DIY Rolling Pin Snowman Ornaments

This kids Christmas craft shows you how to paint a small rolling pin to create a kitchen-themed rolling pin that can hang on the Christmas tree.

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What you need

Rolling pins
Assorted acrylic paints
Black buttons
Ribbon
Paint Pens
Craft Glue

Instructions

A miniature rolling pin makes a surprisingly charming snowman. The rounded barrel becomes his snowy body, while the wooden handles give the finished ornament a lovely country kitchen feel.

I especially love the little plaid scarves in this version. They’re a perfect excuse to rummage through the fabric scraps, and a few frayed threads only add to the handmade charm. Add a cheerful face and some buttons, and each snowman starts to develop his own personality.

This is a lovely Christmas painting activity to share with older children. Let everyone choose their scarf and expression, then add the year on the back as a little reminder of when they were made.

Thank you to Susan B. for sharing the original project photograph.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolling Pin

Start with a clean, dry wooden rolling pin. Miniature versions suit tree ornaments; larger ones can become hanging decorations around the home.

2. Paint the Snowman’s Body

Paint the central barrel white, leaving the handles exposed or painting them brown to match the pictured design. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

3. Add the Face

Near the top of the white barrel, draw two black eyes, an orange carrot nose and a dotted smile. Paint pens make the smaller details easier to control.

Add pink cheeks and tiny white eye highlights if desired.

4. Tie the Scarf

Wrap a narrow strip of plaid fabric or ribbon below the face. Knot it at one side and trim the ends. Secure it with a little suitable craft glue.

5. Attach the Buttons

Glue three black buttons down the front, leaving space between them. Keep the ornament flat while the adhesive sets.

6. Add the Hanger

Tie a secure string loop around the narrow section beneath the upper handle. Check the knot and decorations before hanging.

Make Each Snowman Different

Try different button sizes, scarf colours or eyebrow shapes. Small changes can give one snowman a surprised expression and another a rather cheeky smile.

For younger children, paint the buttons instead of using loose ones. An adult can handle the final assembly while the children concentrate on decorating.

These ornaments would also make lovely finishing touches for a baker’s gift basket. Tie one onto the outside alongside a handwritten recipe card.

For another rustic snowman project, try our upcycled wine bottle snowman. Or enjoy another festive painting session with these Christmas treats painted rocks.

This photo was contributed by Susan  B who is a member of our Facebook Christmas Crafts group.