This pallet snowman design is a perfect weekend DIY that blends rustic wood with classic Christmas fun.
The base pallet provides a sturdy canvas, while simple shapes, rounded snowman body, tall hat, and playful carrot nose come alive with a few coats of paint.
Adding wooden cutouts for the hat and bow gives it depth and a 3D effect, making it look like a handmade piece you’d find at a holiday market.
It’s an inexpensive and rewarding way to decorate for the season, using reclaimed materials and your own creative touch.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden pallet (approx. 36” × 40”)
- Exterior acrylic paint: white (1 qt), navy blue (1 qt), black (½ qt), red (½ qt), orange (small bottle)
- Paintbrush set (1” flat brush, detail brushes for face)
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
- Wooden planks (2 pieces, 6” × 18” for hat)
- Wooden bow cutout (or make from pallet scrap, 10” × 8”)
- Wood screws (1.5” length)
- Carpenter’s glue (optional for bow)
- Drill and screwdriver
- Clear outdoor sealer (matte finish, 1 can)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sand the pallet surface to remove rough edges and prepare for painting.
Step 2: Paint the pallet background navy blue, leaving the center rows clear for the snowman’s body. Then allow to dry completely.
Step 3: Sketch three rounded snowball shapes directly onto the slats using chalk. Paint them white, adding two coats for full coverage.
Step 4: Cut two wooden planks for the snowman’s hat and paint them black, with a red strip across for the band. Then attach them at an angle on the top left corner with screws.
Step 5: Attach or paint a red bow onto the snowman’s neck area. A wooden bow gives it a bold, dimensional look.
Step 6: Use black paint or wooden buttons for eyes, mouth, and buttons down the snowman’s chest. Also, paint an orange carrot nose pointing to the side.
Step 7: Add snowflakes on the background slats with white paint for a whimsical touch.
Step 8: Once dry, seal the entire pallet with a clear outdoor sealer to protect from weather.
Notes:
If you don’t have a bow cutout, try making one with thick ribbon for a softer look.
You can also add fairy lights by weaving them through the pallet slats, making your snowman glow at night.