This winter, keep kids entertained and happy on those surprise no-school days by enjoying fun snow themed crafts together. Here are three ideas to give you inspiration.
Pipe cleaner snowflakes
To construct unique and creative pipe cleaner snowflakes, purchase a variety of pipe cleaners and small beads in clear, white, ivory, silver, and/or pale blue. If you would like to hang the snowflakes as decorations, also purchase thread in corresponding colors. This is a great snow day activity for children of all ages, because the use of scissors is completely optional, and not necessary. There are a wide variety of ways to construct each snowflake, so allow the kids to use their own creative judgment.
The snowflakes can be made flat, or three-dimensional. Three-dimensional snowflakes can easily be made by taking a small handful of pipe cleaners and securing another pipe cleaner around the bundle at the halfway point of the cluster. Then, fan out the two halves of the cluster so the points stick out straight in all directions. Scissors may be used to vary the length of the points, but this is not a necessary step if dealing with very young children. Snowflakes can be made each one color, or mix the colors together for different effects. Add the beads to the pipe cleaners for added sparkle and detail, spacing them out along each point, or just adding one bead to some of the ends. Hang each snowflake by securing thread to the top point of the snowflake.
Cotton ball snowman pictures
Cotton ball snowman pictures are a great and easy way for kids to pass the time on a snow day. Allow each child to choose a piece of colored construction paper. Then, provide cotton balls, glue, and crayons or markers. (This activity is also suitable for all ages, but be sure to keep an eye on very young children when handling the glue.) Instruct the children to first “build” a snowman or snowmen by gluing cotton balls onto the paper. They can make one large snowman by arranging several cotton balls into three balls of snow, or make lots of little snowmen by simply using three cotton balls each. After the cotton balls dry to the paper, let them decorate the background with crayons or markers.
Edible cupcake snowmen
First, have some cupcakes on hand. (If you are dealing with older children, baking them can be part of the fun you share together!) You will also need white or off-white frosting, small candies or sprinkles in a variety of colors, marshmallows, and straight, thin pretzel sticks. First, frost the cupcakes. Then frost a marshmallow and add it to the center of the cupcake, flat side up. This will act as the snowman’s “head.” Use the small colored candies to decorate the face with eyes and a nose, and add them beneath the marshmallow as the snowman’s “buttons.” Finish by adding a pretzel to each side to appear as branches for arms.
