Bring a winter wonderland into your home—DIY snow flowers using baking paper
Snow flower is a simpler version of the snöblomma, which has become a hit in Sweden. This multi-layered flower is made from baking paper, but you can also try wax paper or gift wrap. Hang the snow flower in a window or on a wall before the holidays, and let it brighten your home all winter long.
The snow flower is assembled from several layers of different sizes, all attached to one another. The flowers in these instructions measure about 35 cm (14 in) in diameter. The smallest piece of the three-layered flower is folded from half of a baking paper sheet, and the middle piece from a full sheet. For the largest flower, a baking paper roll was used, cut to about 85 cm (33½ in). Alternatively, you can make the largest flower using two full sheets of baking paper. It requires more gluing, but the final size remains the same.
Snow flower—materials:
- baking paper sheets (38 x 42 cm [15 in x 16½ in]) or a roll
- scissors
- glue (for example, UHU Karlsons klister)
- (small paper clips)
- string or yarn for attaching the layers and hanging
How to craft a snow flower
1. Cut the baking paper pieces you need. The dimensions for the baking paper used in these flowers are listed at the start of these instructions. Make the flowers one at a time, and then join them together at the end. If you’re using baking paper sheets, trim off the serrated edges so they’re smooth and cut a few centimeters from the sides to form a rectangle.
2. Fold the baking paper into an accordion from the shorter side. To make sure the accordion is long enough, the piece you fold should be rectangular. A suitable fold width is about 1–2 cm (½–¾ in). Try to keep the folds as even as possible.
3. Fold the finished accordion in half lengthwise. Tie a piece of string or yarn about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long around the center fold, leaving the ends free. You’ll use these ends later to attach the flower layers. When choosing your string, keep in mind that it will be slightly visible in the center of the smallest, topmost flower.
4. Shape both ends of the accordion with scissors. You can cut them into a rounded, sharp, or wavy petal-like shape. If you have a specific form in mind, draw a template in pencil on the top fold first. Make sure both halves of the accordion are the same length after cutting.
5. Open the accordion into a circle. Make sure the ends of the string remain at the back of the flower.
6. Glue the ends together. Apply glue along the entire length, but leave small gaps near the center on both sides of the string. You’ll need these gaps when you assemble the flower. You can hold the glued seams together with small paper clips while they dry.
7. Prepare all layers the same way and allow the glue to dry thoroughly. Remove the clips when the glue has set.
8. Assemble the snow flower layers from smallest to largest. Thread the string of the smallest flower through the gaps in the center of the next layer. Pull the string tight, make sure the layer sits nicely, and tie a secure knot. Attach the remaining layers in the same way.
9. Tie the hanging string between the largest and second-largest flower. Wrap it around the second-largest flower and tie it loosely. You can also make a small hole in the petal of the largest flower and thread the string through.
