Every winter, the kids and I eagerly await a snowstorm big enough to build a snowman or two or three. We live in central North Carolina, and sometimes we are quite disappointed as storms miss us to the north or south or just plain fizzle out on approach. When that right storm finally hits… you know the one! …we can’t wait to get out there and play in the snow. We’re a full-immersion family doing everything from sledding, hiking, and birdwatching to, of course, building a snowman. But they aren’t always your typical snowmen. Here’s a visual tour of some of the typical and not so typical things you can do to build your own snowman.
Even before there were kids, I was out every snowstorm building at least a basic snowman. I know the neighbors thought I was crazy out there in the cold by myself, but my inner child just would not be denied. Lifting that third snowball on top is a heavy job and takes a bit of determination, but it’s worth it.
After the kids came along, I had help, and snowman building took on a whole new purpose…delighting the kids and passing down the joys of seeing a snowman come to life. I’ll never forget making my son’s first snowman. There was barely enough snow, and I had to work extra hard to pack it together. The snowman ended up dirty with leaves mixed in, but the smile on my son’s face was worth the effort. Tip: When you can’t find a hat, try an oil funnel.
Like mother, like sons. There’s nothing quite like the pride of building your own snowman and then posing for a picture with your creation.
But why build a typical snowman when you can geek it up a bit?!? We started raiding the Halloween costume bin for snowman dress-up ideas. There were pirates. Ahoy, matey!
And there were clowns. Color rules in the winter landscape.
There were even leprechauns.
And the “This one looks like me, Mom” snowman. “See the pine straw hair? Really!”
Don’t forget the M&M guy. Snow makes a great filler!
GeekMom Sophie shared this snowman, complete with Jayne hat. Did you know a snowman might enjoy cosplay, too?
Snow too dry to pack? No worries! Use your mop bucket, 5-gallon bucket, rope bucket, or even a trash can. You might need a little help filling and packing, though!
Remember the R2-D2 trash can Halloween costume? Well, you can make your own astromech droid snowmen with your trash can and some colored electrical tape.
For some extra flare, you can even add glow sticks. Getting the tape to stay on your creation can be a bit tricky. I used toothpicks.
Inspired to go build your own snowman? Still need more ideas? Raid your costume and dress-up bins. Scrounge around your house for unique-shaped containers that can be packed with snow to create something more than your typical 3-high snowman. Keep an eye out at your local thrift store for extra scarves, hats, vests, and mittens. Dig in your craft closet for buttons, pins, and beads. Your imagination is the only limit.
I have several ideas on my future snowmen list. I’d like to build Uncle Sam, try Wilton cake pans as molds, use plastic food storage containers to make bricks, and experiment with food color water spray.
As Frosty sang, “Don’t you cry. I’ll be back again some day.”
