Looking for a fun and inexpensive Christmas craft that turns something you might normally throw away into adorable holiday decor? This DIY yarn snowman is a fun way to recycle old CDs and create a cute snowman that can be displayed throughout the winter season.
This is a great beginner-friendly Christmas craft and would also make a fun project for older children with adult supervision.
Supplies
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).
- 1 old CD
- Chunky white yarn
- Wooden dowels for the legs
- Small wooden base
- Air-dry Foam clay
- Small Buttons
- Foam Craft Sheets – Black, Orange and White
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Fabric for a scarf
- Optional: small embellishments for the hat
How to Make a DIY Yarn Snowman
If you would like to use our snowman pattern as a guide, download it using the button below.
Step 1: Prepare the CD
Start with a clean, unwanted CD.
Wipe the CD with a soft cloth to remove any surface debris or oils.
If you don’t have an old CD, you could also use an old DVD for this project or cut a similar-sized circle from poster board or cardboard.
Step 2: Cover the Back
Add hot glue to the back of the CD and adhere a piece of white craft foam.
Trim the edges to match the CD.
Step 3: Adhere the Legs
If you want the legs of your snowman to be white, give them a coat of paint before you start. They look fine naturally if you prefer.
You can make the legs long, short or in between, whatever you like. Be aware that the longer the legs, the harder it is to stand. See tips at the end to help hold up the long-legged snowman.
Glue the dowels to the surface of the CD about an inch or two apart.
Step 4: Create the Boots and Coal
You can create the boots and coal at any time; just make sure you give the foam clay ample drying time.
For the Boots: \Shape the foam clay into a long tube. Cut it in half and bend each piece into an L-shape. Using your fingers, shape the clay into boots.
Poke the mini dowel into each boot to create a hole for the legs.
Set the boots aside to dry.
For the Coal: Shape the foam clay into small balls and press them flat.
Step 5: Glue Yarn onto the CD
Start in the center of the CD. Create a small coil of yarn in your hand and glue it onto the center of the CD.
Continue coiling the yarn and gluing it to the CD until the entire surface is covered.
Try to keep the yarn straight as you work.
When you reach the outside edge, add more glue and press slightly over the edge.
Before cutting the yarn, check the back and make sure the CD is not visible. If it is, add a little more yarn to cover it.
Trim and glue down the end.
Step 6: Attach Head, Scarf and Buttons
Glue on a circular piece of craft foam for the head. You can place it in any style you like. Mine is offset slightly, but if you prefer a more uniform, straight snowman, place it in the center.
From a scrap piece of fabric or felt, cut a scarf shape and glue it under the head of the snowman.
Glue on the buttons to the snowman’s body.
Step 7: Add Hat and Facial Features
Cut a small carrot-shaped nose from orange foam.
Cut a top hat from black craft foam
Cut a small band for the top hat from ribbon or scrap fabric.
Glue the band onto the top hat.
Glue the top hat onto the snowman’s head.
Glue on the nose and then the eyes and mouth foam clay coal pieces.
Step 8: Attach Boots
Add a little hot glue into the holes of the boots,
Add a generous amount of hot glue to a small wooden round (base)
Press the boots into the glue while holding the snowman upright to make sure he is standing straight.
Hold for a minute or so, making sure to let the glue set.
If desired, add a little snow tex or texture paste to the wood base to give it the look of fallen snow.
Your yarn snowman is now done. All that is left is to show it off!
Tips for Making a DIY Yarn Snowman
Use Smooth Chunky Yarn
Chunky yarn is ideal because it covers the CD faster and creates a fuller snow-like texture. If you’re using thinner yarn, it is difficult to get the coiling technique smooth. Choose a yarn that has a smooth finish and not too many loose fibres. The fibres can look messy.
Tips for Taller Snowmen
The longer the legs are, the more tippy your snowman will be. Make sure you have a sturdy base. A heavier clay, such as air-dry clay, will make the legs sturdier. Be generous with the hot glue when attaching the snowman to the base. This will help hold him up.
Alternative to CDs
No CDs = no problem! You can use anything rigid and flat. Poster board, foam core board or recycled cardboard are good choices. Just cut a circle shape as follows the assembly instructions.
This DIY yarn snowman is such a fun way to turn a simple recycled CD into a cheerful piece of Christmas decor. With chunky yarn, a few buttons, a little craft foam and a cozy fleece scarf, you can create a snowman that is both inexpensive and full of personality. Make one for your holiday mantel or tabletop, or create a whole family of recycled CD snowmen with different hats, scarves and expressions. It’s an easy Christmas craft that proves you don’t need expensive supplies to make something truly special!
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).
