Christmas Clay Pot Crafts: Frosty the Snowman

By Sirena Van Schaik

I’m not sure why, but somewhere along the way Snowmen became a popular decoration for Christmas. Maybe because it is winter and in winter, depending on where you live, you get snow, or maybe it is because Santa lives in the North Pole and there is a lot of snow up that way. Regardless of the reason, snowmen are here to stay and I have more than one item that has a group of snowmen celebrating the Christmas season.
For this reason, these little Snowmen clay pots make an excellent decoration for the home and they also make wonderful gifts for everyone you know. You can make them yourself or you can make them with your children. Whatever you choose, you know that Frosty will be loved wherever he goes.

What you need:

1. 1 Clay Pot: The best size is one that is 2¼ inches in diameter although you don’t need to make them that size. Choose the lighter clay pot color to avoid having to paint several layers of white onto them.
2. 1 wooden ball: Just like the clay pot, the best size is 1½ inch diameter but you can play around with different sizes.
3. Paint: You can use tempura paint, white of course, but if you are doing several and are pressed for time (who isn’t?) then find a matte white spray paint. Make sure that it works on clay surfaces; you can purchase it at most craft stores.
4. Acrylic Paint: You will need acrylic paint and small paint brushes to create the detailing on the face. Use orange for the carrot nose, black for the eyes and smile and a soft pink to add a little rosiness to those cheeks. If you prefer, use a sharpie pen to make all the face details.
5. Buttons: It depends on the size of the buttons that you purchase but usually two buttons will be enough.
6. Craft Glue: You can use hot glue but I prefer to use white crafters glue. It might be a bit messier but you know it will stick for a long time.
7. Material: This can be anything from scraps to ribbon but you need enough to make the hat and scarf. (One way to make a scarf is to purchase wool children’s socks. You cut off the end of the sock, fold up one end to make a ridge on the hat, like a winter hat, and then tie the cut end with small ribbon to create a little pom-pom on the top.)
8. Clear coat sealer: At the craft store, there is a sealer that is designed for painted clay surfaces.

Directions:

Before you start working on the snowman, it is important to prep the materials first. Start by washing the clay pots and removing any tags from them. If there is a glue residue, wash it off with rubbing alcohol and then wash with soap and water. Sand any rough spots on the wooden balls if you need to.

• Turn the clay pot upside down.
• Using the white glue, glue the wooden ball to the bottom of the clay pot so that it looks like a bell shape with a round ball on the top.
• Allow the glue to dry completely.
• After the glue is dry, spray paint the ball and pot white. Reapply if necessary, allowing the paint to dry completely each time.
• Once the paint is dry, it is time to start decorating.
• Using the white glue, attach the buttons to the clay pot.
• Draw or paint on the face and then your snowman is finished. You can embellish with glitter or any other materials you want to.
• Spray the snowman with clear coat sealer before you continue on. Allow it to dry completely.
• Wrap a length of material around the “neck” of the snowman; this is where the ball and pot are joined.
• Make sure there is a little overhang so the material looks like a scarf.
• Make the hat and glue that to the top of the snowman’s head (the top of the ball).

And there is your beautiful snowman. You can give Frosty away as a gift but chances are you will be so pleased with the snowman that you will have to make two so you can keep one for yourself.