Wilson Bentley was born February 9, 1865, on a farm in Jericho, Vermont. From early in childhood he loved snowflakes. He learned that most crystals had six branches. Starting at age 15 he drew 100 snowflakes each winter for 3 winters. Wilson learned to use micro-photography to photograph snowflakes. When he was 66 his book called Snow Crystals was published.

“Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others.”

“Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind.” -Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley 1925

Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft:

Supplies Needed:

* Large craft (Popsicle) sticks (3 per snowflake)
* Paintbrush
* Elmer’s Glue (I used a hot glue gun to glue sticks together but you can use the Elmer’s glue)
* Glitter
* Sequins/Gems
* Yarn, string
* Paper plates

Directions:

1. Ahead of time glue the three craft sticks together and let them dry. (I used a hot glue gun because it dried quickly so I did not have to do it way ahead.)
2. Mix some Elmer’s Glue and water together on a paper plate for your child to use to “paint” the glue on the face of the craft sticks. Place each snowflake on a paper plate to catch the glitter.
3. Paint glue one the entire face of one snowflake.
4. After painting glue on one snowflake, shake glitter over the entire surface of the snowflake and let dry.
5. Once the glitter is dry use Elmer’s glue to glue sequins/gems on the face of the snowflake.
6. Use yarn/string to hang the snowflakes.

Online Resources:

1. Tons of Snowflake Crafts
2. Snowcrystals.com – A Guide to Snowflakes
3. The Bentley Snow Crystal Collection of the Buffalo Museum of Science

Video of Wilson Snowflake Bentley Reading:

Video Containing Wilson’s Original Snowflake Photos:

Video about Wilson Snowflake Bentley: