Cotton Ball Snowmen are a simple and cozy winter craft that’s perfect for both classrooms and at home! This post includes a printable snowman body template to make setup quick and prep time minimal. Designed with preschool and early elementary kids in mind and appreciated by busy moms and teachers, this low-prep, budget-friendly craft uses basic supplies and makes it easy for kids to create an adorable winter snowman.
Cotton Ball Snowman
When my kids were young, they always loved crafts that used classic supplies like buttons, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and cotton balls. There was something about sorting through the colors, feeling the different textures, and choosing their own pieces that made crafting more exciting than a simple color, cut, and glue activity. Those hands-on materials invited creativity and kept them engaged longer, turning a basic project into something they were truly proud to make.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
This hands-on winter activity lets kids explore textures, build fine motor skills, and create a snowman they’re proud to show off.
- Tactile and engaging – Gluing soft cotton balls gives little hands a sensory experience that’s more interesting than simple color, cut, and glue projects.
- Low prep, simple setup – The printable template keeps prep time short and stress-free for busy parents and teachers.
- Uses classic craft supplies – Cotton balls, glue, paper, and a few optional add-ons are all you need. No special materials required.
- Great for fine motor practice – Picking up and placing cotton balls helps strengthen small hand muscles.
- Easy to customize – Kids can add buttons, paper scarves, or drawn details to make each snowman unique.
- Works in many settings – Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, playdates, or a quiet afternoon craft at home.
Quick Craft Overview
This quick overview helps you decide if this cotton ball snowman craft is a good fit for your group.
Skill level: Easy
Ages: Toddler through adult
Prep time: 5–10 minutes
Craft time: 20–30 minutes
Mess level: Low
Why it’s fun: Kids get to glue soft cotton balls, decorate with simple craft supplies, and watch their snowman come together using a printable template.
Craft Supplies Needed
This cotton ball snowman craft uses classic, easy-to-find supplies that many classrooms and homes already have on hand.
- Cotton Ball Snowman Template
- White cardstock
- Colored cardstock
- Scissors
- Cotton balls
- Tacky craft glue
- Pom poms (1 inch)
- Pipe cleaners
- Wiggly eyes (28 mm)
- Craft foam (orange and brown)
- Small black pom poms (12.7 mm)
- Shape buttons
Directions for Cotton Ball Snowmen
Follow these simple steps to create your own fluffy winter snowman, from cutting and gluing to adding all the fun details.
STEP 1: Download and print the template. First, download and print the free cotton ball snowman template onto white cardstock.
STEP 2: Cut out and prepare the snowman body. Cut out the snowman body from the template and glue it onto colored cardstock. Then, cover the body with cotton balls to make it fluffy and soft.
STEP 3: Decorate your snowman. Bring your snowman to life by adding fun details! Make cozy earmuffs using pom poms and pipe cleaners, attach wiggly eyes, and cut a carrot nose from orange craft foam. Add a cheerful pom-pom mouth, buttons down the front, and stick arms cut from brown foam. Encourage kids to get creative and personalize their snowman however they like!
Take It Futher
Want to extend this cotton ball snowman craft or adapt it for different settings? Try one of these easy ideas.
- Craft variations – Let kids mix and match different colored pom poms, buttons, or pipe cleaners to create unique snowmen. Add a paper or yarn scarf, or draw extra details like snowflakes, mittens, or a cozy background.
- Winter scene – Glue several snowmen onto a larger sheet of paper to make a snowy landscape. Add cotton-ball snow piles, glittery snowflakes, or small paper trees for extra fun.
- Storytime connection – Encourage children to give their snowman a name and write a short story or sentence about its winter adventures. Pair the craft with books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats or Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner for inspiration.
- Holiday decorations – Attach a string or ribbon to the top of the snowman and hang it as a festive ornament in the classroom or at home.
More Snowman Crafts for Kids
If your children loved this cotton ball snowman craft, they’ll probably enjoy trying these other snowman crafts too:
- Snowman Hot Chocolate Jars – A fun, hands-on project that also makes a sweet homemade gift. Comes with an easy DIY hot cocoa recipe.
- Melting Snowman Coloring Page – A simple winter coloring and writing activity that kids can enjoy anytime.
- Melted Snowman in a Jar – A creative twist on a melted snowman craft using a clear jar for a playful effect.
- Paper Snowman Craft – An easy project using just paper, glue, and basic art supplies for quick crafting fun.
- Paper Plate Snowman Craft – A hands-on activity where kids can paint, decorate, and personalize a cheerful snowman using paper plates.
- Snowman Hat Ornament – A festive craft kids can make to hang on the holiday tree or around the house.
- Popsicle Stick Snowmen – A classic winter craft that’s quick to make and fun to decorate with buttons, pom poms, or paint.
Save This Craft
Getting winter activities ready in advance? Save this cotton ball snowman craft to Pinterest so it’s easy to find when you need a quick, low-prep activity for home or the classroom. It’s perfect for winter units, snowman themes, and December art projects.
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