Winter • Paper Towel Roll Craft

Create Stunning Snowflake Bulletin Boards

Beautiful 3D snowflakes made from recycled paper towel rolls — a purely decorative display that connects naturally to science, math, and language arts.

Full snowflake bulletin board display

Snowflake Bulletin Board

This display is purely decorative, but there are many ways to pair it with student work. Students could write winter poems, descriptive paragraphs, winter-themed similes typed and illustrated with clipart, or short reports on winter science topics.

Snowflake craft project 1
Snowflake craft project 2
Snowflake craft project 3
Snowflake craft project 4
Individual snowflake example
Individual snowflake example
Individual snowflake example
Individual snowflake example
Individual snowflake example
Full snowflake display overview

How to Make Paper Towel Roll Snowflakes

  1. Gather empty paper towel rolls and cut them into half-inch sections using a paper cutter. This step goes quickly.
  2. Bend each ring into a petal shape by pressing the sides together to form an oval or diamond.
  3. Arrange the petal shapes into a snowflake pattern on a flat surface.
  4. Apply white school glue to attach the rings together. Place the snowflake on waxed paper to prevent sticking while it dries.
  5. Use clothespins to hold rings together during drying. Allow to dry completely.
  6. Spray with adhesive glue and dip into white glitter for a frosty, sparkling appearance.
  7. Hang finished snowflakes using clear fishing line for a floating effect.

Cross-curricular connections

  • Science — Discuss how snowflakes form, why no two are identical, and the role of temperature and humidity in crystal formation. Connect to Snowflake Bentley, the picture book about Wilson Bentley who first photographed snowflakes.
  • Math — Have students identify the lines of symmetry and geometric shapes used in their snowflake designs.
  • Language Arts — Students write descriptive paragraphs or poems about winter and snow, or research winter weather topics to display alongside their snowflakes.
  • Environmental awareness — Using recycled paper towel rolls opens a conversation about repurposing everyday materials and reducing waste.
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