Reclaimed Wood Snowman and Penguin

Last year about this timeframe I discovered a new way to use our leftover scraps of reclaimed wood to make this adorable snowman. I never seem to have enough time in the day so this little guy (and his new friend–the penguin) are definitely a girl’s best friend if you’re looking for a different and easy way to create some holiday decor.

First off, find some wood. Piece of cake, right? I used a board that was approximately 18.5″L.

You can definitely freehand the top of the snowman/penguin’s head if you’d like, but if you have a bowl that fits much like the below picture, more power to you! I’m all about thinking smarter and not harder.

Then, measure about halfway up (or down) your piece of wood. You’ll be using this measurement to ensure that your sides of your snowman/penguin are equal.

After you’ve determined the halfway measurement go ahead and cut a different piece of wood for the sides.

If you plan on making a few of these cuties cut out all the parts at one time. You’ll definitely save yourself a lot of time in the long run!

I searched and searched for a circular object to do these half circles, but I came up empty handed. Thankfully free handing this shape didn’t turn out too bad!

Personally, I found that drawing out one circle, cutting it out and then using it for a stencil on the rest of my boards worked out the best.

Are you wondering the easiest way to cut out these half circles? Well, I used a band saw, but I can imagine that this isn’t a power tool that many of you have at home. The next best option I would use is a jigsaw. I definitely recommend getting help if you’re not familiar with any piece of machinery. I don’t want anyone losing a finger because your snowman was feeling a little bloodthirsty!

After you have everything cut out it’s time to put it all together.

I like to lay out all of my pieces first to see which ones go together the best. Then, use a little bit of wood glue to place your side pieces to the main body for your snowman or penguin. Do this one at a time.

It’ll be hard to get any nails to go through both your side piece and the body so stick to the bottom and lower portions to ensure that it goes through. I used a nail gun and 2″ nails.

Woo hoo! The “hard” part has been accomplished! Now, the fun part. Go ahead and paint your little guys with a layer or two of white exterior paint.

While I was waiting for the paint to dry I got out my lovely stash of holiday ribbon, and picked out a few that were my favorites.

You definitely don’t have to put on the bowties for your snowman or penguins at this point, but I find that it helps me remember where to draw (or not to draw!) my lines for the face, buttons, etc.

You might not like how I drew in my faces for my little cuties. No worries! Draw in whatever you think will look the best. They’re for your home so create them however you feel will look the best 🙂

However, I would suggest using a pencil first though. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made more work for myself because I didn’t draw with a pencil first!

Then, paint them up!

I don’t know what it is about this penguin, but he’s my favorite. Shhhh… don’t tell Frosty!

Last, but not least, go ahead and drill in a few holes at the top of their heads to add twine, wire, or whatever floats your boats to hang them up.

See! That wasn’t so bad 🙂

Eek! Aren’t they adorable?!?

I hope everyone stays warm this weekend! I know it’s going to be a bit chilly down here in NC so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and let’s start our holiday shopping 🙂

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