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.
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!
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.
You might also like to make Salt dough ornaments and DIY Photo Cube for more fun homemade crafts.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
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.
This DIY is easy to make and so much fun with winter scenes. You can make snow globes with water, clear glue or light corn syrup.
Anyone can make a snow globe without glycerin. These make great gifts or to display on the mantel or dining table.
Supplies
- Modeling Clay (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) Find at Hobby Lobby or your local craft store.
- Small Jars and Lids. You can use a clean jam jar.
- Distilled Water or Purified Water
- Fine Glitter
- Black Acrylic Paint.
- Paint Brush
Get the complete list of supplies at the bottom of the page.
Variations
These are totally optional but very helpful for this craft!
- Acetone
- Cotton Balls
- E6000 glue or Epoxy for plastic
How to Make a Snow Globe Tutorial
- Step 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.
Step 2. Clean the jars with warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely.
Step 3. Paint jars with black acrylic paint. Make sure to allow them to dry completely between coats.
Step 4. Shape clay onto the lid of the jar. Make sure that you keep the base of the clay sculpture inside of where you screw the rim on.
Step 5. Add any animals or items you’d like. Secure by pressing firmly onto the lid.
Step 6. Make the penguin by starting with a black piece of clay. Shape it into an oval. Flatten the bottom and sides. Use a toothpick to create wings. Flatten stray clay with your fingers.
Step 7. 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.
Step 8. 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.
Step 9. Add a white face and belly. Use a toothpick to make front leg shapes. Add eyes and nose.
Step 10. To make a tree, take a piece of brown clay and shape it into a trunk shape.
Step 11. 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.
Step 12. Place the tree and fox onto a bed of grass covered with some white patches of snow. You can use bottlebrush trees for more good options.
Step 13. Fill the jar with glitter for sparkles. This is the fun part. 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 watch the glitter float!
- 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.
Storage
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 This 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.
Expert Tips
- Modeling Clay is suggested 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, so I don’t recommend using a hot glue gun.
- 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.
- Find winter figurines, miniatures, small toys, reindeer, bottle brush trees or decorations to use in the snow globe at thrift stores or craft stores.
Find More Holiday Ideas
- DIY Christmas Garland
- Sock Snowman Craft
- DIY Christmas Burlap Wreath
- Mason Jar Christmas Centerpiece Ideas
- Vanilla Peppermint DIY Foot Scrub
- Snow Painting
Make this fun and easy DIY Snow Globe today. Then leave a comment sharing how your snow globe turned out!
DIY Snow Globe
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!