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Paper · Winter · Preschoolers

Cotton swab snowflakes

Arrange cotton swabs into star patterns on dark paper for snowflakes that build counting and pattern skills.

Cotton swab snowflakes
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 3 to 5
Time25 minutes plus drying
Cost$1 to $4
WinterDollar storeRainy day

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

  1. Step 1: Make the center
    1

    Make the center

    Squeeze a quarter-size puddle of glue on the paper.

  2. Step 2: Lay the arms
    2

    Lay the arms

    Have your child lay 6 swabs into the glue like spokes on a wheel.

  3. Step 3: Snip short pieces
    3

    Snip short pieces

    Cut some swabs in half. Short pieces make the branches.

  4. Step 4: Add the branches
    4

    Add the branches

    Dot glue on each arm and lay 2 short pieces in a V shape.

  5. Step 5: Sprinkle sparkle
    5

    Sprinkle sparkle

    Shake on a little glitter while the glue is wet. Let it dry flat for 2 hours.

Edie's tip

Count "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6" with every snowflake. Real snowflakes always have 6 arms.

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