I would like to share a toy I made for my son. Ever since he saw the 1969 Frosty the Snowman movie he’s been hooked on snowmen. Currently, we are snowless, so what better entertainment than a snowman he can build himself? This is a quick, easy-to-make toy and can be used whenever you need to get things done, but also make sure the little one is safely playing. This toy is especially helpful when trying to get dinner on the table – I can keep an eye out and cook in peace!
DIY Magnetic Snowman
Supplies
1/2 yard of white felt
1 Black Felt Square
1 brown Felt Square
1 Yellow Felt Square
1 Orange Felt Square
3 Printed Felt Squares
32 extra strong ceramic magnets
Ribbon
Extra Stiff Fusible Stablizer (optional)
Hot Glue Gun
Utility Razor (or some kind of sharp knife)
Scissors
3 bowls (large, Medium, Small)
Step 1
Using the white felt, trace the three bowls and cut out.
Step 2
Using the templates provided, trace the shapes onto coordinating felt and cut out. The top hat, mittens, and scarf should all fit on one felt sheet.
Step 3
Optional step: For stiffer magnets, fuse all the pieces with Extra Stiff stabilizer. You don’t “have” to do this part, but I think it makes the magnets a little sturdier.
Step 4
Use your sewing machine to add little details. You don’t have to do this step, but it’s fun to make the pieces a little more animated. Chances are, your little one will love it either way! Sew a few straight lines on the broom to make bristles.
Sew a few lines on the broom stick to resemble wood.
Use a zigzag stitch to give the scarves more deminsion.
Add a few lines to the carrot nose, as well.
Step 5
Add ribbon to the Top Hat, mittens, and broom. I used my sewing machine, but you can also hot glue them on for a faster finish.
Step 6
Grab your magnets! You want to stack all your magnets to make sure they will all be applied in the same direction. Use your knife or razor to score the side of the magnet that will be glued. This is just to make sure the magnet adheres well.
Step 7
Glue the wrong side of the felt to the scored side of the magnet. For the body of the snowman, you want to place the magnets strategically. For instance, I have 2 magnets glued for the eyes, one for the nose, and one for the mouth. Same goes for the coal buttons. For the branch arms, glue the magnet in the “hand” area.
Step 8
Build your snowman! Have fun mixing and matching! This kind of toy can be made for a TON of different ideas. You could make house magnets, letters, food themed, blocks…anything! I hope you enjoyed making this project as much as I did. Thank you for reading!
Post by: Sarah at Sewing Parts Online
Anonymous says
My son & I have the pleasure of knowing Sarah and my son has had a blast playing with the snowman on our visits. I am currently in the middle of doing this project and I deffinatly recommend this project! 🙂
Kari Sweeten says
I LOVE this! Always love ways to entertain the kiddos in the winter!! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us!