Go on, make a virtual snowflake!

Make-a-Flake is a Flash-based snowflake creation tool that allows you to design and cut detailed designs into a virtual paper. No mess, no melting, and lots of flakey fun!

By Chris Dunmire

As I look outside my window today, I see at least six inches of snow blanketing the ground. In previous days I've watched the snowflakes fall and accumulate into the present heap, all the while presuming no two flakes were alike.

Snowflakes are pretty, aren't they? When I can get a close up view before they melt, they resemble the little lacy doilies my mom had all over her antique furniture. Pretty little things they were.

If you would like to learn how to cut your own lacy snowflakes, check out Make a Flake. This very "cool" Flash-based simulated snowflake creation tool allows you to make virtual cuts into a folded triangle and create your own unique six-sided snowflake. See the screen captures below of a virtual snowflake I made today. Lovely, isn't it?

Cool Snowflakey Design Tips: After a few goes at this, I learned the more cuts I put into the triangle, the prettier and more detailed the snowflake turned out. You can also use this tool to get the feel of how to cut your own flake designs in paper. Plot your cuts, I say!

If you want to play in the snow some more, here's a pile of paper snowflake designing and cutting resources. •

© 2004, 2008 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.