We have had some seriously crazy weather the past few days. Of course crazy weather equates to crazy kids so I’ve been trying to keep them occupied with some Christmas crafts. We’ve got several in the works right now and finally, this afternoon, there was a break in the clouds so I quickly snapped a few pictures to share one with you. The craft was inspired by a picture in the Oriental Trading catalog. Reece saw it and wanted to make it and I thought, “Heck! We can make this out of stuff we have on hand!” These were so fun to make and the boys have had such a great time picking out their ribbon to personalize their snowmen. The ribbon was a fun afterthought and I think it really gives the snowmen some personality. They could totally be further personalized with the year and/or names. These Wood Snowmen make terrific ornaments and door hangers 🙂
Materials You’ll Need:
- Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Black and White Paint
- Hot Glue
- Assorted Ribbon
- Googly eyes
- Orange Foam
- Sharpie Marker
Instructions:
Each snowman requires seven jumbo craft sticks. Five for the head, one for the hat, and one to hold the whole thing together. Lay five craft sticks in a row together and break or cut the sixth stick in half. Put hot glue on the cut pieces and lay across the five sticks pressing the sticks in firmly so they are super close to each other. Repeat the other half of the sixth stick.
Paint the top third black and the bottom third white…roughly 🙂  I did have to go touch up the boys’ paint jobs – especially Bryce’s! Paint the remaining stick black.
Hot glue a ribbon around the bottom of the painted black area. We did some at an angle and some straight across. It just depends on whether you want your snowman’s hat to have a little attitude or not.
Glue the black stick right below the ribbon or slightly on top of it to complete the hat.
Next it’s time to add the googly eyes, an orange foam nose, and use the Sharpie to make the mouth. Easy!
The last step is to glue a ribbon onto the back for a hanger. Shorter for an ornament, longer for a door hanger.
We are seriously mass producing these little guys this week and I just want to give a little tip to those of you who are thinking of doing the same. I bought a 200-piece pack of the jumbo craft sticks for $2.50 at Michaels using my 50% off coupon. That makes each stick just a little over a penny. I’m thinking we are making each craft here for about 10 cents. Now that’s a price I can handle!
Do you make ornaments with your kids? What is your favorite ornament to make?
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Kari says
I’m wondering if it’s maybe my glue gun. I don’t know, do glue stick get old? lol …thanks for the reply, and for the idea! I have a daycare, my kids are going to love making these this week!!
Kari says
I am having a hard time with the hot glue sticking….any advise??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hmmm… I literally made about 20 of these and didn’t have any problems – they are actually very sturdy! I guess if you’re not having any luck with the hot glue you can always use regular glue – you will just have to let it wait to dry.
Ginger says
What a great kid craft! I know mine would love doing this project. I pinned it.
Hey, I’d love for you to come check out my blog and link party this week. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012/12/show-tell-5.html
Mindi says
These are so cute! I say you featured at MRL! Pinning!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Mindi! Have a wonderful weekend!
gail says
sooo cute! I love your snowmen ornaments.
gail
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Those are so cute! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
Dixie n Dottie says
These looks super cute and easy! Great job! Would love if you’d join our Countdown to Christmas link party! Hope to see you there! Happy weekend! 🙂 http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/2012_12_04_archive.html
kathy says
Sooo cute! My little boy would love these!
Stephanie Wilson says
Oh my goodness! SO adorable! I absolutely love these little snowmen! I am definitely keeping this idea to do with the nieces and nephews this year!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much! I’m sure you guys will have fun 🙂
julie says
I love this idea! I even have some of those “tongue depressers” as my kids call them and had no idea what do use them for, but now I do. Now just to convince a 12 and a 15 year old that they want to do crafts with me (did I mention they are boys?) Thanks again!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Good luck with the convincing Julie 🙂 I hope you guys have fun!
Nancy at maddalee says
These are so cute, I’m visiting from A to Z, thank you for sharing!
Have a good day, Nancy
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Nancy! They look really cute up on the tree too 🙂
Shirley says
I collect snowmen and this will be on my tree for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh how fun! Thanks Shirley!
Mel says
Oh that’s really clever, I think the kids would enjoy making these.