Paper Cutting Supplies
The most common messages and emails I receive are questions about my cutting supplies! Below are my favorite tools to create beautiful paper snowflakes. Some of these items I have been using for 10+ years. It makes a world of difference to have sharp tools!
While I wish I could keep all my favorite items in stock to send to you personally, it is expensive for me as an artist to purchase these items, and it’s a headache to keep up with that inventory. So, the items listed below are affiliate links. Your purchase through this site helps support my small business and my artwork, so thank you! :)
Micro-tip Scissors (For Adults)
Micro-tip scissors make a big difference when cutting out detailed paper snowflakes. The angled tip allows you to make tiny snips and cut through all 12 layers of paper without having your design slide around. I’ve used many types of micro-tip scissors in the past, but I appreciate the “soft grip” handles when I’m cutting for long periods of time.
Pointed-tip Scissors (For Kids)
There are many kids scissors to choose from, but not many of them will cut through 12 layers of paper at the same time. I love these Fiskars kids scissors with the pointed tip because they are easy to grip, cut well, and safe. My kids have been using them since they were 3 years old, and they are both comfortable for kids AND worrisome moms, haha.
When I teach paper snowflake workshops, these are the scissors I bring with me - even for adults! They cut the paper snowflake patterns well but are not as pointy and sharp as micro-tip scissors. I include these scissors in my paper snowflake kits, and have bought them in bulk for classrooms.
Fiskars Hand Punches - 1/4”, 1/8”, and 1/16”
I like Fiskars hand punches because they have a cushioned grip that’s more comfortable to squeeze. I think they hold up well over time too — I’ve had the same hand punches for years & years and they still get the job done!
Picking a size:
The large 1/4” hand punch is perfect for large details like decorative edges, large eyes, the inside of animal ears, etc. My “Easy and Fun” paper snowflake patterns use a 1/4” hole punch for the pizza, smiley face, and rocket ship designs. I also use this hand punch for my RBG Dissent Collar paper snowflake pattern.
The medium 1/8” hand punch is my go-to for most paper snowflakes. It’s the hand punch I reach for when doing snowman eyes, snowflakes in my snow globe pattern, and the polka dots on my mittens paper snowflake pattern.
I love the small 1/16” hand punch for tiny details - the suckers on an octopus tentacle, unicorn nostrils, strawberry seeds, and inner sunflower seeds. I find that having this hand punch available allows me to add many more details that I wouldn’t be able to do with the larger hand punches.
Specialty hand punches
The fact of the matter is…. specialty hand punches make paper snowflakes more fun! We use the star and heart hand punches by Fiskars for holiday paper snowflakes and year-round fun. I love to use the star punch to create starry skies and special designs. The heart is perfect for Valentine’s Day snowflakes!
Extra-Detailed Paper Snowflake Cutting Supplies
If you’re ready to try cutting out extremely detailed paper snowflakes, it helps to have the right tools! For my archival-quality snowflakes that I frame and sell, I start with archival buffered tissue paper. This tissue paper is white, matte in texture, acid-free, and very thin. It folds well, holds its shape, and is thin enough to cut even the most intricate details! Please note that I wouldn’t recommend this paper for snowflakes that you are going to tape in windows or hang from the ceiling - the paper is not sturdy enough to hold its shape. It needs to be mounted on a back paper for display.
For cutting, I use a standard X-Acto #11 blade, and a cutting mat.