The basics of snowman building are simple. It does not take any special knowledge to understand that a snowman is traditionally three snow balls on top of each other, with the largest on the bottom. But there is a difference between knowing and doing, so the following tips can help make snowman building a success. Growing up I did not spend a lot of time making snowmen, and it certainly showed when I attempted to make one with my little kids watching.
Wait until the conditions are right.
You need around four inches of snow on the ground to pull together a decent sized snowman. The type of the snow is also important, powdery snow will just not work. The best snowman building snow is slightly wet. Generally the temperature will be right around freezing, so it is also perfect for playing out in the snow. This type of snow packs better and can hold on to the facial features better than the drier snow. If you really cannot wait, you could spray the snow with a light mist of water.
Location, location, location
Building a snowman in the center of the yard may seem ideal, but if you want Frosty to hang around longer you will want to look for a shady spot if at all possible. Setting a snowman close to the house is fun so you can see him out a window. My kids like to build snowmen near our front tree and then decorate with birdseed and other treats for animals. They watch the birds and squirrels hang out with their snowguy.
Roll the snow into balls
Start by making a big snowball in your hand. Now, roll the snowball on the ground first in one direction than another to keep the ball round. Even toddlers can help push the ball around with a little help. Once the bottom ball is as large as you want it, roll it into position. Do the same with the middle section and the head making slightly smaller balls as you go.
Stack and pack
Before placing the middle ball, flatten the top of the snowman base and the bottom of the middle ball. Round out the bottom of the top ball before setting it on the middle ball. These extra steps adds stability to avoid having the head fall off as your child decorates! Packing wet snow between the balls also adds a level of strength to the structure.
Bring Frosty to life
While I never seem to have an old silk hat lying around and coal is scarce in my home, there are plenty of things to create a good face. Carrots are classic noses, although we have resorted to baby carrots and even a stalk of celery or potato. Anything goes for the eyes and mouth. We have used rocks, but have learned they are a pain to clean up once the snow melts, especially if you build several snowman over the course of the winter. Prunes make good eyes in lieu of coal, and birdseed can be pressed in to make a mouth, or hair. A scarf, earmuffs, or mittens on the end of the stick arms are fun too.
Add clothes with snow painting
My girls really got into snow painting the snowmen for an extra dose of decoration. All you need are small spray bottles, food coloring and water. Mix one color per spray bottle and let them at it. Spray painting snowmen results in some very interesting designs. Pink dresses, blue overalls, a red bikini, really anything goes. If you have a boy, like Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes, you might end up with red food dye being used as bleeding wounds, so consider yourself warned!
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