How to Build a Homemade Snow Dragon

Snow can hold its shape well, making it a great sculpting material.

Winter in cold climates can get tedious, especially for families and children. Staying in the house too much can contribute to "cabin fever" and restlessness. However, if you live in a snowy climate, building snow sculptures as a family can be a fun winter activity. Although basic snowmen are quick and easy, with a little planning, you can create more elaborate snow sculptures, such as a snow dragon, to guard your front yard.

Things You'll Need

• Snow shovel
• Trowel
• Spoon
• Large plastic trash can
• Spray bottle
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill the trash can with loose snow and pack it down tightly with the flat of the shovel. Let the can sit overnight to freeze; you want a solid cylinder or block of snow to make carving easier. Choose your location for your sculpture and turn the trash can over to slide out the block of snow.

2. Decide on the general size and shape of your snow dragon. Chip away at the snow using the trowel and spoons to carve out the head, body and limbs. If you need to add snow, taking it inside to warm it slightly helps make it stick.

3. Carve out any fine details, such as scales or facial features. Add food coloring to the spray bottle and spray onto the snow, if desired. If you don't plan to add color, seal and harden the sculpture by spraying a light mist of water all over.

References

• Family Education: Snow Sculptures and other activities
• Travel Alberta: How to Sculpt Snow with Kids