I love snowflake crafts, especially these pipe cleaner snowflakes. When the weather turns colder, I always look for a new snowflake project to welcome the winter season.
If you want a fresh winter craft for your rotation, try these beaded snowflakes. They’re delicate and festive, using a wintry palette of silver, white, and blue.
Children enjoy making these with minimal help. The project is quick, forgiving, and perfect for crafting with kids or as a simple holiday activity.
Materials are basic and easy to source: pipe cleaners, pony beads, and self-adhesive rhinestones. With just a few supplies you can make charming decorations.
These beaded snowflakes work well as embellishments for holiday cards, gift toppers, stocking stuffers, or simple ornaments. Add a ribbon or a loop of twine to hang them on the tree.
Supplies You’ll Need
- 42 pony beads, 6–9mm (mix silver, white, and blue tones)
- Self-adhesive rhinestones
- Blue pipe cleaners, 6″ long
How to Make Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes
Step 1. Place two pipe cleaners side by side horizontally, then position a third pipe cleaner vertically centered across them to form a cross.
Step 2. Wrap the vertical pipe cleaner tightly around the two horizontal ones so the pieces stay firmly in place.
Step 3. Gently spread the pipe cleaner strands outward so they form a snowflake shape. You should end up with six evenly spaced ends.
Step 4. Begin adding beads by sliding them onto each pipe cleaner branch and pushing them toward the center. Choose a color order you like—start with blue, or mix silver and white for contrast.
Step 5. Continue threading beads onto each branch to create a pattern. Seven beads per branch produces a medium-sized snowflake, but you can vary this to make larger or smaller shapes.
Step 6. For smaller snowflakes, try using five to six beads per branch. Keep adjusting until you’re happy with the size and look.
Step 7. Play with color combinations and bead placement—each snowflake can be unique. Try alternating colors or grouping similar tones for different effects.
Step 8. When the beads are in place, roll each pipe cleaner end tightly into a small spiral or flat circle. This secures the beads so they won’t slide off.
Step 9. Finish by adding a self-adhesive rhinestone to the center of the snowflake for a little sparkle. Your beaded pipe cleaner snowflake is complete and ready to display.
How Long Do These Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes Take to Make?
This project is fast and satisfying. Each snowflake takes roughly 5–7 minutes to complete, making it an ideal quick craft for parties, classroom activities, or last-minute decor.
More Crafts Like This
- Pipe Cleaner Pencil Topper
- Pipe Cleaner Flowers
- Pipe Cleaner Butterflies
- Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes
Video Tutorial
Materials
- 42 Pony beads, 6–9mm (silver, white, blue)
- Self-adhesive rhinestones
- Blue pipe cleaners, 6″ long
Instructions
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Place two pipe cleaners horizontally and add a third vertically in the center.
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Wrap the vertical pipe cleaner around the two horizontal ones to secure them.
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Spread the pipe cleaners into a six-point snowflake shape.
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Slide beads onto each branch and push them toward the center.
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Add beads in a pattern you like; seven beads per branch makes a medium-sized snowflake.
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Adjust bead count for size—five to six beads create smaller snowflakes.
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Roll each pipe cleaner end into a tight spiral to secure the beads.
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Finish with a rhinestone in the center for sparkle.