Fun in the snow
Neighbor kids are having fun with ice jewels, making faces and snow painting with accents of color.
Colorado is known for its 300 days of sunshine, which means lots of sunny snow days. Here are some ideas to enjoy a beautiful day outside while making the most of winter’s white precipitation.
Snow critters
Snowmen are a classic, but there is no need to limit yourself to just one design. Try building a snow cat, dog, dragon or sea monster. Use the snow to sculpt flowers or castles or hobbit homes. Snow molds are available in whimsical shapes like yetis and practical brick shapes for building impressive forts. Most sand castle molds work just as well for snow. If you are serious about details, a plastic knife or spoon, or a tapered wooden dowel can be used for carving and shaping intricate areas. Breckenridge has an annual snow sculpture competition if you are looking for inspiration.
Ice jewels
Add water and a drop or two of food coloring to each well of an ice cube tray, freeze, and you will have colorful ice jewels. These can be used to decorate snow sculptures or make mosaics on fresh fallen snow. Or, hide them around the yard for a winter-themed Easter-egg-type hunt. Put on a pair of waterproof gloves, and the ice jewels can be used as watercolor crayons for young kids to paint on thick paper.
Snow painting
Fill small spray bottles with water and food coloring or brightly-colored drink mix. Then, spray the snow. Try free-hand designs or pull out the stencils. Add some color to your snow critters. Squirt bottles (like those used for condiments) can be used for more precise lines, but may be trickier for young kids—be prepared for lots of refilling. Much like sidewalk chalk, snow painting can be used to share happy messages or brighten up the neighborhood walking paths.
The Connection would love to see what unique creations you come up with. Send photos of fun in the snow using these ideas or any others to editor@castlepinesconnection.com for the chance for your handiwork to appear in an upcoming issue.
Ice jewels can also make mosaics in snow.
Snow sculptures don’t need to be limited to a classic snowman. From ducks to dragons, the only limit is imagination.
By Rachel Poe; courtesy photo and photos courtesy of Kathy McCardwell
