In celebration of the winter season and my new Clay Curriculum, I’m excited to share this engaging winter snowflake project for kids. Snowflakes are known for their unique shapes, making them a perfect project for kids to shape and model. This can be fun simple winter clay play!

Snowflake Clay Shape

Children can enjoy forming various shapes through hand modeling or by using a snowflake cookie cutter. This activity not only supports creativity, but also serves as a fun science lesson. You can teach the intricacies of snowflakes while building fine motor skills through visual art.

Snowflake Science Play

When a crystal grows, the molecules do not stack together perfectly and regularly. Each snowflake falling from the sky journeys through various microclimates uniquely. Every snowflake is distinct and forms a different crystal shape. The diversity of snowflakes results in a myriad of shapes and patterns. This is a great way to teach children about art elements like shape and form.

Clay Materials

• Clay: Non-hardening modeling clay in blue and white colors
• Rolling-pin: Small or large
• Optional:
• Snowflake Cookie Cutter: If unavailable, hand-building can be just as enjoyable and creative.

Snowflake cookie cutter shapes can be easy found from the baking section of department and hobby stores.

Winter Snowflake Modeling Steps:

1. Make a round ball by rolling clay on a table surface or between hands.
2. Flatten the ball into a pancake shape, then roll it flat with a rolling-pin.
3. Press the snowflake cookie cutter into the clay, clear away any excess clay around the outside edges of the cookie cutter shape, and gently push out the snowflake shape. This step may require some practice.
4. Encourage kids to decorate by pressing and pushing white clay pieces into each side of the snowflake.

Hand Modeling without Cookie Cutter:

1. Create rope-like coils by rolling clay.
2. Pinch off a small amount of clay and begin rolling it on a flat table surface or between hands.
3. Explain to kids how applying pressure causes the coils to expand and lengthen.
4. Use a cutting tool to determine the desired length of the snowflake sides.
5. Press and squeeze the clay sides together.
6. Encourage kids to create needle clusters around the snowflake sides.

I hope you and your child or students try this fun winter project out. If you are looking for more winter art making activities check out these two blog links:

Mixing Paint into Cool Winter Colors

Winter Art Project Ideas For Kids

Winter Art Project Video | Northern Lights Watercolor Lesson

PBS SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL LINK:

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