If you’re looking for a fun Christmas craft that you and your kids will enjoy, check out this DIY wooden snowman craft. Not only are they fun to do, but what’s also great about them is that you can use scrap wood and old fabric: upcycling!
I made these particular snowmen a long time ago – probably 15 years ago – but it always makes me smile when I pull them out of my Christmas tote.
How to make a Wooden Snowman
Below is quick overview of how to make wooden snowmen crafts like I’ve made in the past. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you create something that brings you Christmas joy for years to come.
Tools you’ll need
- Jigsaw
- Sand paper
- Paint brushes
Items you’ll Need
- Wood (I’ve used a variety of thicknesses including 1/4″ plywood)
- old fabric strips for the scarf
- buttons for decorations
- paint
Step 1: Draw your Design onto the Wood
You don’t have to get fancy. Start simple. You could use three different sized cups and trace them onto the wood. (Add a hat if you are skilled with a jig saw.)
Step 2: Cut out your Design using a jig saw
Take your time and cut the wood using a jig saw, following your design as best you can. You may notice that your curves or angles are too steep for your “jig saw skills” but try as best you can.
Remember when you’re using power tools to cut wood to wear safety glasses, hearing protection and a dust mask. And keep the kids away while performing this step.
Step 3: Sand down the edges
After cutting out the wood there will be some rough edges. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges, and the top surface that you’re going to paint. (Depending on the age of your children they may be able to help here but have them wear dust masks.)
Step 4: Paint the Wooden Snowman craft white
It has been a long time since I created my snowman. So I don’t remember the exact paint I used.
But if you – the adult – are going to do this step you could even use some leftover house paint if you have any to provide a nice white base layer.
Otherwise, you could also use some acrylic craft paint.
Just remember to let the white paint fully dry before trying to paint the details.
Step 5: Paint and Decorate the Snowman’s face and other details
Once the white paint is fully dry you can start getting creative and paint the snowman’s face and/or decorating it.
I painted a hat onto my wooden snowman, and used a piece of old fabric to use as a scarf for him.
Get Creative and Have fun.
Even if your snowman looks a little crazy and kooky, don’t worry, you’ll still get a kick out of pulling it out from your Christmas tote.
You’ll notice that none of these DIY snowmen are “perfect.” But that is what is so cool about them.
They are clearly homemade and therefore they mean a lot more to us than Christmas decorations you can buy at any store.
My daughter decorated the snowman below when she was probably 4-5 years old. You can see there is some crayon on there, some buttons glued on, and even a pipe cleaner glued to his hat. I love it.
I hope you’ve found this easy DIY Christmas craft inspiring.
Have a great Christmas and holiday season.
Tim
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