Archive for October, 2002
Crystal Snowflake
I first heard this idea at a teacher’s convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my elementary classes for years. The activity was so enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The result is incredible—transforming hallways, windows, and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the snowflakes with my elementary students I always read the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacquelyn Briggs Martin, about the first man to successfully photograph snowflakes. The story is engaging, and it also teaches facts that you can use to make prettier, more accurate snowflakes.
Equipment Needed:
Elmer’s Glue, 1 small bottle per person
Q-tips, 30-60 per person, or more, depending on the number and size of snowflakes you want to make.
Waxed paper, one 18 inch sheet per snowflake
Glitter, optional (glitter glue also lends a neat effect)
Procedure:
Spread a sheet of waxed paper on the table surface. This will be your working space. Using Q-tips, design a snowflake on the waxed paper. Q-tips may be bent, broken in two, or used whole for different effects. In general, the end with the cotton swab should create a corner with a neighboring swab.
An interesting fact about snow crystals is that they are made up of water molecules frozen to ice in a hexagonal lattice formation, which accounts for their six-fold symmetry. The best-looking, most accurate snowflakes, therefore, are six sided, although three-sided works well too. Experiment by arranging three or six Q-tips in a sunburst fashion, with one end meeting in the middle. These will be your stems. Using more Q-tip pieces, repeat patterns between the stems. Keep in mind that every Q-tip must be connected to the whole.
When you have finished your snowflake design, squeeze a puddle of glue over each joint. Do not skimp! Use lots of glue. A large puddle is needed to connect Q-tips together. Don’t worry if the puddle spreads and loses shape—it will harden clear and contribute to the overall crystalline effect of the snowflake. For a sparkly effect, shake the snowflake with glitter before the glue dries.
Set the snowflake on the waxed paper aside until the glue dries. This will take several hours, and maybe even overnight. Continue making more snowflakes! You can use the photo gallery at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm for ideas to model your snowflakes after. Try different sizes by using different lengths of Q-tips for the stems.
When the glue has dried completely, carefully pull the snowflake away from the waxed paper. If an insufficient amount of glue was used to hold the Q-tips together, simply return the snowflake to the waxed paper and cover with more glue. You will have to wait again for the glue to dry. Then remove the snowflake from the waxed paper. Use clear fishing line to hang from the ceiling. Voila! An instant blizzard! Make some hot chocolate and enjoy!
About the Author:
About the Author:
Emma Snow is a creator at Craft Kits http://www.craft-kits.net leading portals for crafts and creative individuals.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Q-tip Style Snowflakes
|
|
Swarovski Crystal Snowflake 8811 Clear Pendant AB 20mm $3.69 |
|
|
Swarovski Crystal Big Snowflake Prism Ornament, Logo $16.99 |
|
|
Snowflake Brooch Pin W Swarovski Crystals P030 $9.38 |
|
|
Artisan Snowflake Jasper Crystal Necklace CAT RESCUE $24.99 |
|
|
Snowflake Necklace and Earring Crystal Gift Set New $18.00 |
|
|
2008 CANADA SILVER $20 CRYSTAL AMETHYST SNOWFLAKE NEW $159.00 |
|
|
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE NECKLACE / BROOCH NIB $79.95 |
|
|
SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN CRYSTAL CAT EYE PEARL NECKLACE $9.99 |
|
|
2009 $20 Crystal Snowflake – Pink $109.99 |
|
|
2009 $20 Crystal Snowflake – Blue $114.99 |
|
|
10pcs Faceted Glass Crystal Snowflake Pendant Bead 14mm $1.80 |
|
|
Crystal Rhinestone Snowflake Golden Focal Pendant 1PC $3.99 |
|
|
4¾” Sharp Creamy Yellow ARAGONITE Snowflake Crystals-NV $195.00 |
|
|
C9047 Popular snowflake spark Crystal Necklace Pendant $0.99 |
|
|
36pcs Faceted Glass Crystal Snowflake Pendant Bead 14mm $5.99 |
|
|
C9045 NEW multicolor Crystal snowflake Necklace Pendant $0.99 |
|
|
Big White Snowflake Wedding Czech Crystal Hairclip $6.14 |
|
|
C9045 NEW multicolor Crystal snowflake Necklace Pendant $0.99 |
|
|
9 CHARMS MARCASITE SNOWFLAKE CRYSTAL BANGLE BRACELET// $9.91 |
|
|
Snowflake Brooch Pin W Swarovski Crystals P030 $5.99 |
|
|
X’mas Wedding Crystal ~SNOWFLAKE~ SNOW Pendant Necklace $24.99 |
|
|
♥50mm Snowflake Sphere-Crystal Healing Stone-POLISHED $12.49 |
|
|
♥5 Lg.♥ SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN * Crystal Healing – REIKI $2.25 |
|
|
GREEN SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE PIN BROOCH C662 $0.99 |
|
|
BLUE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE PIN BROOCH C706 $0.99 |
|
|
St Servatus Czech Crystal & Snowflake Obsidian Rosary $13.99 |
|
|
2000 Princess House Crystal Ornament Snowflake 341 NICE $19.99 |
|
|
CLEAR SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE PIN BROOCH L75 $0.99 |
|
|
CRYSTAL PAPER WEIGHT W/ SNOW FLAKE DESIGNED IN SIDE $12.95 |
|
|
C9047 Vogue Spark snowflake AB Crystal Necklace Pendant $0.99 |
|
|
W GOLD PLATED SNOWFLAKE EARRINGS USE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL $5.39 |
|
|
Estee Lauder Blue Snowflake Powder Compact w/ Crystals $19.99 |
|
|
Brilliant Crystal SNOWFLAKE BROOCH PIN Christmas Tree $8.39 |
|
|
10pcs Faceted Glass Crystal Snowflake Pendant Bead 14mm $0.99 |
|
|
2 20mm 6704 Snowflake Swarovski Pendant Bead CRYSTAL AB $4.25 |