Sunday, November 14, 2010

Snow Cute on a ME Monday


Since becoming a part of this creative community, I am having such fun revisiting the pages of Home Companion with the thought that perhaps I can make for myself some of the wonderful crafts to be found. I thought I would share with you my attempt to recreate this adorable snowman candy container in the hopes that you will be inspired to create one as well.


With my "use what's on hand" crafting philosophy, an empty vintage jar with a lovely shape will become my base. A Styrofoam ball becomes the base for my snowman. Creative Paperclay purchased at Michaels for $6.00, a bit of water to wet your fingers.


I am like you in that I don't know if I can make something I see, but I do have faith that I can "work at it" until the cuteness reveals itself to me. Flatten Styrofoam by pressing it on hard surface. Keep clay you are not using in saran wrap to keep from drying out.

I have no idea what proper technique I should be using, but I know I need a snowman shape! Press small amounts of the clay with your thumb onto the surface of the ball. You want to "feel" the same thickness under your thumb. A thin layer will dry more quickly.


I notice in the photograph the cheeks seem slightly raised, two round balls created as well as carrot shaped nose; I have used my pencil point to scar the clay for attaching pieces.


Press shapes onto surface. Dip fore finger into water and begin to smooth edges of shapes. The paper clay is magical and very forgiving to beginners. I just kept working at the shapes until they appealed to me.


Check the photograph in the magazine, check my work, close enough! Let dry overnight.


While my snowman is drying, I work to create a base for him to rest. My jar does not have a lid, thinking cap on again. I have traced the mouth of my jar on cardboard, and then cut slightly larger to accommodate the jar's threading.


Trace cutout cardboard circle twice onto printed paper, pink around drawn line. Cut strip of paper to fit over threads of jar neck, two printed paper, one card stock. I have pulled them between my thumb and pen surface to give them a rounded shape. Glue stick layers together, the "Sandwich Method".


Fit strips to jar neck, hot glue overlapping edges.


Bead of hot glue along strip edge, center round base. I have created crepe ruffles for the snowman's collar.


 Hot glue edges of ruffles to form circle. Apply dollop of glue to center of round base, form rosette twice.


I have used craft paint and a slightly stiff brush to apply the simple colors shown in the magazine example. Paint white, repaint cheeks white again adding small amount of pink while still wet. Back of paintbrush is used to make black face dots.


At this point I'm not sure my funny little snowman will end up looking like the example, but I forge on!


A step I should have thought of earlier but didn't, my pencil inserted in the bottom to hold the head as I glitter. I used Modge Podge as my adhesive because it is what I had on hand, but any white craft glue with a little water will work just as well. I used MS glitter purchased at Michael's. It is very fine and just wonderfully sparkly.

A Very Merry hat is made from a paper cone and tinsel stem, hot glue in place. My little snowman is as sweet as can be and a perfect place to hold my white poms, a little skier girl add charm to the scene.


This is my hard working snowman. He's all business keeping my Christmas red ribbon collected in one spot. I'm smiling, I hope you are as well.
 


50 comments:

Unknown said...

E,
This is just wonderful! The tutorial was perfect!!!!! Thank you for this, I am goign to se if Meri would like to have a "snowman" day! She has been trying to get me to work with the paperclay! :):)

Nan said...

Oh my this is wonderful E. I need to get myself some of those styrofoam balls as I have the clay, I could do this. A new felting pattern was just bought today by Alison Paulson of a red coat and a polar bear for ornaments to make for family this Christmas. I want to start on those and finish up my 'animal crackers' felt ornaments with feathers on top of their heads they are so cute. Nan

Pieceful Bits said...

E..E...EE..EEEk!
I love how you use what is on hand when you can. I'm glad to see I have twisted your arm a tiny bit to use some glitter. If you use as much as I do your poor puppy will look like a glittery snowball!
I really like the worker snowman's hat..perfect! And how cute are those white pom poms with the girl skier gliding down?!
I have used the paper mache before but that paper clay looks much easier!!! Someday..someday.
(~~)
Julie

Angela said...

Thank you SO much! You and I are totally on the same wavelength! Yours turned out SO adorable! I just blogged about that same pkg of paper clay sitting there waiting to be formed. I also have styrofoam balls sitting around, too. Linda Albrecht inspired me last year check out her cute stuff, too! http://lindaalbrecht.typepad.com/simple_things/2009/12/index.html

Missy said...

Oh my this is super sweet. Thank you so much. I just love your blog to pieces!!

manda said...

Oh wow Elizabeth, you're so creative!! I love seeing all your Xmas crafting!

Cherry Chick said...

~E~
Way CUTE for ME Monday. There is no end to your creativity!
I'm wondering if a party store might carry crepe paper??? I remember the day when we made big, bright flowers for crepe paper. Very fun.
Vicki

Celestial Charms said...

I'm thrilled to bits at this post, Elizabeth. I remember these types of jars at my Grandmother's home, way back in the day. Always loved them, and now there is hope that I can make them. Thanks so much for sharing these.
Maureen

vivian said...

hi doll, guess what!! I didnt totally delete my blog list!! I must have only deleted it from my blog, the list still existed and only had to hit the ADD button and ta dah! Im back in business!!
love your snowman .. ADORABLE!! see the pink angel doll in the first pic? I made one a few years ago in blue, inspired from the same issue!! and the snowman too! look here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/vneroni/554452466/in/set-72157600817387427/ and here http://www.flickr.com/photos/vneroni/554692825/in/set-72157600817387427/ ! I really miss the ME mag.. But I know weve both said it before, thank god for the old issues!!
hugs and have a great week!
vivian

Unknown said...

Such sweet snowmen! Brava! Your efforts were highly successful and now I'm inspired to try too!

ImagiMeri said...

Hi E,

You are amazing as usual. I'm so happy you've come over to the "paperclay" side!!! Once you play with this stuff it's hard to stop, and as you said it's so forgiving. You've given me the perfect little push to put a tutorial on my site as well.

Love ya
Meri

Valarie said...

This is just adorable....you make me think I may be able to make one also!! Thanks for sharing.
xxoo Valarie

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I love it!11 Happy week...m..

Angela said...

OK I got out my paperclay and have the heads formed. I wanted to ask - did you spray some sort of adhesive on the painted head before glittering?

SagebrushFarm said...

I love them! ADORABLE!

Hope said...

Paperclay is the most wonderful thing. Your snowman is wonderful!

Rose Garden Romantic said...

I have wanted to try to make snowmen like those ever since I first saw them in M.E. magazine! Thank you so very much for the tutorial! Yours turned out so perfectly adorable!!! Glad you used the glitter, it really makes it that much more magical!
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth - I am such a snowman lover. I just might need this little one for my collection. I hope I can find the time to create one. You so inspire me and I thank you for the little how to, because this sort of thing, although I clearly love it, is out of my range of knowing how to do. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

LBP said...

You are amazing! I have some paper clay in my stash but have been afraid to give it a try. Love your snowmen!

Blessings

Linda

Becky Garrison said...

Elizabeth, they are just gorgeous! I first saw them in the new inspired ideas Christmas online magazine, and think you did a wonderful job of 'using what your have'! That's what any good crafter does anyway!

craftyles said...

Wow!
That's a wonderful recreation! Yours is even cuter than the original. I love them!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Absolutely adorable. I love it when someone is able to envision what they want and go for it with what's on hand. There is no guideline for crafting. You just use use what you've got and do what you know. Fantastic. Happy day to you E. Besst wishes, Tammy

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

AWESOMELY ADORABLE!!! I love your sharing ME monday's with those of us that don't have her mag anymore!!!

Now I've got to get to work!!!
I've certainly got the supplies in my Craft Palace!!

BTW-- best places for crepe paper is ACMoore's craft stores or places like Party City--LOAD'S of colors!!!

Cindy said...

SHOCK!!! Shock of how deep your creativity flows.Shock that you just jumped in and did it.Shcok that I had a moment of oh..me..I might could do that..I want to do it..so maybe..lol
Shockk of awesome and cute it turned out.Awesome tutorial!!A+.

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Ruby said...

I have to confess I have been a lurker on your blog for a while now. I find it so inspirational! Todays post was beyond amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us!

Jennifer Bontrager said...

Too cute! I love it! You are so talented. Thanks for sharing. Now I want to make one of my own!

Amy said...

This is so wonderful. I AM inspired. I have never used paperclay like this before, but I will certainly give it a whirl. Thank you for sharing.

nanapeggy said...

Dear Elizabeth, Thank you fpr sharing the "how to". I might even try it, you made it look possible. You are so talented. I really admire that you are "game for anything". We all need an opportunity to explore our creative side, and step out of our comfort zone. Thanks again for sharing, you are a most generous lady.

Sandy said...

Your Snowmen are adorable. I just created some from a magazine, but don't have a clue who I copied..I'm sorry. I tore the picture out without checking, I must get better finding out the artist... Please check out my blog for my snowmen. I'll get better at taking pictures, I promise. Elizabeth I've been searching and searching for a tutorial on making your PEG SKI GIRLS... am I loosing it? Can't find them anyplace on your blog...maybe they were never there, but I'm dying to make some. Please help me. xoso Sandy

suz said...

I absolutely love this! thank you for such a wonderful tutorial! You may have just solved a big problem I found myself in!

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Your snowman is absolutely adorable Elizabeth and thank you so much for the encouragement to branch out - I'm such a scaredy cat to try something new!

Happy happy holiday-ifying!
Sally

Sandy said...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for talking with me on my blog. I got so excited when I saw you'd commented. I just adore your blog, it is one of my favoites, can't wait to see what you post each morning for me to peruse with my coffee. I'm glad I'm not crazy and there wasn't a tutorial for Peg Girls...lol I call you the QUEEN of FELT...so talented Miss Elizabeth. Thanks for being my new friend. xoso Sandy

Hope said...

Tsking your inspiration, I have just made two of these guys for myself. And, like you, I am using items I have on hand. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

Reality Jayne said...

Dang it Blue bird you did it again...! cute project .I love it!

Scrap for Joy said...

Well my friend...your snow-jar-people have sent me right over the edge!! They are the cutest things I've ever seen and the guy with the tin measuring cup hat has completely melted my heart! I must summon some energy to try to make some the gorgeous things you've been showing. My craft shows are over and we have a new grandson that we snuck off to visit so now I have to concentrate on Christmas and our tag swap. I must say that each and every apron pocket you have shown is a work of art. You have been an inspration to so many of us and the Elizabeth Fan Club is certainly growing! Just make sure to give your hands and wrists a rest once in a while!
Big xoxo,
Joyce

Loretta said...

This is just TOO CUTE! I love your tutorials, although sad to say I haven't tried one out yet. But this one looks tempting. I see 36 other crafty people agree with me!

Anonymous said...

Joyful! ♥

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Love it, and they look so great so I just have to try this with my daughter. Beautiful work, I really enjoy your blog and work.

Jill said...

Sooooo cute! You've got some great paperclay skills, my friend. My attempt at paperclay snowmen was not nearly as eye-pleasing as yours. (Hee hee) I love your attention to detail and oh, just everything about your crafty creations.

Hugs,
Jill

Merci-Notes said...

WELCOME TO OUR PINK WORLD!!!
I love your snowman! When things clear up I am going to make this also!
thank You for such great directions Elizabeth!!

xo,
mary

Paula Clare said...

Oh E! Is there NOTHING you can't do? Everything you touch becomes "the cutest thing EVER"! I just love your "working snowman" with the pot on his head...just the right touch of whimsy! Adorable! Must try the paper clay stuff...haven't used it yet!

bigeyedchick said...

Sooo cute!! You've inspired me to give it a try! What ME issue is that in? I'd like a closer look. I think I have all her issues, so I'm sure I have it.

Laurel in MN

we three dogs and me said...

The snowmen are the cutest I have ever seen. You are so creative. I would love to try making one but I am all thumbs when using gluey things. I wonder about using christmas balls

we three dogs and me said...

The snowmen are the cutest I have ever seen. You are so creative. I would love to try making one but I am all thumbs when using gluey things. I wonder about using christmas balls

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Thank you so Much for this Tutorial!!!I can't wait to Try making something for ME Too!
Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Hugs
Jill
I am Happily a New Follower of yours!
I found you through Pinterest
http://feathersandflight.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I found your site after playing on pinterest. Your snowman is absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for the tutorial too!

Theresa Long said...

An awesome site. Thank you for sharing.

Sharon Wheet said...

your snowman is so adorable! I love it! and thank you for sharing your creative process with us!

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Lisa Vee said...

OMG! I've been going through and loving every single post you've ever made and loving every second of it. Then I get to this one and realize it the exact post I followed to make my salt shaker snowmen with my friends this past Christmas. It worked perfectly by the way and we had all kinds of fun until like 2 am thank you very much. You are an extraordinarily talented lady and your work makes my eyes and heart very happy. The house work will just have to wait..lol.