Make Snowflake Patterns

Inspired by the current weather conditions we have made paper snowflakes. This was perfect activity to occupy Amelie while we were waiting for Daddy to come home before going out to play in the snow.

You may remember making these as a kid! Super simple and all you need is paper and scissors. 

Time taken for us to make it: This 'make' took no time at all, but we did make quite a lot so it took about an hour. You can take as much or as little time as you like. 

Cost to me: Nothing 

Original instructions (square)

Original instructions (circle)

What we used: 

• Thin white paper 
• Scissors 
• Small plate 
• Pencil or pen

What we did: 

We began with cutting paper into a square. We then folded it in half, then quarters and finally diagonally. 

Cut out a square of paper 

Fold in half, then quarters

Finally fold diagonally 

I then drew loops and shapes onto the folded paper as a guide for Amelie to cut out. 

Draw shapes to be cut out

Cutting out the shapes was a little hard for Amelie's small hands. So she just did the simple triangle-like shapes as they only involved two straight cuts into the folded paper.

Once all the shapes were cut out, the paper could hen be opened to reveal the snowflake. (Amelie loved this bit). 

Using a saucer as a circular template we also made round snowflakes. Instead of starting by cutting a square of paper, we cut out a circle then used the same instructions. 

Using a saucer as a guide cut a circle of paper

Circular snowflake 

Using scraps of paper we made smaller snowflakes then displayed our collection in our lounge window. 

Stick the snowflakes to a window using bluetack

The paper snowflakes looked great on our windows and cast beautiful shadows in the afternoon sunshine a couple of days later. 

Make a Christmas Montage

Happy New Year you lovely readers x

Christmas is over, decorations are stored away for 11 months, places have been found for the many new toys that have come into the home... even the incredible amount of cheese has been devoured and the fridge shelves are looking a little more healthier. But what to do with all of the lovely Christmas cards loved ones have sent with season greetings? Well... here is a simple make that the kids will enjoy and makes use of what would have gone into the recycling bin.

Time taken for us to make: 15 minutes to cut out the pictures 10 minutes spent gluing and sticking.

Cost to me: Nothing

Original Instructions

What we used: 

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue
• Sheet of green A4 paper 

What we did: 
We cut out pictures from a collection Christmas cards that Amelie particularly liked.

Cut out the images

Then Amelie glued down the cut out images onto a sheet of green paper. 

Glue the images onto a piece of paper.

Amelie loves these gluing activities. We often use images from magazines, or (as a treat) we'll buy a pack of  stickers. She usually enjoys grouping images together by colour, size or type, eg: animals, flowers etc. It keeps Amelie entertained for ages which leaves me time to get on with things that need to be done around the house, or simply put my feet up for a while!