Introduction: Snow Tank

About: I received a BA in the practice of Art at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987. I completed a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in counseling at San Diego State in 1990. I love working o…
This is a project I worked on over the weekend. We rented a cabin in the snow and just had enough time to work on this "Snow tank".  I had to work fast and wish I had more time to work with the food coloring to better match the real look of a tank.  Sorry that I don't have pics of the beginning and middle process, but you can figure out how I started. Hope you like.

Supplies: foldable branch/hand saw (a must!), carving tool(s)-knife/es different sizes, vacuum extension (rounded end for the canon part), wooden dowel with sharpened end (I used Hotdog on a Stick sticks), food coloring and pump bottles (99cent store).

Step 1: Step 1: Choose a Shady Spot

Step 1: Choose a shady spot away from direct sunlight (I had no choice but to use front yard we rented). This will keep your creation from melting too soon as you work.

Step 2: Step 2: Create a Snow Pile


Step 2: Create a snow pile and pack down with shovel and your boot. Leave over night to harden. This should make carving more effective the next morning.

Step 3: Step 3: Carving

Step 3: Using photos as a reference, carve your choice of artwork. Have fun, you will see what works and what doesn't as you go. You can "fix" any mistakes by simply repacking additional snow to any area.  Step back alot and check how your doing from a distance. 

Step 4: Step 4: Coloring

Step 4: Coloring is basically up to how much color you want to add.  Remember the color will not be perfectly opaque, you will see a "snow cone" effect.  I added dirt, rocks and pieces of real shrub for added realism. play with what you have available.  Good luck and remember to keep your hands covered with good gloves.