Snowflake Vellum Fauxrigami

 

Fold along perforations of two layers of 

uniquely-folded hexagonal shapes which

form base to arrange 6 folded points 

radiating from center. This creates a hanging ornament 

for interior decor or as window-hanging sun catcher. 

Cut from opaque vellum so that the layers create 

gradations of color values. 

Top point includes hang hole for narrow ribbon or twine. 

Snowflake measures approx. 5.5” wide x 6.3” tall 

when fully assembled. (Enlarge as desired). 

Since liquid adhesive is likely to cause warping 

of vellum as it dries, use ONLY dry “dot” style 

sticky tape in carefully placed locations. 

ASSEMBLY 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A bottom layer that creates outer points

B hexagon layer that creates middle "pie" layer

C points: regular (5) and top with punch hole (1)

This snowflake was sized to make use of 8.5x11" vellum

sheets, the most readily available. All required shapes

for one snowflake of this size can be cut from 2 sheets.

On one of the sheets, this is now the A shape and 4 points

are laid out.

Once the shapes are cut, USE EVERY CARE to

gently lift the shapes from a "used" cutting mat,

taking time at angle cuts and narrow points so that

tearing is avoided. Below, a spatula tool is slid under

the inward angle to support it as it is separated

from the cutting mat.

2. Prepare the middle shape by carefully

bending and creasing the side flanges of each point 

inward, first one side . . .

. . . then the second side, until the edges meet at 

the center of the point. Fold all points in this manner.

3. Once side flanges are folded inward, carefully

bend the point inward so that the tip aligns at

the center guide hole.

4. Unfold triangle tip. Using a "dry" adhesive tape 

such as this  Scotch Double-Sided Tape runner, 

apply a small amount at tip only, then re-fold to attach

the tip in place around center. 

Repeat for all six points to create the "pie" shape.

5. Prepare the bottom layer shape by bending and

creasing the slim flanges inward, first on one side . . .

. . . then the other.

Take care that the creases extend straight and

neatly all the way to the cut point tip.

Repeat for all 6 points of the shape.

6. Open up the slim flanges and apply a tiny bit of

adhesive dot tape at the bottom widest point of flange,

then re-fold. Repeat for both side flanges of each point.

7. Prepare each of the 6 points:

A) bend the top "collar" portions inward and crease . . .

. . . first one, side then the other. Unfold collar shapes

to add adhesive dot tape under the bottom "tips" of

each end of collar shapes, then re-fold and attach

in place.

B) Fold the first complete side portion on the long

diagonal edge and crease.

C) Bend and crease the inward-most slim flange

outward, folding back on the connected portion of

the side portion - only a short attached fold here.

Then . . .

. . . fold the narrow "wing" extension on

the angled, short perforation line.

D) Repeat steps B and C for the second side portion.

E) Unfold each side section to add a small bit of

adhesive dot tape at top of narrow flange, then

re-fold and attach in original creased-to position.

F) Apply small amount of adhesive dot tape to

the underside of the outer slim flange top portion

as defined by the "wing" perforation lines,

then re-fold into position. Repeat for all point shapes.

SNOWFLAKE ASSEMBLY

8. Turn the "pie" shape face down, then apply

a small bit of adhesive at each of the points,

and also across the center where guide hole is.

9. Place the bottom points layer face up on work surface,

then identify the point guide mark cuts just down from

each point.

With the pie layer returned to face up, position each

point above the guide marks all around. When ready

and aligned, push down into place and apply pressure

to secure all adhesive bits between base and middle layers.

10. Apply bits of adhesive dot tape at narrow end of

first point, also along the very narrow tips all

the way to the ends. NOTE it may be helpful to use

a "catch pad or sheet" when applying adhesive tape;

remove/rub off any excess adhesive that hangs over edges.

Also add adhesive on pie layer at center of

each hexagon side edge.

11. Place inward tip of point AT center guide hole 

(not beyond), with point centered between 

bottom and middle layer points, and . . . 

. . . with "wing" tips laying over corresponding

folded flanges of base points. Adjust as necessary, 

then press to attach in place. 

Re-crease as needed to ensure that all edges

are crisp and align with under layers.

12. Repeat for remaining points, to apply adhesive,

position and attach, including the hang hole point.

As desired, thread a length of coordinated twine

or narrow ribbon through hang hole, thread ends

through a decorative bead, then knot and trim

ends to form a hanging loop.