How to Make a Cute Candy Filled Snowman for Less Then $5.00

Christmas is just around the corner, but there is no reason to get stressed out over gift giving. There are simple gifts that you can make yourself, that are both attractive, and cost less then $5.00 to make. My adorable candy filled snowman brought both attention, and demand into my household, after friends got a glance at him. Within hours of making one, I had orders coming in. Simply amazed at how many people wanted one, I decided to share this idea with you. These little guys are easy enough to make, that a child can do it. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a snowman of your own in no time.

Supplies you will need:
Empty Can. ( Like the one's you can vegetables come in.)
White Paint ( You can buy cheap craft paint at Walmart for less then .50 cents a bottle, located in the craft section of the store. One bottle does at least 20 cans.)
Fake Snow ( Also found in the craft section, I used Aleene Glitter Snow. The snow cost around $3.00 a jar, and does at least 20 cans.)
Black Paint or Black Permanent Marker.
Piece Of Sandpaper or Old Nail File
Old News Paper
Pair of Youth Socks (Colored works best)
A Bag Of Hard Candy ( I used peppermint's, that I found at the Dollar Tree for a buck.)
Old Buttons
Small Paint Brush
Craft Glue or Hot Glue
Q Tip

Step One:
Wash your empty can out really good, inside and out, using dish soap to remove the label. Once the can is clean, place it upside down to dry.

Step Two:
Once the can is completely dry using a piece of sandpaper or an old nail file, lightly sand the outside of the can all over. This cause the surface to be slightly rough, which will in turn makes the paint stick to the can better. Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the can when you are finished, then allow the can to dry again.

Step Three:
After the can is dry, paint one coat of white paint on the outside of the can, use old newspapers to protect your table, and be sure to paint the bottom of the can as well. Allow paint to dry, then apply a second coat.

Step Four:
When the second coat of paint it finished drying you can apply the snow. Using a old paint brush, or your fingers, dab the snow lightly on the can, to ad texture. Do not paint the snow on think, and thin layer works great. Once the snow is on, and your pleased with the look, allow the can to dry. It will take up to 5 hours for the snow to completely dry.

Step Five:
Your snowman is on it's way to being completed. Now you will need to paint two oval eyes with black paint at least 1 1/2 inches from the top. Remember that the top of the can (the part that is open ) is where the candy is going to go.

Step Six:
When your eyes have dried, choose a button for the nose. I personally like 1 inch buttons. Laying the can on it's side, glue the button in place. Hot glue, or super glue dries really fast, if you use craft glue you will need to hold the button in place for a few minutes, then leave the can to dry for a few hours before continuing. If not your button nose will slide off.

Step Seven:
Using a Q tip, and black paint, make small dots for form a smile, and allow it to dry.

Step Eight:
It's time to make this little fellow a hat. Cut the foot part off from the sock, from the top of the heel across. Now you are left with the ankle part, and the band. Using a string or rubber band gather the cut end and secure about 2 inches down. You can easily make a fringe out of the 2 inches of fabric that is above your rubber band, by cutting the fabric in small strips. The original sock band, is now the hat band, and your hat is finished.

Step Nine:
Fill the can with candy.

Step Ten.
After the can is filled place the hat on the snowman. Now he is ready to be handed out as a gift. The hat is removable, so the person you give this to will be able to enjoy him for years to come.

I believe no to snowmen are alike, so don't be scared to try different things. You can use all sorts of buttons for the nose, or give him button eyes if you like. I like to give my snowmen rosie cheeks, by just using a little dab of my own blush on a Q tip, and lightly making a circle on each side of his smile. Once they are finished they make great little gifts for teachers, friends, service workers, and more. It will cost you around $5.00 to make the first one, but you will already have the supplies to make many more. A dollar bag of candy fills 2 containers up, so on average I actually have less then .75 cents invested in each piece. I hope you enjoy, and Happy Holidays!