How to Make a Button Snowman

Assorted buttons create the illusion of snow on this cheerful little snowman ready to join the holiday festivities. Ideal for a wintery mantle display or simply on a window sill or under the tree, this snowman is so quick to make that you can invite the kids to help out.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch Styrofoam ball
• 3-inch Styrofoam ball
• 4-inch Styrofoam ball
• 1/4-inch dowel
• Assorted white buttons
• 5 to 6 medium black buttons
• 1 tiny black button (mouth)
• 2 tiny 4-hole white buttons (eyes)
• 5 large (1 to 1 1/2-inch) black buttons
• Toothpick
• Twigs
• Mini straw broom
• Black embroidery floss
• Red plaid ribbon

Instructions

1. Assemble the three Styrofoam balls to create the shape of the snowman. Connect the balls by cutting 2-inch sections of the dowel and inserting one end into the 4-inch ball to a depth of 1 inch. Insert the remaining end into the 3-inch ball. Repeat to connect the 3-inch ball with the 2-inch ball. Trim a thin slice off the bottom of the snowman to create a flat bottom to support the snowman.

2. Choose a wide selection of white buttons. Vary the size, shape and design of these buttons for the best effect. Pour a small amount glue into a shallow dish. Dip the button in the glue and press in place onto the foam ball. Work until the entire snowman is covered with white buttons.

3. Sew a floss "X" through the holes of the eye buttons and glue in place. glue the small black button in place for the mouth. Paint the toothpick orange. Cut to the desired length and insert into the foam for the nose.

4. Stack and glue 5 or 6 large black buttons from largest to smallest. Glue to the top of the head for a top hat. Glue 5 medium black buttons down the front of the snowman for buttons. Insert twigs into the sides of the middle ball for arms. Tie plaid ribbon around the neck for a scarf. Add a mini straw broom by gluing to one arm.

5. Display the button snowman on the mantle or on a tabletop among evergreens. Spray the evergreens lightly with spray snow for a winter wonderland scene.

Tips & Warnings

• Create several snowmen in varying sizes for a snowman family. Glue in place on a solid base and add evergreens and fiberfill for snow to conceal the base.

• Add scrap fabric for the scarf in place of ribbon, if preferred.