Snowman Freeze Frame

This wooden snowman is perfect for photo ops and fun in the yard.

1. Scribe a centerline along the 4-foot length of the 2- x 4-foot sheet of plywood. Starting at one end, scribe marks at 10 1/2 inches, 26 inches, and 40 inches. At the 10 1/2-inch mark, scribe a 20-inch-diameter circle using a compass set at 10 inches. At the 26-inch mark, scribe an 18-inch-diameter circle using a compass set at 9 inches. At the 40-inch mark, scribe a 7-inch-diameter circle and a 15-inch-diameter circle using a compass set at 3 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches. Cut out the snowman outline with a jigsaw, and sand any rough edges. Cut out the 7-inch-diameter circle with a jigsaw, and sand any rough edges. At the 26-inch mark, predrill for a knob according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Predrill for the remaining two knobs at 2 1/2 inches above and below this hole on the centerline. Prime and paint the snowman body, allowing each coat to dry. Attach the knobs.

2. Download a template for the snowman’s hat. Draw the hat design onto the 2- x 2-foot sheet of plywood. Use a jigsaw to cut out the hat, and sand any rough edges. Prime and paint the hat, allowing each coat to dry. Drill two 5/32-inch holes for the screws that will hold the hat in place. Attach the hat with machine screws and nuts.

3. Cut the 1 x 3 board into two 15-inch pieces. Use hinges to attach the two pieces 16 inches from the bottom of the snowman.

4. Screw a cup hook on the back of each leg and two corresponding cup hooks into the back of the snowman as shown. Place the chain on the hooks to keep the legs in place.

5. For added stability, attach two all-thread rods to stake the snowman in soft ground. Space the rods 6 inches apart, using a 5/16-inch bit to drill a hole for each.

Total Votes: 13

close[X]

These "social bookmarking" services make it easier to share and manage your favorite online content.

StumbleUpon, digg, and del.icio.us help you gather content from around the web, describe it how you see fit, and tag it for easy sorting. These sites also allow you to see what other people are gathering and tagging (if they've made it public), and find new content that may interest you.

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace also allow you to share content that you find interesting, with people who visit or subscribe to your personal profile.

-->

Skill level: Beginner
Rough cost estimate: $80*
Rough time estimate: 1 day

Materials

1 sheet of exterior plywood, 23/32-inch x 2- x 4-foot**
1 sheet of exterior plywood, 23/32-inch x 2- x 2-foot**
1 board, 1 x 3 x 4**
3 knobs (black, #228251)
1 quart of exterior primer (Valspar, #165218)
1 quart of exterior paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Ivory Dust 7003-24, satin)
1 quart of exterior paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Ebony Field 4004-2C, satin)
1 package (1 1/2-inch) combo machine screws with nuts
2 hinges (2 1/2-inch, #196314, #22426)
2 (1-foot-long) sections of white chain (#33457)
cup hooks (7/8-inch, white, #31472)
2 all-thread rods (5/16-inch x 18- x 2-foot, #215904)

Tools

jigsaw
drill/driver with bits
beam compass
tape measure
pencil

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.

Inspire others by uploading photos of your latest project and creating an online gallery.
All of your galleries will be accessible in your account for easy managing and editing.