Making Snow

January 26, 2010

It has turned rainy, grey, and dreary here so we have been making snow: one flake at a time. We started in art group last week and it continues to be a near daily experience. It is such a strangely satisfying activity for big and little hands...the cutting out and the thrill of opening each one to see what emerges. Our windows are now covered with flakes.

So here's our discovery: coffee filters make the best flakes. When my sister and I were younger, we would spend hours cutting similar flakes from typing paper. It's not so easy to find typing paper these days. We tried to make flakes a few weeks ago with computer paper and it was challenging because of the thickness. But coffee filters turn out to be perfect. They are thin but not prone to tearing like tissue paper. They are already circular. And if you want to try even larger flakes you can order these. We have the medium and large size which has been fun, but just regular sized, white, round coffee filters are perfect, too.
Mom2Isabel said...

The colors on the photo are so interesting... like looking at a negative.

Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish said...

Laureen, you are right. It does kind of look strange like a black snow flake, doesn't it? I took it last week when we had a sunny day but I'll have to venture out and get some of our windows that are now full of white flakes. I think you and Isabel would have a blast doing this. Actually reminds me of Mexican paper cutting, papel picado...I am always blown away by those.

Unknown said...

I have memories of cutting out snowflakes as a kid, too. So fun. Would be great to meet up on the mountain for some real snow play! Also, your outing to Noto Antico looks amazing. Good to know about (I love that book but have yet to do one walk!). We are feeling better, too, thanks!

Love in the Suburbs said...

Our windows are covered with computer-paper snowflakes. They delight me when it's cold and dreary outside.

Francesca said...

We cut snowflakes out of newspaper: it doesn't have the whiteness of a proper snowflake, but it's thin paper. It's been snowing again here, and I wish I could ship all of our snow over to you:)!

rachel awes said...

what a great way to make snow and low the color coming through the flake!...espec. love the rainy day beach art below! so fun to visit! sparkly flakes & magical rain your way!

aimee said...

never thought to do this! i have loads of coffee filters - my girls will love them! could probably dip them in liquid watercolors and make some groovy colored snowflakes.

great perspective of the sky through the filter, by the way!

Cami said...

We used coffee filters for snowflakes! Only, we colored them with markers, sprayed them with water, then let them dry for a tie-dye effect and then cut them. Very fun!

Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish said...

I love the idea of adding color...will have to try that for some variety and much needed brightness...really not a fan of these grey days unless I can stay in bed all day and read!

Karen, I'll call you soon.
Francesca, my kids would love the snow and I would, too but just temporarily. I don't know how people do it all winter!
Love in The Suburbs, amazing how those flakes can suddenly make things feel more cheerful and cozy.
Rachel, nice to meet you and thanks for the good wishes...same to you!
Aimee, yes, liquid watercolors would be very pretty and groovy.
Cami, the markers and water sound like a very easy and fun way to add color. Thanks for the recommendation.

likeschocolate said...

I remember loving to make snow flakes. I haven't made one in a long time. What a great idea!

Sarah V. said...

Coffee filters! What a great idea!

Katja said...

Ooh, good tip. I used ordinary paper with my 5-year-olds at Christmas, but that meant that I had to cut them into a circular shape, as well as cutting out the designs. That, combined with the thicker paper, made them quite hard work!

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