Snowman idea I got from a provider friend of mine, Lola. (not sure where she got the idea from)
Needed: man's white tube sock
fabric dye
toothpick
toilet paper roll
4 inch styrofoam ball
fabric strip for scarf
wiggly eyes
permanent black marker
glue gun
jingle bell clochettes (I used 2 13mm for each snowman)
buttons of choice
Steps: Cut off top of the tube sock - this will become the snowman's hat. It can be any length - longer will make the stocking hat flop to the side. Dye this part of the sock any color you desire, following the directions on the dye. Let dry completely before adding to the snowman, or it will turn the snowman the same color. ( the snowman pictured doesn't have a colored hat so it's hard to see. I didn't have dye at the time, but wanted to show you a picture)
Stuff the styrofoam ball into the toe of the rest of the sock (turning it inside out first may give it more of a "snowy" texture) Next stuff a toilet paper roll (full) inside as well. Tuck the extra length of the sock up into the toilet paper tube. Tie a fabric strip around the neck of the snowman.
Once the stocking hat is dry, slip the top of the sock; the elastic part, onto the head of the snowman. Tie the end with a piece of yarn that has jingle bells on it. This will close the end of the hat to make it look like a stocking hat. You could also sew it shut and then add a small pom-pon onto it with a glue gun.
Using the glue gun, carefully help the children add the wiggle eyes and buttons. Add a toothpick for the nose. I dyed mine orange using liquid watercolors from Discount School Supply. But a marker would work or I've seen where you can buy colored toothpicks.
Other extras that could be done....... pink chalk rubs for cheeks, bells on the ends of the scarf, black coal shaped buttons for eyes, mouth and buttons, pom-pon hat, another toilet paper roll to make an "adult" snowman, etc.....
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