Snowflake 3D Ornament Spherical

Dimensional snowflake has twenty “crystal tips”: 

six radiate from modified hexagon center; 

double-tip cross arm fits through middle slot; disc and half disc 

interlock with cross arm to hold a dozen flake tips. 

All components are composed of approx. 8 card stock layers, 

glued up and pressed flat while drying, to fit together 

and attach like laser cut Baltic birch. 

(Project model shown uses one color cardstock for core, 

contrast for front and back of each component.) 

Punch hole included for ribbon or twine loop to hang 

as ornament. 

Measures 5.5” diameter.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes.

Refer to Step 2 to determine how many layers will

fit into the test slot, then cut out that many total shapes

for each of the component shapes shown here

(NOTE that the model project uses a contrast front and

back with 6 core shapes between for a total of 8):

A main whole snowflake with hanging punch hole

B double-tipped center arm

C individual snowflake tips - 12 units required

D center circle (NOTE this shape has been modified)

E left and right half circles

2. To determine how many layers should be cut from

the card stock paper that you are using for this project,

cut the TEST SLOT shape and 8-9 rectangles to

layer and check for fit in the slot.

For the model project, front and back are cut from

contrast as shown, with interior core shapes.

Stack the rectangles as they will be layered into

components, and fit into the slot . . . 

. . . adding or subtracting a layer to determine best

fit. The stack should be able to fit freely into the slot,

but with enough leeway to allow for the glue that

will attach the layers together when real shapes

are stacked and glued together.

For instance, NOTE the double-tipped center arm

layers, shown here (NOTE the slot in this prototype

has been modified back to a simple slot in final file).

3. Layer each of the components and glue the layers

together, taking GREAT CARE to align all cut edges

as precisely as possible throughout.

Pay particular attention to the alignment of edges

in the end notches or slots so that the components

will fit together once they are glued up and dried.

Quickly add the shapes, one by one in order, then . . . 

. . . press glued-up shape under a flat heavy object

such as this fabric-covered repurposed free weight shown

here, or a section of a plank, or heavy book, until

completely dried. NOTE: this will take several hours

to press flat, which will help prevent curling or warping

of the glued up shapes.

Shown here is a nearly side view of the main

whole snowflake shape which has been glued up

and pressed, allowed to dry, and is now ready

for assembly.

Here, all components are shown glued up and ready.

4. Begin assembly by inserting the center circle shape

into the center slot of the double-tipped arm shape,

and push halfway through the slot until center guide notches

align at the slot. 

NOTE: make sure the circle center and

the center slot of each stay aligned (indicated by

edge notches in the finished cut file shape);

the mid-center dash marks will help align the assembly

with the main whole snowflake later).

Apply glue to lock the edges together, if desired

(here and throughout).

5. Take note of the six-arm slot of the main whole 

snowflake, then "flex" or squeeze the assembly from

step 4 above to replicate that 60 degree angle.

Insert one end of the double-tipped assembly into

the slot as shown . . . 

. . . then slide into halfway-through position where

the mid-center cut guide marks will align at slot middle.

6. Insert one of the half-circle components into one of

the remaining open slot positions and slide through

to the halfway position, using cut guide marks to assist

with final alignment. Then . . . 

. . . repeat for the final semi-circle and open slot.

Here is the assembly so far.

7. NOTE: the remaining assembly where tips are

positioned and attached will REQUIRE gluing in place.

Recommendation: use a quick-grab clear glue such as

the Fabri-Tack shown here.

Apply a dab of glue into one of the notches at center 

circle edge, then . . .

. . . position the notched end of a snowflake tip at

a right angle to the circle's notch, and slide together

completely. Quickly make adjustments so that arm is

straight, slots are completely pushed together,

and visualized centerline on same plane as circle.

Then allow to dry. Continue to position and attach

the remaining 11 individual arm shapes in same fahsion.

Here is the completed spherical snowflake ornament.

Add decorative twine, ribbon, string, etc. as hanger.

Here is the completed ornament hanging from

an ornament hook/stand for display.