This DIY Snow Globe is a fun craft activity for the entire family. Homemade snow globes are a blast to make and so easy and budget friendly.
DIY Snow Globe
There is something so magical about snow globes. They are simple yet stunning! As a child, I remember being mesmerized by watching the snow fall again and again!
These little globes full of wonder and awe never get boring and promote creativity. Whether you are a child or a kid at heart, everyone loves snow globes.
Make your own water globe.
Today, you will learn how to make a snow globe! I promise you will love this snow globe craft and the memories you will make are going to be so special.
Materials needed for Snow Globe Craft:
- Modeling Clay (note: This is clay that won’t dry out. You cannot bake it, you cannot air dry it. It’s important to only use modeling clay)
- Small Jars and Lids
- Distilled Water or Purified Water
- Fine Glitter
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brush
Optional Items:
These are totally optional but very helpful for this craft!
How to make a Snow Globe
1. Remove all labels and glue or adhesive from jars. I find acetone works best for the sticky residue as well as any printed codes on the jars.
2. Wash the jars and lids. Clean the jars with warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely.
3. Paint jars with black acrylic paint. Make sure to allow them to dry completely between coats.
4. Shape clay onto the lid of the jar. Make sure that you keep the base of the clay sculpture inside of where the rim screws on.
5. Add any animals or items you’d like. Secure by pressing firmly onto the lid.
To make the penguin:
- Start with a black piece of clay and shape it into an oval. Flatten the bottom and sides. Use a toothpick to create wings. Flatten stray clay with your fingers.
- Place a white face/belly onto the front of the black body and follow with small eyes and a yellow beak and feet. Place onto a white arctic iceberg on the jar lid.
To make the fox and tree:
- Start with two orange pieces of clay and shape as shown. Press head and body together and add a tail. Add a white face and belly.
Use a toothpick to make front leg shapes. Add eyes and nose.
- To make a tree, take a piece of brown clay and shape it into a trunk shape. Roll green clay to make the tree branches and add pieces of white by ripping the clay and flattening it in your fingers before applying to the green boughs.
Place the tree and fox onto a bed of grass covered with some white patches of snow.
5. Fill the jar with glitter. Make sure the bottom is just covered. Add water and fill almost completely.
Place the lid onto the jar and twist tightly. Flip over and shake your jar and see your snow globe!
Optional: Glue the jar lid onto the jars. Before placing the lid on the jar, add a swipe of E6000 glue or epoxy to the rim of the jar. Twist the lid on and set overnight to set up.
Now, you can make your own snowglobe.
Kids make your own water snow globe with just a few art supplies from the craft store. No need to buy expensive craft kits.
This is such an easy Christmas craft for a small group, party activity and more.
Gather the kids and make this super easy project for tons of fun. It is frugal, so pretty and perfect for a great DIY. Feel free to modify the clay into anything you prefer.
The ideas are endless for this easy craft that everyone will love.
How to store:
Snow globes should be stored in a location that isn’t too hot or too cold. Store them in a room with moderate temperature away from direct sunlight.
How long will the snow globe last:
Traditional snow globes can last for quite some time if they do not have air bubbles and remain away from sunlight.
The time frame will vary based on the supplies used, quality of water and cleanliness of the jar. Other factors to consider include exposure to extreme heat or cold.
They can last for months or even years if stored properly.
Tips for DIY Snow globe:
- Modeling Clay is great for this easy DIY.
- I do not recommend hot glue but instead the suggested E6000 for this craft. Hot glue is not as strong and will not hold up to excessive shaking.
- Distilled Water is best in this snow globe.
- Make sure that you keep the base of the clay sculpture inside of where the rim screws on the jar. If it is larger, it will not securely close.
- Acetone will help to easily remove labels and stickers from jars that you are using.
- Ensure that any jars you are using are very clean. This will help the water stay clear over time.
- Repurpose jars you already have to make this craft. You don’t need to buy new ones.
Print the instructions for this Snow Globe DIY:
How to Make Snow Globes
Equipment
- Modeling Clay (note: This is clay that won't dry out. You cannot bake it, you cannot air dry it. It's important to only use modeling clay)
- Small Jars and Lids
- Distilled or Purified Water
- Fine Glitter
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brush
- Acetone optional
- Cotton Balls optional
- E6000 glue optional, could also use epoxy for plastic
Instructions
- Remove all labels and glue/adhesive from jars. I find acetone works best for the sticky residue as well as any printed codes on the jars.
- Wash jars and lids with warm, soapy water, rinse well and dry completely.
- Paint jars with black acrylic paint, allowing to dry completely between coats.
- Shape clay onto the lid of the jar. Make sure you keep the base of the clay sculpture inside of where the rim screws on.
- Add any animals or items you'd like. Secure by pressing firmly onto the lid.
- Fill the jar with glitter, making sure the bottom is just covered. Add water and fill almost completely. Place the lid onto the jar and twist tightly. Flip over and shake your jar and see your snow globe!
- Optional: Glue the jar lid onto the jars. Before placing the lid on the jar, add a swipe of E6000 glue or epoxy to the rim of the jar. Twist the lid on and set overnight to set up.
To make the penguin:
- Start with a black piece of clay and shape it into an oval. Flatten the bottom and sides. Use a toothpick to create wings. Flatten stray clay with your fingers. Place a white face/belly onto the front of the black body and follow with small eyes and a yellow beak and feet. Place onto a white arctic iceberg on the jar lid.
To make the fox and tree:
- Start with two orange pieces of clay and shape as shown. Press head and body together and add a tail. Add a white face and belly. Use a toothpick to make front leg shapes. Add eyes and nose. To make a tree, take a piece of brown clay and shape it into a trunk shape. Roll green clay to make the tree branches and add pieces of white by ripping the clay and flattening it in your fingers before applying to the green boughs.
- Place the tree and fox onto a bed of grass covered with some white patches of snow.
Do you have to glue the modeling clay figures to the underside of the jar lid? If so, what glue do you use?
Yes, I like to use gorilla glue. Thank you!