Cheery snow folk
Fabric scraps make a great scarf and beanie, and can be attached with a glue-stick.
It’s sometimes said that Melbournians are obsessed by the weather. I confess that rings true for me, even though I now live more than an hour from the big smoke. I diligently keep an eye (or ear) on the daily weather report, unashamedly use it as a conversation starter, and habitually chat about it with anyone who’ll listen.
Although it can be easy at this time of year to slip into the habit of complaining about the cold, there’s actually something lovely and reassuring about watching the weather change. As the Victorian seasons unfold I happily savour the way they mark and define the passing of each year, and I like to observe and celebrate their distinct qualities.
I’ve also heard it said that “there is no such thing as cold weather, just inadequate clothing”. Brrrr!!!
Now I know that sounds a little tough, but in many ways it’s true. When the forecast warns us we’re in for freezing nights and chilly days that news shouldn’t keep us trapped indoors. Choose to rug up in some “adequate” clothing, add cosy layers, pop on a jacket and a beanie and get out and about with the kids. Not only do they experience the joy of gulping in that lovely fresh crisp Winter air, but they too get to notice and experience the magical changes that Winter brings.
If you are at home and looking for ways to give your children a creative activity I find that weather makes a perfect starting point. What character is more iconically wintery than a chilly cheery snowman?
The samples I’ve included here are made from the sorts of things you hopefully have already squirrelled away and collected in your kids craftbox. Each begins with a circle or two cut from white paper and glued onto a paper or cardboard background. Simply trace around a cup or bowl if you aren’t confident to cut a circle freehand.
Depending on the age of your child you could pre-cut pieces for them to collage onto their snowman, or let them cut their own. A glue-stick is usually sufficient for glueing fabric or cardboard to paper and relatively mess-free. When you offer children a choice of collage materials the possibilities for imaginative combinations are endless:
You will need any of the following:
a background…. a panel from a brown paper bag, or the inside of a cereal box, would be fine.
white paper circles (cut from office paper or a recycled letter) or paper doiley
scissors
a glue-stick
fabric scraps
coloured paper scraps
cotton wool balls
stickers
felt pens or pastels
Cotton wool balls are as fluffy as snowballs.
Drawing onto the collage extends the activity in a fun way.
Cold fingers warm up quickly once they’re engaged and busy, and these little characters are a great starting point for developing some wintery chat and imaginary play.
Have fun!
