Looking for a magical craft to spark creativity and fine motor skill development? This pipe cleaner snowflake craft is perfect for Frozen-loving toddlers and preschoolers! Simple to create and filled with sparkle, it’s a great way to keep little ones busy while embracing the frosty fun of winter. This activity also provides excellent opportunities to practice fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and creativity.
Materials Needed
Pony beads in blue, white, and silver (or other Frozen-themed colors)
Optional: Glitter glue or snowflake stickers for decoration
Overview of Learning Objectives by Age Group
Age 0-6mo: Observe colors and textures as caregivers model the craft.
Age 6mo-12mo: Explore sensory aspects of pony beads and pipe cleaners with supervision.
Age 12mo-2yr: Begin stringing pony beads onto pipe cleaners to develop hand-eye coordination.
Age 3yr-4yr: Create patterns with beads and twist pipe cleaners into a basic snowflake shape.
Age 4yr-6yr: Assemble a complete snowflake independently, incorporating advanced patterns and designs.
WINTER ACTIVITY Theme
Inspired by Frozen’s frosty aesthetic, this activity uses icy blues, sparkling silvers, and snowy whites to mimic the magical landscapes of Arendelle. It’s a winter wonderland craft perfect for Frozen fans.
Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Craft Instructions
Snowflake 1: Basic Pipe Cleaner Snowflake
Materials Needed:
3 pipe cleaners (white or silver)
Pony beads (blue, white, silver)
Activity Instructions:
Cut three pipe cleaners in half.
Cross two halves to form a “+” shape, then twist the center together. Add a third piece diagonally and twist until secure.
String pony beads onto each pipe cleaner arm, leaving ½ inch at the ends.
Bend the ends to secure beads.
Snowflake 2: Glitter Snowflake
Materials Needed:
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
Glitter glue
Activity Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the basic snowflake.
Add glitter glue to the arms of the snowflake for a shimmering effect.
Snowflake 3: Hanging Snowflake Ornament
Materials Needed:
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
String or ribbon
Activity Instructions:
Follow the basic snowflake instructions.
Tie a string or ribbon at the top for hanging.
Use these as tree ornaments or window decorations.
Benefits of Sensory Play
Fine Motor Skills: Stringing beads strengthens hand-eye coordination and pincer grip.
Pattern Recognition: Creating bead designs promotes early math skills.
Creativity: Designing snowflakes encourages imaginative thinking.
Calming Activity: Repetitive bead-stringing fosters mindfulness.
Turn winter crafts into a calm homeschool day
If you’re loving simple, hands-on activities like this snowflake pipecleaner craft, you might be wondering how to turn moments like this into a full, balanced homeschool day — without feeling overwhelmed.
That’s exactly why I created my Preschool Homeschool Planner & Curriculum (Ages 3-5).
Instead of scrambling for ideas, the planner helps you:
Build a gently daily rhythm that actually works for young kids
Rotate crafts, sensory play, literacy, and math with intention
Stay organized while still keeping learning play-based and flexible
The snowflake craft fits perfectly into a winter homeschool rhythm as an afternoon art activity paired with:
Morning literacy or math
Midday sensory or science play
A cozy storytime
A simple worksheet or extension
Everything is already mapped out for you inside the planner — so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying learning together.
See the Preschool Homeschool Planner here (Designed for ages 3-5, with clickable links, seasonal themes, and a daily schedule that takes the stress out of homeschooling).
25 Vocabulary Words for the Frozen Theme
Snowflake
Ice
Elsa
Anna
Olaf
Arendelle
Frost
Winter
Snow
Beads
Glitter
Craft
Ornament
Frozen
Sparkle
Magic
Pipe cleaner
Pony beads
Symmetry
Chill
Icy
Kingdom
Creativity
Design
Twist
With this craft, kids can step into the magical world of Frozen while enjoying hours of creative fun. Let it snow, and let the crafting magic begin!
More Snow themed products to try
Extend your winter play with these great winter activities.
