These cute coffee filter snowflakes for kids is a wonderful way to enjoy frugal winter fun. It’s one of my go-to winter crafts that my boys love.
When cold weather hits, I love having simple and calm activities ready to go. Coffee filter snowflakes are such relaxing ways to keep kids happily creating. Plus, these colorful snowflakes look absolutely magical once they’re finished. Whether you need a quiet time activity or indoor winter craft, this project delivers.
I’m sharing step-by-step instructions, tips, and fun ideas for making and using your snowflakes. You’ll love this winter activity that brings a little sparkle to those long cold days.
Simple Way to Make Colorful Snowflakes
Over the years, my boys and I have made so many winter crafts, especially snowflakes. I discovered it’s a smart way to channel all that cold-weather energy into something fun (and quiet). We’ve done torn paper snowflakes, snowflake wands, and all sorts of cut-and-fold creations. And these colorful coffee filter snowflakes are on our top 10 list!
I love how simple and frugal this craft is. And how each snowflake comes out totally unique, which made my boys so proud of their creations.
This project was perfect when my younger boys wanted to join in while older brothers were working on more detailed paper snowflakes. Everyone got to make something they loved, and no one felt left out. We’d have a whole flurry of DIY winter decorations to hang in the windows, and all over our homeschool room.
Simple. Colorful. Budget-friendly. And such a sweet way to bring winter magic indoors. These coffee filter snowflakes will always hold a special place in our collection of winter memories.
Recommended Supplies for This Winter Craft
Here’s what you’ll need to make these colorful coffee filter snowflakes:
- White coffee filters
- Washable markers
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Scissors
- A protected surface or tray for spraying
- Paper towels or parchment for drying
Amazon Basics Basket Coffee Filters for 8-12 Cup Coffee Makers, White, 200 CountCrayola Broad Line Markers (12 Count), Washable Markers for Kids, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, For Coloring Books & Art Projects, Ages 3+8 Oz Empty Plastic Spray Bottles with Adjustable Nozzle – Durable Trigger Sprayer with Mist & Stream Modes – Refillable Sprayer for Taming Hair, Hair styling, Watering Plants, Showering Pets – 4 Pack
How to Make Coffee Filter Snowflakes
This craft is wonderfully simple! Kids color a flattened coffee filter using washable markers, spray it lightly with water to blend the colors, and let it dry.
Color and wet the coffee filter.
Start with a white coffee filter. Flatten it out on a protected surface.
Use washable markers to color the entire coffee filter in any design or pattern you like.
Spray the coffee filter with water to let the colors blend together.
Let the coffee filter dry completely.
Fold and cut the coffee filter.
Once dry, fold the coffee filter in half. Then fold it again into a smaller triangle, and fold once more for a thinner wedge shape.
Carefully cut small shapes and sections along the folded edges.
Gently unfold the coffee filter to reveal the snowflake.
Tips for Success with Making This Snowflake Craft with Kids
- Flatten the coffee filter first. It makes coloring much easier, especially for little hands.
- Use lots of marker color. Bold coloring = gorgeous blending!
- Go easy with the water. A light mist is all you need because too much water can cause tearing.
- Let them dry completely. Cutting a damp filter leads to rips, so patience here totally pays off.
- Start with simple cuts for younger kids. Little triangles, hearts, and squares still look amazing once unfolded.
- Help with the folding if needed. Coffee filters can be slippery for younger ones.
- Keep scrap shapes! The tiny hearts and stars that fall out make adorable confetti for winter scenes.
Creative Ways to Use Your DIY Snowflakes
- Hang your snowflakes in windows. They look magical with light shining through the blended colors.
- Make a winter garland. String them on yarn or twine for an easy seasonal decoration.
- Create a snowy display. Perfect for classrooms and learning spaces!
- Use as homemade gift wrap embellishments. Tape one onto a present for a sweet handmade touch.
- Make a winter scene collage. Use scrap blue paper, cotton balls, and your snowflakes for a fun art project.
Benefits of This Winter Craft for Kids (and You!)
This project is one of those sneaky-awesome activities that looks simple but has big benefits:
- Fine motor practice: Folding, coloring, and cutting help strengthen small hand muscles.
- Creativity + self-expression. Every snowflake is unique — kids love seeing what their designs become.
- Following steps: The process is clear and repeatable which builds confidence.
- Calming activity: The coloring + cutting combination is great for skill building and mindfulness.
- Success for all ages: Younger kids get beautiful results without frustration. And older kids can challenge themselves with more detailed designs.
- Perfect for winter themes: Easy tie-in for homeschool units, storytime crafts, library programs, and classroom activities.
FAQs About Coffee Filter Snowflakes
Nope! Basic white basket-style coffee filters are perfect. Bleached or unbleached both work, but white gives the brightest colors.
Most dry within 15–30 minutes depending on how much water was sprayed. You can speed it up with a fan or place them near a sunny window.
Encourage kids to color across the whole filter before spraying. The more marker coverage, the more vibrant the blended design will be.
Snowflake Fun for All!
I hope you have a blast making these colorful coffee filter snowflakes! They’re such cool ways to bring winter fun indoors, especially on those freezing days when everyone needs something calm and creative to do.
Have fun creating your winter wonderland! Please let me know if you have any questions about this craft. And I’d love to hear your ideas for making. Share in the comments area at the bottom of this post.
