Happy December everybody!

Slowly but surely, my Christmas decorations are going up around the house.  Having a very hands on little one has presented a bit of a challenge (both in finding time to work on it, and also in making sure that she doesn't actually eat Christmas.  As it is, I feel like she's going to be pooping glitter through the new year.)  As you can imagine, my decor is not just getting more kid-safe, it's also becoming a bit more kid-focused.  Piles of toys, bright primary colors and even a few St Nick pieces are making their way into the rotation and, I have to say, I Love It.  Kids truly do bring a certain magic back to Christmas.

This week, I thought I'd share one of my favorite DIY Christmas projects:  Sock Snowmen.  They're easy, inexpensive, customizable AND they make great projects to do with the kiddos.  It does require a glue gun (Not terrifically kid friendly), but fabric glue would work just as well.

So let's get to it!

You'll Need: 

Long White Tube Sock
1/2-1 c. Dry Rice or Beans, tied tightly in plastic sandwich bag
Christmas Socks (my local Dollar Tree had some cute ones)
Pillow Stuffing (Poly-fil, etc)
Buttons and beads
Twigs
Balsa Crafting Dowel
Sandpaper
Orange Craft Paint
Ribbon
Embellishments
Hot Glue Gun

The Process

Start by chopping off the top section of your tube sock (the tight elastic).  This should leave a good ten inches to work with.  

Next, place your bag of rice in the bottom of the sock (This will allow your snowman to stand up when he's done).  Fill the rest of your sock with stuffing, making sure to smooth out any lumps (unless you want a lumpy snowman.  In that case, go for it.  I'm a big proponent of positive body image).  Leave the top 3 inches empty.


Tuck the top three inches into the center of the sock. 


Next, cut the Christmas sock in half with the toe section separated from the heel and ankle.  Pull the toe over tucked in portion of the tube sock to make a festive winter hat. 


Cut or break a one inch section off of the balsa dowel.  Using the sandpaper, form a cone-like shape (it only takes a minute or two).  Once finished, give the wood a quick coat of orange paint.  Carrot nose, done.


Using a hot glue gun, adhere the carrot to the face.  Use your buttons and beads to create eyes, a smile, and, well, buttons.  Tie a length of coordinating ribbon around the snowman's neck for a scarf.  Glue twigs to either side of the snowman for tiny little arms (I try to push the sticks INTO the sock fabric to give them more stability).  Finally, use your crafting embellishments to personalize your snowman.  I added a tiny wreath and puffball to this snowman's hat, but I've also given snowmen glasses, aprons, outfits... you name it. 


That's it! How easy was that? 


Because I'm a bit of a softy, I decided to make a super tiny one for my munchkin out of her outgrown baby socks.  I've got to say, it's so stinkin' cute!!  I may be inspired to make the snowman version of our family (rest assured, her's will be the only one with used socks...)


My little snowdude is being added to the toy pile on the demilune for now, but I may make a few as silly gifts or for the shelves in the guest room.  They're so cheap, easy, quick and fun!  And, as an added bonus, the snowmen will NOT, in fact, come to life and wreak havoc on your home in the middle of night like other creepy little holiday toys.  (Looking at you, Elf on the Shelf.)


I'm hoping to have a Christmas house tour pulled together soon, but as of now, there are few more projects to finish up.  How are your decorations coming together?  Do you have any special Christmas crafts that make you smile? Leave me a note or hit me up on facebook!  As always, I love to hear from you!

Have a fantastic week and thanks for stopping by!!