| I first heard this idea at a teacher's convention, and | | | | snowflakes, therefore, are six sided, although |
| have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my | | | | three-sided works well too. Experiment by arranging |
| elementary classes for years. The activity was so | | | | three or six Q-tips in a sunburst fashion, with one end |
| enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the | | | | meeting in the middle. These will be your stems. Using |
| intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. | | | | more Q-tip pieces, repeat patterns between the |
| The result is incredible-transforming hallways, windows, | | | | stems. Keep in mind that every Q-tip must be |
| and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the | | | | connected to the whole. |
| snowflakes with my elementary students I always | | | | When you have finished your snowflake design, |
| read the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacquelyn Briggs | | | | squeeze a puddle of glue over each joint. Do not |
| Martin, about the first man to successfully photograph | | | | skimp! Use lots of glue. A large puddle is needed to |
| snowflakes. The story is engaging, and it also teaches | | | | connect Q-tips together. Don't worry if the puddle |
| facts that you can use to make prettier, more | | | | spreads and loses shape-it will harden clear and |
| accurate snowflakes. | | | | contribute to the overall crystalline effect of the |
| Equipment Needed: | | | | snowflake. For a sparkly effect, shake the snowflake |
| Elmer's Glue, 1 small bottle per person Q-tips, 30-60 per | | | | with glitter before the glue dries. |
| person, or more, depending on the number and size of | | | | Set the snowflake on the waxed paper aside until the |
| snowflakes you want to make. Waxed paper, one 18 | | | | glue dries. This will take several hours, and maybe |
| inch sheet per snowflake Glitter, optional (glitter glue | | | | even overnight. Continue making more snowflakes! |
| also lends a neat effect) | | | | You can use the photo gallery at for ideas to model |
| Procedure: | | | | your snowflakes after. Try different sizes by using |
| Spread a sheet of waxed paper on the table surface. | | | | different lengths of Q-tips for the stems. |
| This will be your working space. Using Q-tips, design a | | | | When the glue has dried completely, carefully pull the |
| snowflake on the waxed paper. Q-tips may be bent, | | | | snowflake away from the waxed paper. If an |
| broken in two, or used whole for different effects. In | | | | insufficient amount of glue was used to hold the Q-tips |
| general, the end with the cotton swab should create a | | | | together, simply return the snowflake to the waxed |
| corner with a neighboring swab. | | | | paper and cover with more glue. You will have to wait |
| An interesting fact about snow crystals is that they | | | | again for the glue to dry. Then remove the snowflake |
| are made up of water molecules frozen to ice in a | | | | from the waxed paper. Use clear fishing line to hang |
| hexagonal lattice formation, which accounts for their | | | | from the ceiling. Voila! An instant blizzard! Make some |
| six-fold symmetry. The best-looking, most accurate | | | | hot chocolate and enjoy! |