Winter is a magical time of year, filled with crisp air, holiday festivities, and cozy nights by the fire. One of the most beloved symbols of the season is the snowman—frosty, fun, and a canvas for creativity! Whether you’re looking for activities to do with kids, festive decorations for your home, or heartfelt gifts, DIY snowman crafts are a perfect way to celebrate winter. In this article, we’ll explore 15 easy and delightful snowman crafts that will surely brighten your winter days.
Crafting Basics
Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the crafts, it’s essential to gather your materials. Here’s a list of common supplies you might need for these projects:
- Fabric: White felt, old socks, or cotton fabric
- Crafting Supplies: Glue, scissors, markers, and paint
- Accessories: Buttons, yarn, googly eyes, and scarves (which can be made from old fabric or ribbon)
- Containers: Mason jars, tin cans, or paper plates
- Natural Elements: Small twigs or pinecones for embellishments
Safety Tips
Crafting can be fun, but safety should always come first, especially when kids are involved. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Supervision: Always supervise children when using scissors or glue guns.
- Age Appropriateness: Choose crafts suitable for the child’s age and skill level.
- Non-Toxic Materials: Use non-toxic paints and glues to ensure safety.
Now that we’re prepared, let’s jump into these fun DIY snowman crafts!
1. Classic Cotton Ball Snowman
Materials: Cotton balls, construction paper, glue
Instructions:
- Start by gluing cotton balls onto a piece of construction paper in the shape of a snowman.
- Create a base with three large cotton balls stacked on top of each other.
- Use smaller cotton balls for the snowman’s head and glue on buttons, a nose (using an orange paper triangle), and eyes.
- Draw or cut out a scarf from colored paper to finish.
Customization Tips: Use glitter to add a frosty effect or experiment with different colors for the scarf.
2. Snowman Sock Puppet
Materials: An old sock, rice, buttons, yarn, and fabric scraps
Instructions:
- Fill the sock with rice until it’s about halfway full.
- Tie a knot at the top to form the head.
- Decorate the head with buttons for eyes and a small piece of fabric for a scarf.
- Use another sock for the body and add arms by tying small pieces of fabric to the sides.
Fun Variations: Create a family of snowman puppets with different sizes and decorations!
3. Mason Jar Snowman
Materials: Mason jar, white paint, small accessories like buttons and a ribbon
Instructions:
- Paint the outside of the mason jar with white paint to create a frosty effect.
- Once dry, add buttons for the snowman’s face and a small ribbon around the neck.
- Fill the jar with faux snow (cotton balls or shredded paper) and add small decorations or lights inside.
Display Ideas: Use these as centerpieces or as part of a winter-themed display.
4. Snowman Ornaments
Materials: Clear plastic or glass ornaments, paint, and glitter
Instructions:
- Remove the top of the ornament and use a funnel to add white paint.
- Swirl the paint around inside the ornament to coat it.
- Once dry, decorate the outside with glitter, and add a ribbon to hang.
Gifting Suggestions: These ornaments make perfect gifts for family and friends during the holiday season.
5. Paper Plate Snowman
Materials: Paper plates, markers, and glue
Instructions:
- Use one paper plate as the body and another smaller plate for the head.
- Glue them together and decorate with markers for facial features.
- Cut out a hat from colored paper and add it on top.
Ways to Use: These can double as fun place cards at your holiday table!
6. Snowman Wreath
Materials: Wreath base, white fabric, embellishments
Instructions:
- Wrap the wreath base in white fabric or tulle to create a snowy look.
- Attach felt snowmen or use embellishments like ribbons, pinecones, or ornaments.
- Hang the wreath on your front door to welcome guests.
Personalization Ideas: Use family colors or themes to match your home décor.
7. Wooden Spoon Snowman
Materials: Wooden spoons, paint, fabric
Instructions:
- Paint the wooden spoon white to create the snowman’s body.
- Use markers or paint for the facial features and decorate the top with a hat made from felt.
- Attach a small piece of fabric around the neck for a scarf.
Display Tips: These make delightful kitchen decorations or can be given as gifts!
8. Snowman Lantern
Materials: White balloons, LED lights, and fabric
Instructions:
- Inflate a white balloon and tie it off.
- Use LED lights to fill the balloon, then place it in a bowl or on a table.
- Draw a face on the balloon to create your snowman.
Best Places to Display: These lanterns look fantastic indoors or outdoors for festive lighting!
9. Snowman Handprint Art
Materials: Paper, paint
Instructions:
- Dip your child’s hand in white paint and press it onto a piece of paper to create the snowman’s body.
- Once dry, add facial features and accessories using markers or paint.
Framing Ideas: Frame the finished artwork to create a memorable keepsake.
10. DIY Snowman Garland
Materials: Cardstock, string, and scissors
Instructions:
- Cut out snowman shapes from cardstock and decorate each one with markers and stickers.
- Punch holes at the top and thread string through to create a garland.
- Hang the garland along a mantel or wall for festive cheer.
Themed Variations: Create a garland with different winter characters for added variety!
11. Felt Snowman Coasters
Materials: Felt sheets, scissors, and fabric glue
Instructions:
- Cut circles out of white felt for the base and smaller circles for the snowman’s head.
- Use fabric glue to assemble and add features like eyes and a scarf.
- Allow to dry and use them as coasters for hot drinks.
Holiday Spirit: These coasters are perfect for winter gatherings and can be personalized with names!
12. Snowman Pencil Holder
Materials: Empty tin can, paint, and accessories
Instructions:
- Clean and dry the tin can, then paint it white.
- Once dry, decorate the can with buttons and paint to create a snowman face.
- Fill it with pens and pencils for a functional desk accessory.
Other Uses: Consider using these as gift holders for winter treats!
13. Snowman T-Shirt
Materials: Plain t-shirt, fabric paint
Instructions:
- Lay the t-shirt flat and use fabric paint to create a snowman design on the front.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before wearing.
- Kids can add their own personal touch with handprints or additional designs.
Kid-Friendly Ideas: Host a t-shirt decorating party for friends and family!
14. Snowman Photo Frame
Materials: Plain frame, craft supplies for decoration
Instructions:
- Decorate a plain photo frame using cotton balls for a snowy effect and markers for facial features.
- Insert a cherished winter photo of your family or friends.
- Display the frame on a shelf or give it as a heartfelt gift.
Family Memories: These frames are perfect for showcasing holiday memories!
15. Snowman Candy Jars
Materials: Small jars, white paint, and candy
Instructions:
- Paint the jars white and let them dry.
- Use markers or paint to decorate the jar as a snowman, adding a face and scarf.
- Fill the jar with candy or hot cocoa mix for a sweet treat.
Gifting Suggestions: These jars make excellent gifts for teachers, friends, or family!
Final Touches
Personalization Ideas
Each of these crafts offers ample opportunities for personalization. Use family colors, add names or dates, and encourage kids to express their creativity. Crafting is not just about the end product but also about the joy of making together.
Conclusion
Crafting snowmen is a delightful way to embrace the winter season, foster creativity, and spend quality time with loved ones. We hope these 15 easy DIY snowman crafts inspire you to get crafty this winter. Whether you’re making decorations, gifts, or keepsakes, there’s a snowman project for everyone to enjoy!
Call to Action
We’d love to see your snowman creations! Share your photos on social media and tag us. Don’t forget to subscribe for more DIY ideas, and let us know your favorite crafts or suggestions for future posts in the comments below!
With these fun projects, winter can be a time of creativity and joy. Gather your materials, get comfortable, and let the crafting begin!