How to Make Adorable Marshmallow Snowman Ornaments for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating your own charming DIY ornaments? In this in-depth blog post, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a set of adorable marshmallow snowman ornaments that are perfect for decorating your tree or giving as thoughtful handmade gifts.

These whimsical snowman ornaments are the creation of Janet's Craft Corner, a talented crafter who specializes in easy-to-make DIY kits. In her recent YouTube tutorial, Janet demonstrates how to paint and assemble these frosty friends using a simple yet effective technique. Let's dive in and learn how you can make your own set of marshmallow snowman ornaments!

Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you'll need the Marshmallow Snowman Ornament Set from Janet's Craft Corner. This kit includes all the pre-cut wood pieces you'll need to create two adorable snowman designs - one full-body with arms, buttons, and scarf details, and one close-up face.

In addition to the kit, you'll also want to have the following supplies on hand:

• FolkArt Multi-Surface acrylic paints in the following colors: Titanium White, Honeycomb, Real Brown, Lamp Black, and Apple Red
• Tooli acrylic paint pens in black
• Art Institute Precision Craft Glue or another strong, quick-drying glue
• A sponge or makeup sponges (cut into quarters for smaller pieces)
• An X-Acto knife or toothpick
• Wet wipes or baby wipes
• Ribbon or baker's twine for the hanging loops

Painting the Snowman Pieces

The first step in creating your marshmallow snowman ornaments is to paint the base coats on the wood pieces. Janet recommends using the sponge method to apply the paint, as this helps preserve the engraved details and gives the pieces a more rustic, handmade look.

Start by painting the main body of the snowmen with the Titanium White paint, being careful not to go all the way to the top and bottom edges where the pieces will be attached. This will help prevent any white paint from seeping over the edges. You can also use an X-Acto knife or toothpick to go back over the engraved lines and ensure they remain visible.

Next, paint the snowflake pieces using the sponge method and the Titanium White paint. Again, be sure to leave the engraved details exposed. While the white paint is drying, move on to painting the orange carrot noses using the Honeycomb color and the sponge technique.

For the red scarves and buttons, Janet recommends using the wet wipe method to create a more distressed, vintage-inspired look. Dab the Real Brown and Lamp Black paints onto a wet wipe, then gently rub the paint across the pieces to achieve a subtly worn effect.

Once all the pieces have received their base coats, go back and apply a second coat of white paint to the snowmen bodies and snowflakes. This will help ensure full coverage and a crisp, clean finish.

Assembling the Ornaments

With the painting complete, it's time to start assembling your marshmallow snowman ornaments. Janet suggests using the Art Institute Precision Craft Glue for this step, as it dries quickly and provides a strong bond.

Begin by gluing the gingerbread-style pieces (the "chocolate" and "graham cracker") onto the snowmen bodies, aligning them as closely as possible to minimize any gaps. Next, add the black button details and the carrot noses, using the engraved guidelines to position them correctly.

For the arms, simply glue them onto the sides of the snowmen, again aiming for a seamless fit. Finally, attach the red heart accents and the snowflake embellishments to the corners of each ornament.

To finish off your marshmallow snowman ornaments, you'll need to add a hanging loop. Janet demonstrates a clever technique using baker's twine or ribbon to create a faux bow effect. Simply thread the twine or ribbon through the pre-drilled hole, tie a knot, and then form a small bow shape to hang your ornament.

Adding the Finishing Touches

The last step in creating your marshmallow snowman ornaments is to add the final details using a paint pen. Janet recommends the Tooli acrylic paint pens in assorted colors, as well as black and white, to fill in the engraved features like the eyes, mouths, and other small accents.

Using the paint pens, simply follow the engraved guidelines to draw the eyes, mouths, and any other desired details. The paint will naturally seep into the lines, creating a clean, defined look. Don't worry if your lines aren't perfectly straight - the handmade nature of these ornaments means that a little imperfection is part of the charm!

And with that, your adorable marshmallow snowman ornaments are complete! These frosty friends are now ready to be hung on your Christmas tree, displayed on a mantel or shelf, or given as thoughtful handmade gifts to friends and family.

Tips for Customizing Your Ornaments

One of the best things about these marshmallow snowman ornaments is the opportunity to personalize them and make them your own. Here are a few ideas to help you get creative:

• Mix up the colors: While the classic white, orange, red, and black color scheme is a festive choice, feel free to experiment with different paint colors to suit your personal style or the decor of your home. Try shades of blue, green, or even metallic for a modern twist.
• Add extra embellishments: In addition to the snowflakes included in the kit, you could glue on small beads, sequins, glitter, or other decorative elements to make your ornaments even more unique.
• Incorporate names or initials: Use the paint pens to add the names of your family members, friends, or pets to the snowmen for a personalized touch.
• Try different ribbon or twine: Swap out the classic baker's twine for a festive ribbon in a coordinating color or pattern to hang your ornaments.

The beauty of these marshmallow snowman ornaments is that they're a blank canvas, waiting for you to put your own creative spin on them. Have fun experimenting and let your holiday spirit shine through!

Displaying and Gifting Your Ornaments

Once your marshmallow snowman ornaments are complete, you'll have a charming set of handmade decorations to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Here are some ideas for displaying and gifting your creations:

• Christmas tree: Hang your snowman ornaments front and center on your Christmas tree, where their whimsical design and unique details will be the star of the show.
• Mantel or shelf: Arrange your snowman ornaments on a mantel, bookshelf, or other prominent display area in your home to spread the holiday cheer.
• Gift tags: Use the hanging loops to attach your snowman ornaments to wrapped gifts, adding a personalized touch to your holiday presents.
• Gift sets: Create a set of matching or coordinating snowman ornaments to give as a thoughtful handmade gift to friends, family, or neighbors.
• Ornament exchange: Participate in a holiday ornament exchange by contributing your handcrafted marshmallow snowmen as unique and memorable additions to someone else's tree.

No matter how you choose to display or gift your marshmallow snowman ornaments, they're sure to bring a smile to the faces of all who see them. These charming DIY creations are the perfect way to add a touch of homemade holiday cheer to your celebrations.

Conclusion

Creating your own set of marshmallow snowman ornaments is a fun and rewarding DIY project that will have you feeling festive in no time. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this blog post, you'll be able to craft a pair of adorable snowmen that are sure to become cherished holiday decorations for years to come.

Remember, the key to success is to have fun with the process and let your creativity shine. Don't be afraid to experiment with different paint colors, embellishments, and personalization techniques to make your marshmallow snowman ornaments truly one-of-a-kind.

So gather your supplies, put on some holiday tunes, and get ready to craft your way to a merry and bright holiday season. Happy crafting!

For more easy-to-make DIY craft kits and tutorials, be sure to visit Janet's Craft Corner. You can also find Janet on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Janet at janet@janetscraftcorner.com.