This Weekend: Build the Best Snowman Ever

I don’t know if the weather where you live is anything like what we’ve been experiencing lately, but if it is, I feel your pain. I’ve about had enough of this bitter cold, and truthfully, I just want to hibernate until springtime.

But that’s no way to treat Mother Nature. This weekend I’ve vowed to get out there and enjoy the mounds of snow hovering at my doorstep—no matter if that means six layers of socks, four scarves, and two hats. So I’m building a snowman, and you can bet that if I must be out in the cold I’m going to build the best looking snowman this side of the Mississippi.

Here’s how I plan to do it:

1. Test the snow for “packability.” No, that’s not a legitimate word, but it’s crucial when it comes to constructing Frosty. The snow must clump together without falling apart and without forming an ice cube. You’ll know if you have good snow the second you feel it.

2. Start rolling. Grab a clump of the white stuff and form a small ball in your hand. Keep adding snow to your ball, being mindful to keep it as round as possible. (This is an essential step. You must keep the ball round, or your snowman will look lopsided when finished.)

3. Keep it tight. As you’re rolling along, pack the snow very firmly. This way your guy—or girl—will bravely face the world for a long time to come. Pack it too loosely, and it’ll fall apart as soon as the wind blows.

4. Get ready for the belly. Once you’ve formed the base—or as I like to think of it, the legs—you’re ready to move to the belly. You’ll follow the same steps with this one, but obviously, you’ll make it a little smaller. Before you roll it on top of your first mound, sprinkle loose snow on the base, so the belly has something to grab onto and hold it in place.  

5. Repeat step four for the head.

6. Make him shine. This is where you get creative. I’m a big fan of grabbing whatever’s in your house to create the face, but you can purchase snowman kits—like this one ($21 on sale) from Duluth Trading Company—if that bogs you down.

The carrot is the obvious choice for the nose, but have fun with it. A spoon, cup, or even a cucumber could work nicely. And the same goes for the rest of the body. I say the more original the snowman the better. Need a muse? Go here or here. And, as always, you better not forget to let me know how it goes.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[snowman]

Cute