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How to Make a Snow Statue

Snow sculpting has come a long way from whimsical snowmen with top hats and carrot noses. Though these traditional sculptures still grace many lawns, some artists enjoy creating more elaborate pieces from snow. With the right tools, you can carve realistic-looking people and animals, buildings, and replicas of famous monuments. Of course, this kind of artistry takes practice, so you may want to take advantage of snow days with the kids. Go on, play hooky and enjoy the snow.

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Large, plastic trash can
Metal butter knife
Metal spoon
Metal spatula
Evergreen boughs, clothing pieces, coal, carrots, etc.

Instructions

- 1
  Shovel snow into a large, clean plastic trash can. Tamp the snow down every few minutes to make it dense and hard-packed. The denser your snow base is, the better it'll hold its shape as you carve.
- 2
  Flip the trash can over in a level, open area. Lift the can straight up to leave a large cylinder of snow behind. Twist the can gently to help release the snow.
- 3
  Sketch the initial lines for your carving on the cylinder with butter knives. Use the knives like pencils or styluses to create guidelines for your art.
- 4
  Scrape away layers of snow with the flat edges of butter knives and the curved edges of spoons. Flatten and smooth large areas with the backs of metal spatulas.
- 5
  Decorate your statue with traditional and non-traditional snowman clothing. Use coal for eyes and buttons, try carrots for spiky punk hair or porcupine spines, or use scarves to keep both humans and animals warm.

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