Snow globes are a timeless holiday craft that bring a touch of magic to any room. Whether you’re creating one as a gift for a loved one or as a personal keepsake, this DIY snow globe project is a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your decorations. Although there are many snow globe tutorials available, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making a unique and personalized snow globe that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To create your snow globe, you’ll need to collect a few simple materials. Most of these items can be found around your home, but if not, they can be easily purchased from a craft store or online. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mason jar or jam jar (with a secure, screw-on lid)
- Small figurines or Christmas-themed toys (or any theme you prefer, such as winter, nature, or even characters from your favorite shows)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Glitter (silver or white for a classic snowy effect)
- Water (some crafters prefer distilled water, but regular tap water works just fine)
- Optional: Plastic snowflakes or other small decorative accents
- Optional: Baby oil (this is a common substitute for water, as it allows the glitter to float more slowly, creating a more enchanting effect)
Step 2: Prepare Your Accents
Before you start gluing, it’s time to think about the items that will go inside your snow globe. You can use small figurines or toys that you already own, but it’s important that they fit easily inside the jar. If your figurines aren’t particularly festive or don’t fit the theme, consider giving them a makeover. For example, if you have a plain toy, you can spray paint it or add accents like glitter or sequins.
For my snow globe, I used a green Lego tree that I painted with permanent craft paint. I wanted it to look like a snowy, evergreen tree in the middle of the globe, so I dusted it lightly with white paint to create a frosted effect. While the tree looked great on its own, I made the mistake of painting the inside of the jar. This ended up distracting from the overall effect, so I would suggest avoiding this step unless you have a clear design in mind.
Step 3: Start Gluing the Toys to the Lid
Now comes the fun part: gluing the toys to the lid of the jar. When applying hot glue, don’t be shy—use a generous amount to ensure that the toys are securely attached. The last thing you want is for the objects to come loose and float to the top of the globe when it’s shaken.
Take your time when placing the toys. Make sure to position them near the center of the lid to allow space for the jar to screw on properly. Avoid gluing them too close to the edge, as this can prevent the lid from sealing properly later on. If you’re using multiple small toys or decorations, arrange them in a way that they complement each other without overcrowding the lid.
Step 4: Attach the Toys to the Lid
Once the glue has dried and your toys are securely attached to the lid, it’s time to move on to the next step. Carefully place the lid on the jar and check that everything fits snugly. It’s important that the lid screws on tightly, as you’ll be filling the jar with water soon.
Make sure that the toys are placed in such a way that they won’t be obstructed by the edge of the lid. You want the toys to be visible once the globe is finished, so position them for maximum visibility when the globe is upright.
Step 5: Add Glitter and Snowflakes
Now, for the magic! Take your jar and add a small amount of glitter. A little goes a long way, so start with a small pinch of glitter and shake it around inside the jar. If you’d like to add extra texture and movement to your snow globe, you can also include some plastic snowflakes or other small, lightweight decorative pieces. Just be cautious not to overdo it. Too much glitter or too many pieces will make the globe look overcrowded, and you won’t be able to see the scene inside clearly.
If you’re using glitter and snowflakes, make sure that the pieces are light enough to float in the water. If they sink too quickly, they won’t create the whimsical snowstorm effect that you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Fill the Jar with Water (or Oil)
It’s time to fill the jar. If you’re using water, fill the jar up to the brim, leaving just enough space to avoid overflow when the lid is screwed on. Be gentle while filling, and if you need to, do this step over a sink to catch any spills.
For an alternative, some crafters prefer using baby oil or vegetable oil instead of water. This creates a slower fall for the glitter, giving it a more magical, dreamy effect as it floats down. If you’re using oil, fill the jar almost all the way to the top but leave a small gap to prevent spillage.
Once the jar is filled, carefully place the lid on and tighten it securely. To minimize air bubbles inside the globe, try this trick: remove the lid and pour out about one spoonful of the water (or oil), then screw the lid back on tightly. This will help ensure that your snow globe is as bubble-free as possible.
Step 7: Seal and Shake!
Now that everything is sealed tightly, it’s time to finish your snow globe. Apply a small bead of hot glue around the inner rim of the jar lid. Quickly screw the lid back on to ensure that it’s sealed completely. The glue will help prevent any leaks and will keep the lid in place, even if the globe gets knocked around a bit.
Once the glue has dried, flip your snow globe over, give it a good shake, and watch the glitter swirl around inside. Your DIY snow globe is now ready to be displayed or given as a gift!
Conclusion
Making a snow globe is a fun and simple project that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re crafting for the holiday season or just want to add a little winter magic to your home, this DIY snow globe can be customized to suit your personal style. With a few materials and some creativity, you can create a beautiful snow globe that’s perfect for gifting or as a keepsake for years to come.
Happy crafting, and may your snow globe bring a touch of winter wonder to your space!
Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
