Perfect paper bag snowflakes? Yes, it’s possible! Discover the surprising trick I learned (the hard way) for flawless results every time.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You’re excited to make some festive decorations, the paper bags are ready, the scissors are sharpened… and then you completely mess it up. Yep, I’m talking about the infamous paper bag snowflake fail.
But don’t worry, I’m here to be your snowflake savior! With this simple trick, you’ll avoid my epic crafting blunder and create the most beautiful snowflakes you’ve ever seen. Wait until you see how beautiful they look and how easy paper bag snowflakes are to make!
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About Paper Bag Snowflakes
Paper bag snowflakes are a creative and simple craft made by folding, cutting, and unfolding paper bags to resemble delicate snowflake designs. To create them, you typically start with a plain paper lunch bag. They are really easy to make and look so pretty and festive when hung. It’s a great activity to do with the kids or grandkids before or even after the holidays.
How Many Lunch Bags Does It Take To Make a Snowflake?
To achieve a full, 3-dimensional look, I suggest using 8 or 9 paper bags. The lunch bags are easier to use because they are made from thinner paper. And I also like the look of white and brown paper bag snowflakes so you can’t go wrong with either.
How Do You Make a Snowflake Out of Paper Bag?
It’s very similar to cutting snowflakes from paper, except it has a twist. To make it 3-dimensional, we have to glue several paper bags together to get the full effect. This might sound more complicated than it is. But using hot glue to make the snowflakes is much easier than using something like Elmer’s because you need that quick adherence.
How to Make Snowflakes with Paper Bags
Making lunch bag snowflakes is such an easy craft to do, especially with kids. And it takes minutes to make. I love the 3-dimensional look together with Christmas decor. It’s magical!
You could really have fun with these too by making each one unique and different. White or brown paper bags look so pretty. But I bet you could even paint or stain the bags to make them different colors. I haven’t tried it, but if you do, let me know how it goes!
Supplies Needed to Make Paper Snowflakes
It’s pretty straightforward to make paperbag snowflakes. Here’s what you need to get started with these three-dimensional beauties.
- Paper Bags (Brown or white lunch bags work best)
- Sharp Scissors
- Hot Glue Sticks
- Hot Glue Gun
- Fishing Line
- Clear Tape
- Hole puncher
Directions to Make Paper Bag Snowflakes
Are you ready to make these festive snowflakes made from paper bags? Here’s how to make snowflakes with paper bags.
- Gather supplies.
- If the bags you are using have handles, cut them off.
- Use 8 bags per snowflake
- Take the first bag and run a strip of hot glue from top to bottom in the center.
- Then run the second strip of hot glue from left to right at the bottom of the bag.
- Quickly lay the second bag on top and press down. You’ll need to work quickly so the glue doesn’t dry before you seal them together.
- After gluing all 8 together, make your snowflake cutouts. This could be as simple as just snipping off the upper corners of the bag. Or you can be more decorative about it and snip off some extra half circles and triangles on the sides.
- Then take one side of the snowflake and repeat the glue process.
- Open the snowflake so one end of the paper bag meets the other. Press and seal so it now looks like a big snowflake.
Hanging the Paperbag Snowflakes
- Punch a hole in the top to string fishing line through. If you don’t have a hold puncher, you can use an exacto knife or punch a needle through.
- String each snowflake and bring the line up so both ends meet.
- Add a piece of clear tape about 2-3″ from the end of the fishing lines.
- Attach to ceiling. (Note: the tape could damage the paint on the ceiling, so you could also tack it in.)
7 Common Mistakes Made When Making Paper Bag Snowflakes
While I was making this winter craft, I made a few of these mistakes and learned the hard way while making them. Here’s what you need to know to create flawless paper bag snowflakes this year.
Mistake #1: Cutting Too Close to the Bottom
Remember that seam at the bottom of the paper bag? It actually holds your snowflake together. Cutting too close to it (or worse, into it!) is a recipe for disaster. Imagine your snowflake gracefully unfolding into a beautiful star… only to have its legs fall off at the ankles. Ouch! Stick to snipping above the seam, and your snowflake will remain structurally sound even after a playful gust of wind.
