Q-Tip Style Snowflakes

I first heard this idea at a teacher's convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my elementary classes for years. The performance was so enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The consequent is incredible-transforming hallways, windows, and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the snowflakes with my elementary students I all the time read the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacquelyn Briggs Martin, about the first man to successfully photograph snowflakes. The story is engaging, and it also teaches facts that you can use to make prettier, more definite snowflakes.

Equipment Needed:

Snowflake Ornament

Elmer's Glue, 1 small bottle per man Q-tips, 30-60 per person, or more, depending on the number and size of snowflakes you want to make. Waxed paper, one 18 inch sheet per snowflake Glitter, elective (glitter glue also lends a neat effect)

Procedure:

Spread a sheet of waxed paper on the table surface. This will be your working space. Using Q-tips, found a snowflake on the waxed paper. Q-tips may be bent, broken in two, or used whole for distinct effects. In general, the end with the cotton swab should originate a corner with a neighboring swab.

An inspiring fact about snow crystals is that they are made up of water molecules freezing to ice in a hexagonal lattice formation, which accounts for their six-fold symmetry. The best-looking, most definite snowflakes, therefore, are six sided, although three-sided works well too. Experiment by arranging three or six Q-tips in a sunburst fashion, with one end meeting in the middle. These will be your stems. Using more Q-tip pieces, repeat patterns in the middle of the stems. Keep in mind that every Q-tip must be linked to the whole.

When you have finished your snowflake design, squeeze a puddle of glue over each joint. Do not skimp! Use lots of glue. A large puddle is needed to connect Q-tips together. Don't worry if the puddle spreads and loses shape-it will dehydrate clear and conduce to the full, crystalline consequent of the snowflake. For a sparkly effect, shake the snowflake with glitter before the glue dries.

Set the snowflake on the waxed paper aside until the glue dries. This will take any hours, and maybe even overnight. Continue making more snowflakes! You can use the photo gallery at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm for ideas to model your snowflakes after. Try distinct sizes by using distinct lengths of Q-tips for the stems.

When the glue has dried completely, carefully pull the snowflake away from the waxed paper. If an insufficient number of glue was used to hold the Q-tips together, naturally return the snowflake to the waxed paper and cover with more glue. You will have to wait again for the glue to dry. Then take off the snowflake from the waxed paper. Use clear fishing line to hang from the ceiling. Voila! An instant blizzard! Make some hot chocolate and enjoy!

Q-Tip Style Snowflakes