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If you have access to some small wood scraps, or perhaps a board you can cut up,
you can make these cute little additions to your holiday shelves. But wait,
don't stop there! The creative possibilities of this craft are endless; try
Santas, Christmas trees, reindeer, Nativity scenes, elves, and more!
You will need
wood scraps in various sizes and shapes
sandpaper
acrylic paint in white, black, and orange
brown antiquing stain
material scraps
children's socks
ribbon
raffia
buttons
white craft glue
small and large paintbrushes
dry rag
Sanding & Painting
Begin by sanding any rough edges from the wood to avoid painful splinters. Paint
wood white on all sides and at one end (the other end will be covered with a
hat). Allow paint to dry, then apply a second coat and allow that to dry as
well.
Leaving enough room at the top of the "head" for the hat's brim, paint on face
by dotting on two black eyes and black dots for the mouth. Using a small, fine
paintbrush, paint on an orange nose. Allow to dry completely or the antiquing
you do below will smear your hard work!
Prepare Your Embellishments
While waiting for the paint to dry, choose and trim your embellishments. Use tea
dyed socks and gingham prints for the antiqued snowmen, use traditional primary
colors, or the popular ice blue, for your white snowmen. Fringe the ends of your
scarves with sharp fabric scissors, string small pieces of raffia through button
holes and tie in knots or bows, cut small scraps for patches, trim the feet off
of children's socks and fringe ankle ends for hats.
The Antique Look
This step is optional. Some of ours are antiqued, some are not. When the paint
has dried completely, brush on a layer of brown antiquing stain, ensuring that
all cracks and crevices are filled. Immediately wipe off with a dry rag. This
will create an antiqued look. Notice how the brown stain remains darker inside
the little cracks and crevices giving it an aged look. Allow the stain to dry.
Finishing Touches
Tie scarf around neck, reinforce it with a bit of craft glue. Place the cuff of
the children's sock on the snowman's head (the end that is not painted!), glue
brim in place. Trim the "top" of the hat but cutting it in a fringe fashion. Tie
a ribbon or piece of raffia around the fringed top and tighten. Fluff up the
fringe by pulling and adjusting the fringes with your fingers. Add buttons to
hat and/or body, you can also glue a small patch on the hat brim. You may also
use material scraps to fashion a hat and glue a pom pom on the top.
About the author
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. Subscribe to her
free weekly kid's craft newsletter, Busy Little Hands, by sending any email
message tomailto:kidscrafts-on@mail-list.com or by visiting her website at
http://familycorner.com.
Sheila "I am a Christian Woman, a stay home homemaker and a Mom.
My interests: I love to knit, crochet, sew, embrodiery, and quilt. I play the piano, read music, I write Chrisitan poems and writings. I collect teddy bears, angels, hearts and butterflies."
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If you have access to some small wood scraps, or perhaps a board you can cut up,
you can make these cute little additions to your holiday shelves. But wait,
don't stop there! The creative possibilities of this craft are endless; try
Santas, Christmas trees, reindeer, Nativity scenes, elves, and more!
Tips for Selecting the Best Summer Fruit
Preserve and Display your Wedding Memories
Caring for Wicker Furniture