Fold a sheet of paper into quarters, creasing well.
Bring the two folded edges together to create a triangle and crease well.
Flip the paper over and fold again, from the same corner, to create a narrower triangle.
Cut across the top of the paper as shown. Cut across the point of the triangle if desired to make a hole in the center of the snowflake.
Make cuts from either side of the triangle to create designs. Cut across the top of the triangle at an angle or in a curve to create the edge of your snowflake. When you're done cutting, unfold the paper to reveal the finished snowflake.
To use a template, print and cut out the template. Fold the paper as directed above, then trace the template on it.
Cut along the marked lines, then unfold to reveal the snowflake design.