Budget Friendly DIY Snowman Topiary: A Festive Outdoor Decoration

This week while browsing the holiday aisles, I spotted the cutest snowman topiary…BUT the price tag nearly made me melt faster than Frosty on a sunny day. Instead of spending big bucks, I decided to get creative and make one myself using three topiaries I already had on hand. The result? A festive, budget-friendly snowman that looks just as charming as the store-bought version (if not better!).

In this post, I’ll share:

1. The supplies you’ll need
2. Step-by-step instructions
3. Tips to make your snowman unique
4. Fun add-on ideas to give your frosty friend some personality

Supplies You’ll Need

• Wooden dowel
• Large planter or vessel 
  • Large Metal Snowflake Vases (I used these!)
  • Sleigh Ice Bucket
  • Rustic Metal Urn Planters
• Three topiary balls in graduating sizes (small, medium, large)
• Black Spray Paint
• Paper Plate
• Metal Can (like a coffee tin with a cover)
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon
• Berries and greenery

Directions

1. Create the Base: Fill your planter or vessel with soil, sand, or rocks to weigh it down. (I used these White Snowflake Metal Vases (see photo below) for the base, which I feel worked perfectly with the snowflake detail!) Insert your dowel or stake firmly into the center of the vessel. The dowel should be tall enough to run through all three topiaries as well as the hat.

2. Stack the Topiaries: Slide the largest topiary ball onto the stake first. Then add the medium one on top, then finish with the smallest to form your snowman’s body.

3. Spray Paint: Coat both sides of the paper plate and the exterior of the coffee can with black spray paint. Allow everything to dry completely.

4. Create the Hat: Hot glue the paper plate to the top of the coffee can to form a brim. I found that leaving the lid on the can provided a larger surface area to glue the plate, which made the hat sturdier. Once assembled, wrap a 1-2” ribbon around the base of the hat to add a polished touch and cover the lid seam. For extra flair, decorate with berries and holly. Finally, cut a hole through the center of the plate and lid, just large enough for the dowel to slide through. This allows the hat to fit snugly on the snowman and adds stability.

5. Accessorize: Tie a 1” red velvet ribbon around the “neck” (between the top two topiaries) to complete the look.

Optional Glow: For a magical evening display, tuck warm white fairy lights inside the topiaries.

Tips for Success

• Stability First: Make sure your stake is firmly placed and tall enough, this keeps the snowman from wobbling or tipping.
• Weatherproofing: If you’re displaying outdoors, choose weather-safe materials (plastic buttons, waterproof scarf, etc.).
• Spray Paint Trick: If your topiaries are green, a quick coat of white spray paint gives them a snowy finish without buying new ones. You could also use spray snow for a “just snowed” look.

Fun Add-On Ideas

• Give your snowman stick arms with branches or twigs.
• Add earmuffs with two small pom-poms and a strip of wire.
• Create a “snow family” by making mini versions with smaller topiaries.
• Give your snowman some personality by adding eyes, mouth, carrot nose, and buttons.
  

And there you have it—a DIY snowman topiary that’s sure to bring holiday cheer to your porch, yard, or entryway! This project is simple enough to do in 1-2 hours and will last you through the entire winter season!

For more festive inspiration, be sure to explore our full holiday collection and browse the Decor Steals Journal for even more budget-friendly seasonal DIYs.