The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating, crafting, and sharing festive cheer. If you’re someone who loves both creating and giving, snow globe ornaments make the perfect DIY gift for family and friends.
Not only do they capture the magic of winter, but they also offer a personal touch that store-bought decorations simply can’t match. This guide will walk you through each step to help you make your own snow globe ornaments from scratch. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before we begin, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these adorable snow globe ornaments. We suggest heading to your local craft store—Michael’s is a great option with a wide selection of miniature items that fit perfectly inside these ornaments. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1x Plastic two-piece ball ornament
- 1x Pack of bottle brush trees (assorted sizes)
- 1-2 cotton balls
- 1x Pack of fake snow (we used Buffalo brand snow)
- 1 pack of crazy glue
- Miniature animals (we used Toob miniature animals—arctic animals)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Twine for hanging
- Small paintbrush
- Scissors
Having these supplies ready will ensure your crafting session goes smoothly.
Step 2: Set Up Your Materials
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, let’s set up. Begin by arranging your trees and other miniatures so they are easy to grab during the process. For instance, some of the trees might need a little shaping or bending to look their best. Choose a medium-sized tree and trim the bottom of its trunk so it fits comfortably inside the globe ornament.
Step 3: Arrange Your Scene
One of the trickiest steps in this project is arranging the trees and animals to fit perfectly when the two halves of the globe are put together. You don’t want to glue anything yet, as it’s important to figure out the ideal placement first. For example, in my snow globe, I placed the trees in the back half of the ornament and positioned the animal in the front. Make sure everything fits well before you start gluing.
Try placing the trees, animals, and any other decorations inside the globe to see if the pieces align. When everything looks good, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Add Cotton for Stability
Cotton balls help to add fullness and stability to your snow globe scene. They also conceal the hot glue that holds the trees in place. Take one cotton ball and stretch it out, twisting a portion of it into a long, thin cylinder. Gently place this cotton into the back of one half of the globe ornament. The cotton will cover up any visible glue, making the scene look neater and more polished.
Step 5: Glue the Trees into Place
Now it’s time to glue the trees into position. Start by applying hot glue to the base of your medium-sized tree, then attach it securely to the bottom of the globe, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. Make sure the tree is glued directly to the globe, not to the cotton.
Add the smaller tree next, again keeping the cotton behind the trees to hide the trunks and glue. Use the back end of your paintbrush to push the cotton into place so it covers any visible tree trunks or glue. After securing both trees, place the two halves of the globe together to double-check that everything fits as planned.
Pro Tip: Be sure to align everything with the top hole of the globe, as this ensures the ornament will hang properly later on.
Step 6: Position the Animal
Once the trees are secure, it’s time to add your miniature animal. Apply hot glue to the back foot of the animal, then place it on the bottom of the globe. Hold it in place until the glue sets. You only need to glue one foot to the globe, as this will elevate the animal slightly.
Again, make sure the animal is standing upright and is properly aligned with the top hole of the globe. Once the animal is securely attached, place more cotton under its feet to hide the glue and add some fullness to the scene. Be careful not to get any glue on the cotton, as this can create a messy look.
Step 7: Add Fake Snow
Now comes the fun part—adding the snow! Sprinkle about 2 ½ teaspoons of fake snow into one half of the globe. Hold the two halves together and shake gently to spread the snow evenly. You want the snow to lightly cover the cotton, creating a wintery feel. If it seems like there’s too much snow or too little, adjust accordingly. Make sure your scene looks just the way you want it before moving on to the next step.
Step 8: Apply the Crazy Glue
This is where the magic happens! Crazy glue holds everything in place, but you need to be careful not to overdo it. Shake the snow to one half of the globe, then find the half with the lower indent groove. This is where you’ll apply the crazy glue. Dab a small amount of glue at the 12 o’clock position at the top of the globe and three spots on the bottom (4, 6, and 8 o’clock).
Once the glue is in place, carefully align the two halves of the globe and press them together. Ensure that the top holes meet evenly, and hold the globe in place for a few moments until the glue sets.
Step 9: Let the Glue Set
Patience is key here. Allow the glue to dry completely. Once it’s set, give the globe a shake to rearrange the fake snow inside. If some snow sticks to the sides of the globe, just tap it gently, and it should fall back down.
Now, grab your twine and thread it through the top hole of the globe. Tie it securely, making sure it’s ready for hanging.
Step 10: Celebrate Your Creation
Congratulations! You’ve just created your very own snow globe ornament. These little pieces of holiday magic are perfect for hanging on your tree or gifting to loved ones. You can personalize them even more by adding different figures, trees, or seasonal touches.
The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine through! We hope this guide inspires you to craft your own snow globe ornaments, bringing a touch of winter wonderland to your holiday season.
Project Via Instructables – Download PDF Instructions here.
