Totoro Paper Snowflake

Every winter I enjoy creating a new paper snowflake pattern. There’s something about the craft project that’s so simple, yet so elegant and relaxing. Plus, I love looking at my growing collection of geeky snowflakes that I like to hang on my cubicle walls each winter.

This year I’ve decided on a Hayao Miyazaki themed snowflake, and more specifically, a My Neighbor Totoro one. This was the first Miyazaki animation I ever saw. I use to rent it all the time when I was little from Blockbuster (anyone else miss the Blockbuster experience? Haha). This snowflake almost seems like a good little tribute to the classic animation!

1. Print the PDF paper template and cut out the square pattern.

2. Fold the squire sheet in half, diagonally. Fold the resulting triangle in half twice.

3. Use scissors and an X-acto blade to cut out all the grey and black areas, leaving on the white sections.

4. Unfold, hang up using double-sided tape, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Resist the urge to unfold your snowflake until you’re completely done cutting. This will result in the crispest line cuts.
• Cut the exterior sections that are easily reachable with a pair of scissors first. Finish with the interior sections.
• When cutting the interior sections with an X-acto blade, I normally score my cut twice. This is enough to cut through half of the layers and still leave a “tracing pattern” on the second half. I then unfold my snowflake once and do a double score on my “tracing pattern” to cut the remaining interior sections out.

Can you spot all the elements within the snowflake? I spy Totoro, Cat bus, an acorn, a soot sprite, an umbrella, a leaf, and chibi totoro.

Do you enjoy cutting out paper snowflakes? Want to request a specific fandom for my next snowflake pattern? Let me know in the comments below.