Snow days are a magical time when the world is transformed into a winter wonderland. While it may be tempting to stay bundled up indoors, snow days present the perfect opportunity to engage in creative and fun crafts. Whether you’re looking for activities to keep the kids entertained or want to unleash your own artistic side, this comprehensive guide on crafts for snow days has got you covered. From snow-themed crafts to cozy indoor projects, this article provides a wide range of ideas to make the most of those snow-filled days.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Section 1: Snowflake Crafts
- Section 2: Snowman Crafts
- Section 3: Indoor Crafts
- Conclusion
Snowflake Crafts
Snowflakes are intricate and delicate, making them a perfect inspiration for crafting during snow days. Let’s explore some snowflake-themed crafts that are easy to make and bring the beauty of winter into your home.
Making Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are a classic and easy craft that can be enjoyed by all ages. This timeless activity requires only a few simple materials and can be done with just a pair of scissors and some paper. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful paper snowflakes:
- Gather your materials: plain white paper, scissors, and, optionally, a pencil and ruler.
- Fold the paper: Start by folding the paper diagonally to form a triangle.
- Create a smaller triangle: Fold the triangle once more to create an even smaller triangle.
- Begin cutting: Using your scissors cut out small shapes and patterns along the folded edges of the triangle. Be creative with your designs!
- Unfold and admire: Carefully unfold the paper to reveal your intricate snowflake design.
Clay Snowflakes
For a more three-dimensional approach, clay snowflakes offer a unique and artistic twist to traditional paper snowflakes. Here’s how you can make clay snowflakes:
- Gather your materials: air-dry clay, a rolling pin, snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, a straw, and optional acrylic paint for decoration.
- Roll out the clay: Flatten the clay using a rolling pin until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out the snowflake shape: Press the snowflake-shaped cookie cutter firmly into the clay and remove the excess clay around it.
- Create a hanging hole: Use a straw to poke a hole near one of the points of the snowflake for hanging.
- Let it dry: Place the clay snowflake on a flat surface to dry. Follow the drying instructions provided with the clay, as drying times may vary.
- Optional: Once the clay is dry, you can paint the snowflake with acrylic paint to enhance it further.
Snowflake Window Clings
Snowflake window clings are a great way to add a touch of winter wonderland to your home. These clings can be easily removed and reused, making them a perfect craft for snow days. Here’s how to make your own snowflake window clings:
- Gather your materials: puffy fabric paint in various colors, wax paper, snowflake templates (you can find printable templates online), and a plastic bag or piping bag.
- Place the templates: Lay the snowflake templates on a flat surface and cover them with a sheet of wax paper.
- Trace the snowflakes: Use the puffy fabric paint to carefully trace the outlines of the snowflake templates onto the wax paper. Be sure to create intricate designs within the outlines as well.
- Let them dry: Allow the clings to dry fully according to the instructions on the fabric paint. This usually takes about 6-8 hours.
- Peel and stick: Once dry, carefully peel the snowflake clings off the wax paper and stick them onto your windows for a festive touch.
Snowman Crafts
Snowmen are an iconic symbol of winter and a delightful subject for crafting on snow days. Let’s explore some snowman-themed crafts that will bring warmth and joy to your home.
Snowman Ornaments
Snowman ornaments make charming additions to your Christmas tree or home decor during the winter season. Creating snowman ornaments is an enjoyable craft for both kids and adults alike. Here’s how to make your own snowman ornaments:
- Gather your materials: white polymer clay, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, small decorative items (such as beads, ribbon, or mini scarves), a toothpick, and optional clear varnish for added shine.
- Shape the snowman bodies: Roll the white polymer clay into three different-sized balls to form the snowman’s body.
- Assemble the snowmen: Stack the clay balls on top of each other, with the largest at the bottom and the smallest at the top. Use a toothpick to secure the layers together.
- Add details: Use the toothpick to create eyes, a mouth, and buttons on the snowman’s body. You can also press small beads into the clay to create a textured look.
- Bake the ornaments: Place the clay snowmen on a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions provided with the polymer clay. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- Paint and decorate: Paint the snowmen with acrylic paint, adding colorful scarves, hats, and other accessories. Finish with a coat of clear varnish for a glossy finish.
