Snowmen tin can bowling pins

Provide hours of fun at a Christmas party with this quick craft, guaranteed to keep the kids (and probably adults, too!) entertained.

Instead of throwing out those tin cans next time they're headed for the recycling remember to keep a few back to transform into this novel game. And the only other things you'll need are some felt, and craft essentials like scissors and glue.

Little ones will love deciding what faces to give their 'bowling pin' and you'll love the few moments of calm you'll get while they discuss important decisions like the shape oh their snowman's nose.

Fancy buying some extra time? Challenge them to come up with the craziest faces they can, or ask them to design hats and scarves for the snowmen too.

Age group: All ages will have fun playing with the bowling set once you've made it but we think making these is best reserved for children from seven up, because of the potential sharp edges on the cans.

You will need

• 6 Empty tin cans
• Masking tape
• White paint
• Paint brush
• Black and red self adhesive felt
• Orange felt
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• 85mm Pom pom maker
• White wool

Step 1 Help your child to stick some masking tape around the sharp, inside rim of the tin cans. Then let them paint the outside and bottom with white paint and leave to dry. Apply a second coat to make sure they look crisp and white.

Step 2Draw and cut out some round black felt eyes, carrot-shaped orange felt noses and red and black felt mouths. Stick a face onto each painted tin can. Now's the time for a little creativity. See how individual you can make your snowmen's faces.

Step 3 Use the pom pom maker, to make some white wool ‘snowballs’ to knock the tin cans down with. You could also use a small ball if you don't have a pom pom maker.

Craft: Suzie Attaway