Get creative with these adorable snowman paintings inspired by a Christmas countdown book. Kids can paint a snowman picture with recycled lids and empty spools. Try this fun winter activity with your preschoolers.

This post contains affiliate links. Privacy and Disclosure

Reading Christmas books with kids is a special part of the holiday. There are lots of titles to choose from, with interesting stories and wonderful characters.

We came across Snowbear's Christmas Countdown at the library recently. 

In this story, Snowbear plans his Christmas countdown with an activity for each day leading up to the special day. His plan for Day 7 of the countdown is to build a snowman. Snowbear is able to complete the countdown with the help of his forest friends. He doesn't let a bad cold dampen his holiday spirit!

We not only loved the story, we knew we could have fun with a snowman painting activity. Kids can make a snowman with jar lids as part of their own holiday countdown.

Related: 12 + Christmas countdown activities

Snowman pictures kids craft

Supplies for a snowman picture

• empty sewing spools
• white craft paint
• jar lids, 3 sizes
• biodegradable glitter (optional)
• construction paper

 Instructions for a snowman painting                                                                          

Step 1.

Paint the tops of the jar lids, or dip them in paint on a foam tray, and press onto the paper.

• If the lids are not completely flat, only the rims of the lids will make an imprint on the paper.

Step 2.

Paint inside the three circles.

Paint some snow on the ground.

Step 3.

Paint the tops of the spools, or dip them in the paint on the foam tray, and press onto paper for snowflakes.

Sprinkle glitter on the snow and snowflakes.

Step 4.

Complete the snowman picture with a hat, a scarf, buttons, eyes and a carrot nose.

• Dip the eraser end of a pencil in black paint to make the buttons on the body of the snowman
• Dip the sharpened end of the pencil in black paint to make the eyes and mouth.

We used the picture on the back cover of the book as a guide to paint our snowman, but kids can be creative with their pictures. 

Simply provide the materials and each child will have fun making the snowman in his or her own way.

Display the beautiful paintings as part of your holiday decorations at home or at school.

Snowbear's Christmas Countdown is filled with fun ideas to include in a holiday countdown. After reading the book you're sure to be inspired to create your own countdown.

This activity is part of the 30 Christmas Book + Crafts Ideas for Children

Here is a sample of the activities in this roundup:

Stick Man Play Dough from Emma Owl

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Slime from Schooling a Monkey

Snow and Snowmen Pinterest board for snow crafts and activities!