Pom-Pom Snowman Clothespin Magnets for Kids: Fridge Friends

Kids glue three white pom-poms onto a wooden clothespin to build a snowman body, add tiny pom-pom eyes and a felt nose, and stick a magnet strip on the back. They dry in 30 minutes and hold on the fridge all season. One sitting can easily produce four.

• Age: 4 and up; pom-poms are a choking hazard for children under 3
• Time: 15 to 20 minutes of building, 30 minutes of drying
• Mess level: low; glue only

What Supplies Do You Need for Pom-Pom Snowman Magnets?

Choking hazard warning: pom-poms are a choking hazard for children under 3. This craft is for ages 4 and up, or for younger children only with a grown-up holding every piece and keeping pom-poms out of mouths.

• Wooden clothespins, spring type, about 3 inches long
• Large white pom-poms, 1 inch, three per snowman
• Small black pom-poms for eyes and buttons
• Orange felt scraps
• White craft glue or tacky glue
• Adhesive magnet strips
• Scissors (an adult cuts the felt and magnet strips)
• Paper towels

How Do Kids Build the Snowman?

Lay everything out before the glue opens. Pom-poms roll, so a paper towel under the workspace keeps them from escaping.

1. An adult cuts one orange felt triangle per snowman, about 1/2 inch tall, for the nose. An adult also cuts the adhesive magnet strips to the length of the clothespin.
2. Run a line of craft glue along the flat front of the clothespin, from one end to the other.
3. Press three large white pom-poms onto the glue in a row: bottom, middle, top. Hold each pom-pom down for a slow count of 30 so the glue grabs.
4. Dab a dot of glue on the top pom-pom and press two small black pom-poms on as eyes. Dab another dot below the eyes and press the orange felt triangle on as a nose.
5. Dab two dots of glue down the middle pom-pom and press two small black pom-poms on as buttons.
6. Lay the snowman flat and let it dry for 30 minutes. Do not stand it up early; wet pom-poms slide downhill.
7. Peel the backing off a magnet strip and press it firmly onto the back of the clothespin. Press hard for 10 seconds.

What Goes Wrong with Pom-Pom Snowmen, and How Do You Fix It?

Pom-poms fall off: the glue was too thin or the hold was too short. Add a fresh dab of glue, press the pom-pom back on, and hold for a full slow count of 30. Tacky glue grips faster than runny white craft glue, so reach for the tacky glue if pom-poms keep slipping.

Glue strings everywhere: wipe the glue bottle tip with a paper towel between squeezes. Strings that land on pom-poms pull off easily once dry.

The snowman looks lopsided: the pom-poms were glued while the clothespin was held upright. Build with the clothespin lying flat on the table so gravity helps instead of hurting.

The nose will not stick: felt needs more glue than pom-poms do. Use a generous dab on the felt triangle and hold it for a slow count of 30.

The magnet slides off the fridge: the magnet strip was too short. Cut the strip the full length of the clothespin. A longer strip holds the snowman plus a Christmas card.

A pom-pom goes in a mouth: this is the serious one. Take it calmly, remove the pom-pom, and remind the child that pom-poms are for gluing, not tasting. If a child under 3 is crafting, a grown-up holds every piece.

Which Christmas Crafts Go Well with Snowman Magnets?

A fridge gallery of snowman magnets looks sweet next to a cotton ball snowman on the counter, and the pom-pom practice transfers to a fake snow sensory bin afternoon. For another small Christmas character to build, try toilet paper roll Christmas characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are pom-pom snowman magnets for?

Kids 4 and up build these happily with an adult nearby. Kids 6 and up handle the whole build alone except the scissor cuts. Children under 3 should not craft with loose pom-poms; pom-poms are a choking hazard at that age. A toddler can watch an older sibling build, or a grown-up can hold every piece while the toddler points where it goes.

How messy are pom-pom snowman magnets?

Barely messy at all. The only wet supply is craft glue, and a paper towel handles drips and bottle-tip strings. Pom-poms do not shed. Wash hands with soap and water if glue gets sticky on fingers; it rinses off easily while wet.

How long does it take?

Building one snowman takes 15 to 20 minutes, most of it holding pom-poms while glue grabs. Drying takes 30 minutes lying flat. Kids usually make two or three in a row, so plan 45 minutes to an hour for a full fridge set.

Is it safe?

The build is safe for ages 4 and up. The one firm rule: pom-poms are a choking hazard for children under 3, so keep loose pom-poms away from babies and toddlers, and have a grown-up hold every piece if a younger child joins in. Scissors and the magnet strip cutting stay adults only. Craft glue is non-toxic; wash hands after crafting.

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Be safe and have fun!