Get ready for action with this snowman pom pom launcher! This winter craft is quick to put together, uses simple supplies you probably already have (hello, paper cups!), and delivers instant giggles the moment fluffy pom poms go flying. It’s the perfect mix of crafting and play, so the fun doesn’t stop once you’re done making it.
With a sweet snowman face, a bright “scarf” made from colourful tape, and a stretchy balloon underneath, this DIY toy is great for classrooms, holiday parties, or an easy afternoon activity at home. Have fun making a whole crew of pom pom shooters in different colours, then turn it into a friendly pom pom popping competition!
DIY Snowman Pom Pom Launcher
Materials:
- White paper cup
- White balloon(s)
- Electrical tape(or other colourful tape)
- Permanent markers(black, orange, pink)
Equipment:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
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Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make the pom pom launcher
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Have an adult use a craft knife to cut the bottom out of a paper cup.
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Tie a knot in an uninflated balloon.
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Then cut off the top of the balloon.
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Stretch the balloon over the bottom of the cup.
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Then place electrical tape or duct tape where the balloon meets the cup to keep the balloon in place.
Step 3: Draw the snowman
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Now begin to draw the snowman face with permanent markers. We found it easiest to start with the mouth.
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Add a carrot nose with orange marker, and then switch back to black to add the eyes.
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Finally, use a light pink marker to add nice, rosy cheeks.
Step 4: Play with your pom pom launcher
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Gather some white pom poms that you can launch with your contraption. Cotton balls or Styrofoam balls will also work!(You can, of course, use other colours of pom poms — but we like to pretend the white ones are snowballs!)
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Add the pom poms into the cup and pull down on the balloon. Let it go to see the pom poms fly into the air.
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Your snowman pom pom launcher is complete!
Helpful Tips:
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No craft knife? No problem! You can use scissors to cut the bottom out of the cup instead. Have an adult carefully poke the scissors through the bottom first, then cut out the circle.
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Try a fun variation: Draw the snowman face upside down and use a coloured balloon to create a “hat” for your snowman!
What’s the science behind a pom pom launcher?
When you pull the balloon down and let it go, you’re stretching it and storing energy inside the rubber. This is called elastic potential energy. As soon as you release the balloon, that stored energy turns into kinetic energy, which pushes the pom pom upward and launches it into the air.
The farther you pull the balloon down, the more energy you store — and the higher the pom pom will fly! The cup helps guide the pom pom straight up, while the stretchy balloon provides the force needed to launch it.
Try pulling the balloon different distances to see how it changes how high the pom pom goes — that’s science in action!
What type of cup do I need to make this snowman pom pom launcher?
A sturdy, plain white paper cup works best — around 8 or 12 ounces is a great size.
Thicker or insulated cups will make the launcher sturdier and easier to hold.
What’s the best way to add a snowman face to this pom pom shooter?
Permanent markers (like Sharpies) show up really well on paper cups, but washable markers work too.
You can also make a paper snowman face by cutting shapes out of cardstock or construction paper and attaching them to the cup. (Tip: A one-hole punch is perfect for making the little mouth circles!)
And that’s it — your snowman pom pom launcher is ready for some wintery fun! This simple craft is such a great way to sneak in a little hands-on STEM learning, too. Kids can experiment with how far their pom pom flies by pulling the balloon more, aiming at different angles, or trying different-sized pom poms — all while practicing cause and effect, force, and motion in the most playful way possible.
Whether you’re making these for a classroom activity, a snowy-day boredom buster, or just a fun seasonal craft, this little snowman is guaranteed to bring big giggles. Set up a target, create a launch challenge, and let the winter STEM fun begin!
Here’s even more snowman craft ideas:
