Snowmen on a ME Monday!

Did we know to love snowmen before Mary Englebreit? I don't think I did until seeing her personal collection in her wonderful magazine Home Companion.

I can't tell you how many years I have wished at this photograph for snowmen of my own.

Snowmen used in crafts? How perfectly perfect! A snowman craft to share with you.

A small jar with lid becomes a cute as can be place to hold red buttons. A Christmas ornament looked at in a new way is hot glued to a round topper. A strip of  felt pinked to make icicles glued around the rim of the jar, a little glitter, ready to go!

You can't have a collection unless there is two! Another snowman craft for you. (Please for one moment make this your screen saver....got it?..... Wishing you a joyous holiday season! Elizabeth)

SUPPLIES: Large and smaller Styrofoam ball, paper clay and water, toothpicks, peppermint stems formed by twisting two white and two red together, hot glue. Paints; white, black, red, stiff larger brush, thin liner brush.  Tacky Glue or Modge Podge, varnish, clear glitter.

Step 1: Use thumb to press small amounts of clay onto smaller head form until a thin layer completely covers all Styrofoam. Form small ball, score both surfaces, use a we finger to smooth away edges of nose.

Step 2: Insert toothpicks 1/4th way into bottom of head.

Step 3: Insert arms and legs into body to designate placement. Remove and set aside. Do you see the little snowman in the background? My inspiration for this craft!

Step 4: Body covered in clay, stems inserted, head positioned leaving just enough space for clay to dry. (I also inserted ornament topper to create holes) Set aside to dry overnight. On to the cutest trees ever!

SUPPLIES:  1 packaged same color mixed sized flowers. (Michaels $4.99 will make 5 trees), Wilton's candy sticks (extras will be used in up coming peg dolls as arms), miscellaneous buttons, thin red ribbon, hot glue.

Step 5:  Small amount of hot glue at top of candy stick, spiral ribbon down length, secure with hot glue at bottom.Vintage buttons turned over make perfect bases for the trees. Make one tree without a base for your snowman! I had to slightly enlarge slits in centers of flowers to slip onto sticks. I added a little hot glue after each layer added to hold in place.

My tree without base made,  now back to my snowman!

STEP 6: I have used a stiff brush to paint my snowman all white. (It is very easy to paint around stems) Use pencil to draw eyes, go over with black paint. Paint nose and mouth. When dry, cover eyes and nose only with varnish.

STEP 7: Use Tacky Glue with drops of water added for ease in spreading or Modge Podge just as it is. Completely cover head area avoiding eyes and nose. Sprinkle with glitter. Tap off excess. Cover half top of body with glue and glitter, tap off excess. Hold by leg stems to complete rest of body area. Let completely dry. Now for the fun part...

I think this is one of the cutest crafts I have ever made! I used my "What's on Hand" motto to complete my snowman. A large vintage spool of ribbon becomes his base, buttons his snow. I made little mittens with red felt scraps, and a little buckle found at the scrapbook store many years ago.

My little brother in his Christmas red striped pajamas was the inspiration for my snowman's legs. Oh, the sweetness of memory is such a blessing!

Mary Englebreit, I love that you shared your vision of the world with us through your wonderful Home Companion and I especially love being able to share Snowmen with you on a ME Monday!