Snowman Craft and a Linky Party

Hi Everyone!   Sleigh bells ring are you listening.... In the air there's a glistening...
Wow!  Christmas music is playing, holiday decorations are in sight!  I guess that means it's also time to start thinking about celebrating winter holidays in the classroom!  
I love making crafts this time of year, as I decorate the house and bring out my own childhood memories I am instantly reminded how special those little gifts and crafts that the children make in our classrooms are for their families. I love {reliving}  those memories and sharing them with my family and friends during this special season.  

My kiddos and I always love making these snowmen {and snowladies}.  It's always so cute to see how our snowfamily turns out!  Each snowchild is always so individual and truly represents each child's personality.  Each snowperson is so different, from the buttons to the gems- to the shapes of noses and the prescion in which they are are glued down.  Every child shines through

The supplies you will need are 

1 smooth 2 inch foam ball for each child (I usually buy in a 6-pack at Jo-Ann Fabrics)

1small clay pot for each child (craft store)

2-4 buttons or gems per child

1-2 black pipe cleaners per child

2 small soft fuzzy craft balls per child

1 sheet of orange felt for class to share 

1 black Sharpie

1 small bottle white tempera paint

1 winter remnant of fabric (approximately 1" x 6" for each child)

Begin by gluing (I use hot glue) a smooth foam ball to top of small clay pot.  It is best to write each child's name on the inside of their clay pot at this point.  I then invite students in small groups 3-5 to paint the entire outside of their snowman, while paint is wet you can sprinkle white glitter on top for added shimmer.  It is best to allow snowmen to dry overnight.  

The following day, invite children to choose their buttons or gems (these will be hot glued by an adult on the center front of he clay pot).  Then students will choose two "fuzzy" balls for their ear-muffs.  You will need to cut a short piece of the black pipe cleaner to serve as the the band for the ear muffs.  The teacher will need to hot glue the fuzzy ends to the pipe cleaner, so that it fits the snowman's head (see picture).  Students will then cut a "carrot" triangle shape nose out of the orange felt.  I love to hear exactly how each child would like the nose attached.  Some may request the nose to lay flat, while others request it to lay flat. Students will then use a Sharpie to draw dotted eyes and mouth. Finally student's will cut a piece of fabric to tie around their snowman's neck as a scarf to keep them warm.  The children then wrap and gift their snowman to their family for the holiday. 

I hope you enjoy our Snowfamily!  I am super excited to kick off the season with this Linky Party!   Happy Holidays to You!  

What is your favorite Winter Craft?? Join the Linky Party below!

Wonderland Linky Graphics from Dreamlike Magic