Winter Storm Janus is currently en route to bring tens of inches of snow to the east coast this weekend. In between stocking up on gallons of water and bread and prepping for the worst, stop and think about all the fun this snowfall can bring to your front or backyard. Don’t think about the shoveling, salting and general defrosting that is in the future; spend your time learning how to build the ultimate snowman (or woman) instead!
1.) Start with the Fundamentals
A good snowman starts with good snow. You wouldn’t build a house with the improper materials, and the same applies to snowmen. Make sure the snow is slightly, but not overly damp. This will allow you to more easily mold the body of your creation.
Pro tip #1: Don’t attempt to make an ultimate snowman unless there are already several inches of snow on the ground already. You don’t want any dirt, sticks or anything else messing with your masterpiece.
2.) All About that Base
You’ve checked the temperature and dampness of the snow and ensured it is perfect. Now you’re ready to start rolling like a big shot and make the base of your snowman. The snowball effect is NOT just a term used to describe what happens when your crazy aunt gets started talking about her ex-boyfriends after one too many chardonnays – it actually is the best way to make a snowball larger.
First, start with a larger than average snowball and roll it on the ground in different directions to create a perfect sphere. This will create the largest snowball for the bottom 1/3 of the body. Then make two more snowballs using the same process and of medium and small sizes relative to the large base.
Pro tip #2: Once your bottom layer is as large as you would like, flatten the top so stacking the middle snowball is easier. Do the same for the middle snowball so the small snowball can easily sit on top. You can pack additional snow where necessary to add stability.
Pro tip #3: For the overachievers who want to make the largest snowman possible, you may run into a snag when you attempt to carefully lift the middle or top ball onto the base. Get around this problem by using a plank to roll the ball up it. It worked for the ancient Egyptians, and it will work for you, too.
3.) You Are My Creator, But I Am Your Master – Obey!
Like Victor Frankenstein bringing his monster to life, it is your turn to make your creation in any way you would like! Think your classy snowman deserves a pipe and deerstalker hat? Go for it. Want to dress your snowlady as tribute to the flapper girls of the 1920s? Perfect. This is a judge-free zone.
If you are partial to the classics, grab a silk hat, scarf, carrot for the nose and buttons for mouth and eyes. Once sticks are added for the arms, your very own Frosty will come to life.
Whatever you choose, lets just hope the relationship with your snowman goes better than Frankenstein and his monster went.
Although it is cold outside for most of the northern hemisphere, it doesn’t mean all the fun at home has to be relegated to the indoors. Pack on the layers, get outside in the yard and have fun in the snow this winter!
Header image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
