This winter, gather the kids to make beautiful, colorful snowflakes using coffee filters and water-soluble markers. This craft project promotes creativity and a sense of intrigue as kids wait to see the final result of each unique snowflake. It’s also a versatile project since colors can match any theme. Consider using cool colors, warm colors or analogous colors—or any colors that complement your party or celebration.
Supplies
One coffee filter for each snowflake
Water-soluble markers or food dye
Water
Paintbrush
Something to cover workspace
Scissors
Optional: glitter glue
Note: Consider practicing steps #3 and #4 with a plain coffee filter, so you have the cutting technique down when it’s time to cut your colored filters.
Directions
- For each snowflake, add desired colors to a coffee filter. If using water-soluble markers, color some (or most) of the filter, then add a few drops of water so the colors will bleed. Or, dip a paintbrush into water and spread it lightly across the colored filter.
- Allow to dry.
- Fold the coffee filter in half, in half again, and then once more, until you have a pie shape.
- Snip small triangles, circles and squares out of the long, folded edges. Be careful to not cut all the way across or your snowflake will be in two pieces.
- Open the coffee filter up to reveal your snowflake! If desired, fold it again and cut other areas.
- Optional: Put drops of glitter glue around the snowflake to decorate it. Allow to dry.
- Hang in a window for all to enjoy, decorate the house, or attach to paper with a few drops of glue and give to friends.
Note: You can use watercolor paint in this project, but in my experience, the brightest colors come from water-soluble markers or food dye.
Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the author of San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” column.
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