Art with Alyssa: Make Beautiful Snowflakes

coffee filter snowflake 2466

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

  1. 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.
  2. Allow to dry. 
  3. Fold the coffee filter in half, in half again, and then once more, until you have a pie shape. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Open the coffee filter up to reveal your snowflake! If desired, fold it again and cut other areas. 
  6. Optional: Put drops of glitter glue around the snowflake to decorate it. Allow to dry.
  7. 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.

____________

Father's Day String Art for Dad

Father's Day String Art for Dad

This Father’s Day make Dad a one-of-a-kind decoration for his desk, “man cave” or another special spot! Supplies Corrugated cardboard Roll of twine or thin string Paper brads/fasteners . . .

Read more

Dads and Grads Badges

Dads and Grads Badges

This June award Dads and Grads with custom badges made from cupcake liners!SuppliesCupcake linersScraps of paper and/or old book pagesCrepe paper or ribbonsAlphabet stickers or stampsScissors (plain . . .

Read more

"Pop" Art

Tell your dad how much you love him this Father’s Day with a fun recycled "Pop Art" sign! Supplies: Empty CD caseUnwanted book, comic or newspaperOld magazinesScraps of colored paper12 soda bottl . . .

Read more

Describe Dad Father's Day Craft

Describe Dad Father's Day Craft

Supplies: CardboardDuct tapeAlphabet stickersPencilCraft knifeScissors Here’s how:1.|  Start by deciding how large the letters will be; the ones pictured here are about 11” tall and 7” w . . .

Read more

Disney's Elemental Activity Kit

Disney's Elemental Activity Kit

Be part of the fun and download Disney's Elemental Activity pack! From the studio that brought you Toy Story, get ready to step out of your element. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental. In theaters June 1 . . .

Read more

Disney's The Little Mermaid Activity Kit

Disney's The Little Mermaid Activity Kit

Disney present The Little Mermaid Rated PG. Only in theaters May 26. Be part of the fun and download The Little Mermaid Activity pack! DOWNLOAD THE ACTIVITY PACK NOW . . .

Read more

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Don’t you miss hugging people? Here’s a clever DIY hug craft that lets loved ones know they are missed! Whether it’s Mother's Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, a birthday or some othe . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Star Wars Themed Art Projects

Art with Alyssa: Star Wars Themed Art Projects

These fun Star Wars-inspired art projects require just paint, cardboard, egg cartons and a little imagination to create three-dimensional portraits of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett and BB-8. They serve as wh . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Blow Painting: Crazy Hair Day

Blow Painting: Crazy Hair Day

Give yourself a new crazy hairstyle with this fun blow-painting project. Start with a photograph of your face or draw a picture of it—whatever you prefer. You won’t be able to stop giggling as y . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Paper Bag Memory Books

Art with Alyssa: Paper Bag Memory Books

Create a unique memory book to save special keepsakes and photos—and to reminisce about all the fun you had this summer!Discussion Points for Parents/Teachers Talk about your favorite summer me . . .

Read more

San Diego Family Magazine Logo

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!