These DIY wood slice snowmen bring a little woodland charm to Christmas decorating. Their bark edges, simple painted faces, and plaid scarves make each one look different. Make a single ornament for the tree or gather several on a mantel for a cheerful winter scene.
Materials for wood slice snowmen
- One larger, dry wood round for each body, about 3–4 inches across
- One smaller wood round for each head, about 1½–2 inches across
- A tiny wood slice or short branch piece for each hat
- Black, white, and orange acrylic craft paint
- Fine paintbrushes or a dotting tool
- Strong craft glue suitable for wood
- Small strips of plaid fabric or ribbon for scarves
- Jute twine for hanging
- Fine-grit sandpaper and a soft cloth
- Optional: clear craft sealer
Pre-cut rounds keep this project easy. If you cut your own, use suitable woodworking equipment and follow its safety instructions; the rounds must be completely dry before painting and gluing.
How to make rustic wood slice snowmen
1. Prepare the wood
Choose a large round for the body and a smaller one for the head. Lightly sand any splinters on the flat faces and edges, then wipe away the dust. Lay the pieces together before gluing so you can choose the best arrangement.
2. Paint the faces and buttons
Paint two black eyes, a dotted smile, and a small orange carrot nose on each head. Add two or three black buttons to the body. Leave the natural wood visible for a rustic look, or brush on a thin coat of white paint first if you prefer a snowy finish. Let the paint dry fully.
3. Assemble the snowman
Apply wood-safe craft glue where the head overlaps the top of the body. Press the pieces together and let the glue cure according to the package. Glue the tiny slice or branch piece above the head as a hat. For a hanging ornament, attach a loop of twine securely to the back; use an appropriately rated hanger for heavier rounds.
4. Add the scarf
Tie a narrow strip of plaid fabric around the join between the head and body. Trim the ends so the scarf does not hide the painted buttons. A tiny dab of glue behind the knot will keep it in place.
5. Display your snowmen
Hang lightweight snowmen on the tree, tie them to a wrapped gift, or stand a small group among greenery and pinecones on a shelf. If you plan to display them outdoors, seal the wood and paint with a product labeled for outdoor use and protect the fabric scarf from rain.
Variations & Tips
- Make a family: Mix different round sizes and give each snowman a distinct face or scarf.
- Keep the bark edge: It adds texture and makes the ornaments feel naturally rustic.
- Try different scarves: Red plaid, buffalo check, and old flannel scraps all work well.
- Turn them into gift tags: Paint a name on the body and tie the twine loop around a present.
- Check the weight: Thick slices are better displayed on a shelf than hung from a delicate tree branch.
This is a simple project to repeat in batches: paint all the faces first, assemble the pieces once dry, then finish every snowman with its own scarf.
