Winter is the perfect time to slow down, stay cozy, and enjoy some simple crafts with the kids!
If you’re looking for a fun winter activity that doesn’t require a ton of supplies or preparation, this easy salt snowflake craft is a great one to try.
One of my favorite things about simple crafts is that you don’t have to spend a fortune or plan an elaborate activity to make memories with your children. Sometimes, all you need is a little glue, some salt, and a piece of construction paper!
This winter snowflake activity is especially fun because the salt creates a beautiful, raised, snowy texture.
And the best part? Every snowflake turns out a little different!
Why You’ll Love This Salt Snowflake Craft
There are so many reasons to love this simple winter activity.
- It uses inexpensive supplies you may already have at home.
- It’s easy enough for preschoolers with a little help.
- Kids can create their own unique snowflake designs.
- It encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
- It’s a great indoor activity for a cold winter day.
Plus, these snowflakes make adorable winter decorations!
Supplies Needed for Salt Snowflakes
You only need a few simple materials to get started.
- Purple or blue construction paper
- White school glue
- Table salt
- A pencil (optional)
- A tray or newspaper to catch extra salt
I personally love using darker-colored construction paper because it makes the white salt snowflakes really stand out!
How to Make Salt Snowflakes
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Start by laying your construction paper on a flat surface.
I recommend placing a tray or newspaper underneath your paper because this activity can get a little messy.
But that’s part of the fun, right?
Step 2: Draw Your Snowflake
Use white school glue to draw a large snowflake directly onto your construction paper.
You can start with several lines crossing in the middle and add little branches to each line.
For younger children, you can lightly sketch a snowflake with a pencil first and let them trace over the lines with glue.
Remember, snowflakes don’t have to be perfect!
Step 3: Add the Salt
While the glue is still wet, generously sprinkle table salt over the entire snowflake.
Make sure all the glue lines are covered.
Kids usually love this part!
Step 4: Shake Off the Extra Salt
Carefully lift the paper and gently shake the extra salt onto your tray.
You should now have a beautiful, textured snowflake!
If there are spots where the glue didn’t catch enough salt, you can add a little more while the glue is still wet.
Step 5: Let Your Snowflake Dry
Set your snowflake aside somewhere safe and allow it to dry completely.
Depending on the amount of glue used, this may take several hours or overnight.
Once dry, your child will have their very own snowy masterpiece!
Tips for Making Salt Snowflakes With Preschoolers
If you’re making these snowflakes with younger kids, here are a few ways to make the activity easier.
Keep the designs simple. Start with large snowflakes rather than intricate patterns.
Help with the glue. Younger children may need help squeezing the glue bottle.
Use a tray. This makes cleaning up the extra salt much easier.
Let them experiment. Some children may want to make tiny snowflakes, giant snowflakes, or even a snowy winter scene.
There’s no wrong way to be creative!
What Do Kids Learn From This Snowflake Activity?
This winter craft isn’t just fun. It also provides opportunities for learning.
Children can practice:
- Fine motor skills while squeezing glue
- Hand-eye coordination
- Creativity and artistic expression
- Following simple directions
- Observing different textures
You can even turn this into a little science conversation by talking about how real snowflakes form and why they have six-sided structures.
Fun Ways to Display Your Salt Snowflakes
Once your snowflakes are completely dry, you can:
- Hang them on the refrigerator.
- Create a winter art display.
- Decorate a classroom bulletin board.
- Add them to a winter-themed craft collection.
- Make several different snowflakes to decorate a bedroom.
Just remember that salt crafts can be delicate, so handle them carefully and keep them away from moisture.
More Easy Winter Crafts for Kids
If your kids enjoyed making these salt snowflakes, you’ll also love trying more easy winter activities together!
Be sure to check out our other winter crafts, including our torn paper snowflake craft, for even more creative ideas.
Sometimes the simplest activities end up being the most memorable.
You don’t need fancy craft supplies or an entire afternoon of preparation to create something special with your children.
This easy salt snowflake craft is a wonderful reminder that a little creativity can go a long way.
So grab the glue, sprinkle some salt, and enjoy a little winter magic with your kids!
