Standing Skiers

Nothing screams winter and snow like skiing does! These little people are charming and easily customizable.

You’ll need:

• 1 clothespin (I used a colored one)
• 3 toothpicks
• 2 small pieces colored paper
• 2 popsicle sticks
• Multiple colored pipe cleaners
• Tissue or napkin
• Glue gun

Start by removing the metal clasp from the clothespin. Using hot glue, glue the tips together. Then choose a colored pipe cleaner for the skier’s socks. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the bottom of each of the sides of the clothespin. Glue the clothespin onto the popsicle stick.

Create a bodice using another pipe cleaner. Wrap it around itself, and place it on the top of the clothespin. You can use a drop of glue here if you need to secure it. Then, using a napkin, make a tight ball for the head. Make a face of the ball, and stick a toothpick into it. Wedge the toothpick into the glue on the top of the clothespin. Add hair or a hat of your choice.

Then add arms. Simply rest the arms around the shirt, and make a little fold or loop for the hand on each end. Stick a toothpick in each hand with a tiny circle on the bottom to create ski poles. Finish off your little person with a scarf.

Bunker Down

This is a project for bigger kids, but the younger kids will enjoy the fruits of their labor, as they continue to use this adorable bunk bed for their smallest menschies!

You’ll need:

• Popsicle sticks, preferably in multiple colors
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors

Attach two sets of six popsicle sticks with hot glue. Then, once dry, attach another popsicle stick to the length of each of the flat surfaces you created. Attach four sticks to each of the four sides of one of the surfaces, and then attach the second surface. Add a guard rail to the top “bed,” and you’re done! Little dolls optional!

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 776)