cut out the Snowflake Design
Finish up the project by cutting out your snowflake design. Using small, sharp scissors is best so that you don’t accidentally cut further than you want. If you can still see your pencil drawing, rub it out with an eraser. Open out your snowflake. It’s now ready for you to use in your festive decorating projects!
