If you need a fun winter craft for the kids, these paint stick snowmen are super cute and make fun puppets! After painting the sticks, this craft comes together in less than 15 minutes.

Why this project works

If it’s just too cold outside, this adorable paint stick snowman craft is a great way to pass the time on a snowy afternoon. You will likely have most supplies on hand!

Snowmen are simply the star of the winter season, so many snowman crafts to be made, so little time!

Helpful Project Information:

• Age Level: 4 and up
• Mess Factor: Medium (glue)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: 30 minutes, plus dry time
• Cost Estimate: Less than $0.50 each

Craft supplies you will need

Get full list of supplies and directions in the printable version at the end of this post.

How to Make a Paint Stick Snowman

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Paint the stick white and let dry. Repeat on the other side.
2. Cut felt into 3″x3″ squares. Wrap around the top of the stick and hot glue together in the back. If you have more time, you can use white craft glue or felt glue and attach a wooden clothespin to the stick and hat to hold it in place while it dries.
3. Tie yarn around the top of the hat and trim ends. Fringe the top of the hat with scissors if you like.
4. Cut fabric into 8″x1″ strips. Wrap strip of material around the neck, tie in a knot. Fringe the ends with scissors.
5. Use black marker, or a toothpick dipped in black paint to create the mouth and eyes.
6. Cut an orange toothpick in half. Glue half of the orange toothpick on for the nose.
7. Use white craft glue to attach 3 buttons or beads below the scarf.

Allow everything to dry before having a puppet show!

Expert Crafting Tips

• Check WalMart, Home Depot, or any large store with a paint department. They are happy to give you a few free paint stick sticks if you don’t have any on hand.
• If you are doing this project with a group and need to keep the mess to a minimum, you can do some prep work. Paint the sticks white and let them dry, and pre-cut all the felt and fabric scraps.
• If you can’t find orange toothpicks, you can paint a regular toothpick or color it with an orange marker ahead of time.

This is a fun winter time project, especially during a snow day. Make a crockpot full of hot chocolate and bake up some cookies for a sweet treat to go with your day of crafting!

We originally made this project in January of 2010 when my son was in 5th grade.

More Snowman Crafts for Kids

• Foam Cup Snowmen
• Snowman Felt Board
• Make a Glue Snowman
• Snowman Soap

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This post originally appeared here on Jan 9, 2010 and has since been updated with new photos.