Soup Can Snowmen {A Parent Gift Idea}

The holidays are fast approaching.  Every year, I like to have my students make a special gift for their parents (or anyone they deem special enough to share their gift with). There are so many wonderful gift ideas out there, but my all time favorite are these adorable soup can snowmen.


I absolutely adore this project and I am so glad that my dear friend H introduced it to me several years ago. 


Aren't they adorbs?  The best part is, they are so, so easy! Keep reading to find out how to make these little keepsake cuties.

Materials
You will need:
  • 1 empty soup can per student (I prefer the "Family Size" taller cans, but any size will do)
  • 2 cans of Krylon white flat paint (do not substitute, I decided to try the cheapo Walmart brand this year and it was awful....I still ended up getting some Krylon to smooth things over)
  • 1-2 packages of 3/8 inch birch buttons (for the nose)
  • orange acrylic paint
  • wax paper
  • 1 glove per student (I usually get the packs of "mini" gloves from Target but this summer I scored some on clearance at JoAnns for 50 cents a pair!)
  • ribbon
  • strips of fabric (I buy 2 fat quarters and tear them into 1 inch wide strips.)
  • pink acrylic paint
  • Sharpies
  • Hot glue gun

I always ask my students to bring in the cans and $1 to cover the cost of supplies. I work in a school where this is possible, and it helps offset/cover the cost of the materials. Start collecting early, depending on your group it may take a while to get those cans!

Directions
1. Spray paint the outside of the empty cans.  This will likely take a few coats.  I lay a cheapo shower liner down in my backyard and get to spraying.

2. Put the birch buttons into a ziploc bag and place a few drops of orange acrylic paint into the bag.  Zip it shut and squish everything around until the buttons are coated in paint.  Set them out to dry on wax paper.

I do steps one and two at home, over the weekend. When I get to school, I prep things by completing steps three and four.

3. Place a glove on top of each can.

4. Tear the fat quarters into 1 inch wide strips. I always get a few different colors or prints so the students can choose.

Now it's time for the students to do their part.  I've found that it is easier to call students over a few at a time to put the details on their snowmen because they need help tying and trimming things.

5. Let your students choose a strip of fabric for their snowman's scarf.  I usually have them tie the scarf on themselves, but some don't know how to tie a knot.  The scarves will be long, but that's OK, just trim off the excess once they are tied and knotted at the base of the can. 

6.  Let the students choose a coordinating ribbon and tie it around the fingers of the glove.  Don't bother tying a bow, just knot it in place.  You can get ribbon for pretty cheap around the holidays at Michaels.

7. Have students use a Sharpie to draw two eyes and a mouth on their snowman.

8. Then, have them "barely" dip their finger in pink paint to make cheeks.  I tell them to dab it in place and then rub it around a bit.

9. Hot glue the orange birch button nose in place for the students.

Don't Forget the Gift Wrap
I know the heading above sounds like I'm about to share some fancy idea, buuuuut, I'm not. I don't get fancy with the wrapping.  The snowmen are placed in a brown lunch bag and tied shut with ribbon (or if you want to be even less fancy, fold the top over a few times and staple it shut). I guess the ribbon makes it kind of fancy, though. ;)  I usually have the students make a gift tag and attach it to the bag as I tie the ribbon. 

This project is super simple and the kids love it!  They are always so excited to take their snowmen home and gift them to their families.  Thanks again to my sweet friend H for sharing this keepsake idea with me so many years ago.  I hope it becomes one of your favorites too!

DON'T FORGET IT, PIN IT!



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4 comments:

  1. Super cute holiday gift! Simply adorable. We made Watch Me Grow pots for our parents. The kids put a picture of each year they are in school on a different flower. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
    -Jaime
    Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

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  2. Super cute! I will try this next year! I will have my girls make it for me this year! Thanks for the idea!

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  3. Adorable! Looks like I'll be pinning this cute idea! :)

    Cindy
    Granny Goes to School

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