Mistake #2: The Symmetry Struggle
Achieving perfectly symmetrical snowflakes can be tricky, especially if you’re freehanding your cuts. Focus on creating clean cuts in the bags to ensure your snowflake emerges with twin arms and equal-sized branches. More on how to do this is below!
Mistake #3: Glue Gone Rogue
Glue is fantastic, but overzealous application can turn your snowflake into a sticky mess. Resist the urge to slather it on like frosting on a cake! A few strategic dots where the layers meet are all you need. Applying too much glue can make your snowflake heavy and prone to drooping, plus it leaves unsightly globs that take away from its delicate beauty. Remember, less is more!
Mistake #5: The Gooey Glue Trap
Choosing the wrong glue can turn your snowflake craft session into a sticky situation (literally!). While Elmer’s might be your go-to glue buddy, it’s not the best match for making paper bag snowflakes.
Regular liquid glue can take forever to dry, leaving you holding limp layers and frustrated sighs because the snowflakes won’t hold together as well, or as quickly! Even worse, overzealous application can soak through the paper, creating unsightly lumps and weakening the delicate structure. Do yourself a favor, and use a hot glue gun!
Mistake #6: The Tangled Thread Trap
You’ve crafted a stunning snowflake, and now it’s time to showcase it! But before you grab the string, take a moment to consider its placement. Threading through the center can leave your snowflake lopsided and prone to tilting. Instead, try a strategic corner placement or even thread two strings diagonally to create a balanced, hanging masterpiece.
Mistake #7: The Handle Havoc & Thickness Trap
Remember mistake #2 when we talked about symmetry? Not all paper bags are created equal, especially when it comes to crafting frosty masterpieces. This is where I messed up my paper bag snowflakes. My snowflakes look OK, but they would look SO MUCH BETTER had I used the right paper bags!
While the urge to repurpose that fancy shopping bag with handles might be strong, resist it! Handles add unwanted bulk and awkward angles, making intricate cuts and symmetrical designs a near-impossible feat. It’s more work to cut them off and you’ll likely end up with a lopsided snowflake that resembles a deflated hot air balloon rather than a winter wonderland wonder.
Similarly, steer clear of thicker paper bags like grocery sacks. Although sturdy, their extra heft makes them clumsy under the scissor and can result in blunt, uneven cuts that detract from the delicate beauty of a snowflake. I did this and it was much harder to make the snowflake designs using bags like this. Brown or white lunch bags work best. They’re the perfect balance of sturdiness and flexibility, offering a clean-cut canvas for your snowflake artistry.
Taking Your Paper Bag Snowflakes to the Next Level: Fun Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic paper bag snowflake. But don’t stop there! Here are some fun ways to get creative and add your own unique touch to your creations:
Experiment with Cuts
- Intricate Designs: Instead of simple triangles or curves, try cutting out smaller shapes, thin lines, or even tiny holes within the snowflake.
- Layered Effects: Cut through multiple layers of the bag in some areas to create depth and dimension.
- Pointed Tips: Create sharper, more defined points by making angled cuts instead of rounded ones.
Add Some Sparkle
- Glitter Glue: Outline the edges of your snowflake with glitter glue or add shimmering accents to the center.
- Sparkly Spray: Lightly mist your snowflakes with glitter spray paint for an all-over shimmer.
Play with Color
- Colored Paper Bags: Use brown paper bags for a rustic look, or try white, metallic, or even patterned bags for a different effect.
- Paint or Markers: Decorate your snowflakes with paint, markers, or colored pencils after you unfold them.
Go Beyond the Basic Shape
- Create a Garland: String several snowflakes together to make a festive garland for your mantelpiece or windows.
- 3D Snowflakes: Layer and glue multiple snowflakes together to create a 3D effect.
- Snowflake Ornaments: Attach a string or ribbon to your snowflakes and hang them on your Christmas tree.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to make a paper bag snowflake! The most important thing is to have fun with it. It’s your design to make it uniquely you!
Have you ever made paper bag snowflakes before? Did you make the same mistake I did? I would love to know more in the comments below.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
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