- Attach a hanger: Use a small piece of ribbon or string to create a hanging loop for your snowman ornaments.
Sock Snowmen
If you’re looking for a craft that is both adorable and budget-friendly, sock snowmen are the way to go. These cuddly snowman decorations can be made using old socks and a few basic craft supplies. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather your materials: a white sock, rice or stuffing, rubber bands, buttons, ribbon, fabric glue, scissors, and optional felt or fabric scraps for accessories.
- Fill the sock: Fill the sock with rice or stuffing, leaving some space at the top to create the snowman’s head.
- Secure the body: Use a rubber band to secure the filled section of the sock, creating the snowman’s body.
- Make the head: Take another rubber band and tie it around the top of the sock, creating the snowman’s head. Shape the excess sock fabric into a rounded head.
- Decorate the snowman: Use buttons for eyes and create a mouth using either small beads or embroidery thread. Add a ribbon for a scarf and use fabric glue to attach any additional accessories like a hat or mittens.
- Optional: Cut out felt or fabric scraps to create a hat, scarf, or mittens for your snowman. Attach them using fabric glue or sewing.
- Display and enjoy: Place your sock snowman on a shelf, mantle, or windowsill, and enjoy the adorable winter decoration.
Indoor Crafts
When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to get cozy indoors and engage in crafts that bring warmth and creativity. Let’s explore some indoor crafts that will keep you entertained during snow days.
DIY Snow Globe
Snow globes are enchanting and capture the essence of a winter wonderland. Creating your own DIY snow globe allows you to customize the scene and bring a touch of magic to your home. Here’s how to make a homemade snow globe:
- Gather your materials: a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, waterproof figurines or ornaments, distilled water, glycerin (available at craft stores), glitter, epoxy resin or waterproof glue, and optional food coloring.
- Glue the figurines: Use epoxy resin or waterproof glue to securely attach the figurines or ornaments to the inside of the jar lid. Ensure they are positioned as desired.
- Create the snow: In a separate container, mix distilled water with a few drops of glycerin. The glycerin helps the glitter float more slowly.
- Add glitter: Sprinkle a generous amount of glitter into the jar, choosing a color that complements your figurines or desired scene.
- Optional: If you’d like to add color to your snow globe, mix a small amount of food coloring into the water before pouring it into the jar.
- Seal the jar: Carefully pour the water mixture into the jar, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Apply epoxy resin or waterproof glue to the rim of the jar and tightly screw on the lid.
- Test for leaks: Gently shake the snow globe to ensure there are no leaks. If any leaks are found, reseal the jar and allow it to dry completely before testing again.
Winter-themed String Art
String art is a relaxing and creative craft that can be transformed into a winter-themed masterpiece. This craft allows you to create stunning designs using just nails, a wooden board, and colorful string. Here’s how to make winter-themed string art:
- Gather your materials: a wooden board, nails, a hammer, embroidery floss or yarn in various colors, a pencil, and optional snowflake or winter-themed templates.
- Prepare the board: Lightly sand the wooden board to smooth any rough edges.
- Transfer the design: If using templates, print and cut out snowflake or winter-themed designs. Position the templates onto the wooden board and use a pencil to trace around the edges, creating an outline for the string art.
- Add the nails: Place nails along the traced lines, evenly spacing them apart. Hammer the nails into the board, leaving around 1/2 inch of each nail exposed.
- String the design: Tie one end of the embroidery floss or yarn to a nail. Start weaving the string around the nails, following the outline of your design. Experiment with different patterns and colors to create a unique look.
- Complete the design: Continue weaving the string until the desired pattern is achieved. Once finished, tie off the end of the string to a nail and trim any excess.
- Display your creation: Hang your winter-themed string art on a wall or use it as a decorative centerpiece during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Snow days provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time indoors and embrace your creative side. This comprehensive guide on crafts for snow days has explored a variety of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. From snowflake decorations to snowman creations and indoor crafts, there is no shortage of options to keep you entertained and inspired during snowy days. So, the next time the snow starts falling, gather your materials, get cozy, and let your imagination soar as you embark on a craft-filled adventure. Embrace the winter wonderland and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy crafting!
