Make a Snowman

Got snow? Time to turn it into a snowman, as tall or as short as you like. Start by rolling three balls of snow in three different sizes, then stack them on top of one another from biggest to smallest. Adding a few elements such as a hat, a scarf and a carrot nose turns your pile of three snowballs into a classic winter character. Don't let winter pass you by without building a fun snowman in your yard.

Steps

Rolled Snowman

  1. Make sure that you have enough snow.
    • 9 inches or more, ankle length or more, but make sure that you can move around. If it is up to your stomach, clear out a space so you can walk around with ease.
  2. Grab decorations.
    • Carrots, scarves, earmuffs, pretzels, or for a more traditional snowman, coal.
  3. Make sure that your snow is sticky enough.
    • If your now is too fluffy or powdery you will not be able to clump snow up to make a snowman. If your snow is to powdery, go to the bottom of your snow to find the stickiest.
  4. Find a suitable place to put the snowman. You'll need a flat area for the snowman. And you'll need access to a spot which has a nice big patch of snow to make big snowballs with.
    • Note that snow that is very icy or very fluffy usually don't work well for snow sculpting. Check to see if the snow packs together well. If the snow does not pack well, the snow is not ready to make a snowball yet. If you're not convinced, give it a go and see whether or not it keeps its shape.
  5. Gather a handful of snow. Pack it tightly with your two hands, shaping it into a ball.You can also use a snowball maker if you have one. This is not mandatory.
  6. Place the ball on the ground. Roll the ball along the snowy patch. As you roll, the ball will pick up more snow and will grow larger and larger as the snow from the ground sticks to it. Keep rolling until the ball reaches the desired lower body size. A height of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} to three feet (or more) is recommended.
    • Pat your snowball together every few inches you roll to get snow to stick that is falling off.
    • Keep rolling until you make your snowball big and plump to make the bottom.
  7. Make another snowball. Only this time, make it a little bit smaller (roll less). This will become the snowman's middle section.
    • It may be necessary to create a snow ramp or wood ramp to roll this middle section up if you have a very large bottom section.
  8. Make another snowball. This last one must be smaller still, as it will form the snowman's head. When done, stack the three snowballs up from largest to smallest, being careful to pack tightly and balance them so they won't fall down. As you go, smooth the sides out as best you can.
  9. Stack the rolled snowballs into a snowman formation. The largest ball is at the base, the medium in the middle and the small ball becomes the snowman's head.
  10. When all the balls are in place, pack some snow between the layers. This will make sure they stick together. If your snowman seems wobbly, you can stabilize it by poking a long skinny stick straight down through the top of its head, like threading a shish kabob. Cover the hold in its head with more snow.
  11. Place a carrot in the middle of the head to act as a nose. Use buttons, pebbles or etc and place them above the carrots to represent the eyes. Use a row of pebbles, coal or etc., to show a dazzling smile or a grumpy frown beneath the carrot nose.
  12. Add some sticks for the arms. Top off the snowman with a hat and place a nice scarf around its neck.
  13. Take some pictures if you like. Your snowman will hang around at least a few days and even longer if it's very cold.
  14. Done.

Packed Snowman

A packed snowman is a variation you might like to try instead of rolling. This means you don't have to shift the rolled balls once completed; the size of this one will be determined by how much snow you want to keep packing down.

  1. Select a suitable place. Choose a flat space with plenty of snow close by.
  2. Make a small snowball. This is your starting ball; it needs to be placed directly on the spot that you're shaping the snowman.
  3. Pack more snow onto the snowball until it is big enough. As you pack, keep rounding the snow so that you form the traditional snowman shape. It helps to stand back and check periodically, so that you can assess the size and make a decision as to when you'll stop packing on the snow. When done, this forms the snowman's body. You won't be making a middle section, as this packing method allows for one complete body.
  4. Build another ball on top of the body. Pack down the snow as with the body section, shaping as you go. Gently smooth the join between the head and the body parts to create one line.
  5. Use the side of a shovel or a smaller implement to smooth the sides of the snowman.
  6. Decorate the packed snowman.
    • Add a hat and scarf.
    • Put eyes and a mouth of your choice.
    • Put a carrot for the nose and put buttons down the front of the snowman.



Warnings

  • Snow can become quite heavy when packed. If it is necessary to lift the snowballs then do so carefully, squatting down and then using the force of your legs to help you lift. Get help if needed.
  • Snow is very cold, so it is highly recommended to wear gloves or mittens while making your snowman.

Tips

  • Keep trying!
  • When rolling a snowman, don't put too much pressure or else the snowball will keep on breaking and crumbling.
  • Don't add clothes that you want to keep onto the snowman because if it melts it will become soggy!
  • Listen to "Do You Want to Build A Snowman" while building. It's fun and makes you go faster.
  • If it's not packing snow then stomp on the snow and use that.
  • Put a jacket on its frail, stick arms, or give it shoes. Just make sure that it doesn't get too warm.

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Sources and Citations

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