Build a Snowman- Indoors!

With feet of snow on the ground, it's hard not to think about all things snow--- sledding, skiing, snow-shoeing, snow angels and snowballs....and of course SNOWMEN!

Prior to Snowapalooza, my neighborhood had a few of these friendly Frostys standing proud in various front yards. It's always such fun to see how creative children can get with their snow-people. Most donned the tried and true hat and scarf combo and a few had mittens or gloves on the ends of their skinny stick arms. I remember a winter growing up when my sister and I dressed our snowman in a Hawaiian shirt and our snow lady in a nightgown- what a well dressed couple they were, waving to the passersby!

I'm not too sure our odd couple would have been as easy to make this past week. While the four foot drifts made for excellent snow forts and climbing hills, the heavy snowfall made actual snowman building a challenge. BUT, that doesn't mean you and your children can't build a snowman...just do it inside!

Here are a few simple steps- with simple supplies- to make your own melt-free, mess-free snowman!

What you need:
liquid white glue (like Elmer's), non-menthol shaving cream (inexpensive works best!), mixing bowl, spoons, construction paper or cardstock and scissors


What you do:

Cut out a few small snowman accessories from the construction paper or cardstock- a hat, scarf, little black circles for coal, a carrot nose etc- be creative, maybe your snowman will have hair or wear a necklace! Also, consider looking for a few small sticks for arms- or cut them out of paper. Set these aside.

In a bowl, mix equal parts liquid white glue and shaving cream. Mix until soft peaks form and all the glue (be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl) is well mixed in.





With a spoon, make the first -and largest- ball of the snowman's body by scooping up a generous heap of the mixture and "plopping" it onto the construction paper or cardstock- dark colored paper works best. Use the spoon to push the mixture into a round circle- add more as needed. Do this twice more to add the other circles- completing the snowman's body.



While the mixture is still wet, gently add the accessories by setting them in place and gently pushing them onto the mixture. No glue is needed because the glue is IN the mix!


Embellish your picture by adding snow on the "ground", or using your fingertip to add snowflakes.



When finished, lay your picture flat somewhere where it won't be bothered for a few hours- preferably overnight. When your picture is dry there will be no dark wetness marks on the back of the paper and if you gently touch the "snow" it will spring back when you lift your finger. AND- the best part is, when your picture is dry, it will still be PUFFY! Your snowman will be 3D! How cool is that?
Enjoy making a family of these fluffy, puffy snowmen. (pssst...also makes great sheep and ghosts...)