This is something I needed for work one day, and simplified the process of making pretty snowflakes.

This is from Photoshop, but you can use the same techniques in just about any program. (Illustrator, Corel, Paint Shop, Gimp, etc)

First we need a work space with a center guideline.




Then we need to draw a shape. Select the Pen tool, and draw a unique shape, making sure that the top and bottom cross the guideline. (or at least some part of the design crosses the guideline slightly) Nearly any rough, or not so rough shape will work.



Then go to the Paths tab and select "Fill Path" with the foreground color.



Then delete the work path.

on the Layers palette, duplicate the layer and reflect it. Then line it up to meet the first object.



Then merge those two, and duplicate that layer. Invert the layer and move down. It still may not look like much, but we'll get there.



Again, merge layers, and duplicate layer. This time rotate that layer by 60 degrees.


You don't need to merge, but you do need to duplicate the layer. Again rotate by 60 degrees. Merge all, and you have a snowflake!




Happy Holidays!!!

Jade