Tag: cutting paper snowflakes

Phun – Snowflakes

On By TimelessladyIn Phun19 Comments

One of my favorite Christmas activities is cutting paper snowflakes. I usually start in October or November and cut several each day. I need near 100 to fill the windows.

I use washable school glue sticks to keep the snowflakes in place. When it’s time to take them down just pull the paper away from the windowpane and swipe with a wet washcloth once or twice. Let the moisture soak in for a minute, wipe again, and all the paper and glue washes away. Sometimes, if I use the right cloth, I don’t even need to use window cleaner. Anyone who has ever picked transparent tape off of a piece of window glass will know how tedious it is and how long it takes. Gluing the snowflakes to the windows sounds scary, but believe me, I’ve done it for years and it is SOOOOOO much easier than taping because of easy removal.

If you live in a cold climate, and put your snowflakes in windows, they will be more durable and condensation resistant if you iron them between pieces of wax paper first. After ironing, pull the wax paper apart gently, and the snowflakes come out intact with an invisible layer of wax on their surface.

ALWAYS start with a square piece of paper. Computer paper works great! Four through eight inches are the sizes I use. The larger squares are easier to cut, but a variety of sizes on a window looks more interesting. Have fun!!!

Problem-solving – Time to Cut the Snowflakes

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving15 Comments

It’s time…time to cut the snowflakes. I started even earlier than normal this year; I want to have 100 ready to place on my windowpanes by December 1st. My problem is one of my fingers has become a trigger finger. According to the Mayo clinic…”Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released.”

I have found the description to be true of my finger. I can still use my hand, but the finger will become stuck in a bent position without warning. Just like every other physical limitation in life you learn to adapt to what ails you. I’ve found that I need to pace myself where repetitive hand movement is concerned, so instead of cutting several snowflakes each day, I will cut one or two. It’s working for me so far.

Stretching the finger in the opposite direction seems to help me out. For some people the condition can be severe and surgical intervention might be needed.

Exercises for stretching a trigger finger. I have found the finger extensor stretch has worked well for me.

Here’s a Youtube video with easy to follow instructions for cutting paper snowflakes.

Project – Tutorial Trio/Snowflakes & Floral Bows

On By TimelessladyIn ProjectsLeave a comment

It’s the time of year to begin gathering ideas for the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons. I’ve posted all three of these tutorials in the past, but decided to resurrect them for the coming holiday seasons. I will be starting to cut snowflakes for December decorating any day now. I like to have eight in each window. When you add it up, that’s a lot of snowflakes to cut. If I cut one or two per day I have more than I need by December 1st.

The first video in my trio explains how to create paper snowflakes.

The second snowflake video shows you how to coat the paper with wax so that moisture from the winter windows does not ruin all your work.

The third video demonstrates how to make a large-sized oblong bow for wreaths or packages.

It’s a good idea to get a jumpstart on plans and crafts for the upcoming holiday seasons of the Autumn and Winter. A little bit done each week equals less stress as the holidays draw near.

Phavorites – Snowflakes

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

Over the course of December I’m going to be sorting through archives, deleting some posts, and re-blogging some that I consider the best or most popular. I’ll start with one for the upcoming Christmas season – PAPER SNOWFLAKES – one of my favorites.

I love cutting paper snowflakes. This year all my front and side windows have are decorated with snowflakes. I’ve included two Youtube videos below with directions.