The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace creativity, and there’s no better way to do so than by making heartfelt, handmade gifts.
This year, during our Secret Santa exchange, the Sugru team decided to craft gifts using our favorite versatile material: Sugru! One of the standout creations was Nassima’s beautiful snow globe, which turned the classic holiday decoration into a personalized masterpiece. Inspired by this, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide so you can make your very own Sugru snow globe at home.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:
- 1 mason jar or jam jar (with a lid)
- Spray paint (green for the tree or any festive color of your choice)
- Red and yellow paint pens (to add color to decorations)
- Water and glycerin (to create the magical snow effect)
- Glitter (choose your favorite colors for sparkle)
- Holiday-themed decorations (e.g., small figurines, bottle brush trees, mini ornaments— we used a Lego Sugru Santa and a trimmed bottle brush tree)
- 2 mini packs of white Sugru
Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to get started!
Step 1: Create Your Christmas Tree
What’s a snow globe without a beautiful tree? Follow these steps to craft the perfect miniature holiday centerpiece:
- Take a small bottle brush and trim it to create the shape of a Christmas tree. The cone-like shape is key for capturing the festive vibe.
- Use green spray paint to coat the tree, giving it a lush, evergreen appearance. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area and let it dry completely before moving on.
- Once dry, use red and yellow paint pens to decorate the tree tips. These bright colors will mimic baubles or Christmas lights, adding a pop of festive flair.
This mini tree will be the centerpiece of your snow globe, setting the tone for a magical winter wonderland.
Step 2: Assemble the Festive Decorations
Now it’s time to bring the snow globe to life by attaching your decorations to the lid of the jar. Sugru is the perfect adhesive for this because it’s strong, waterproof, and cures beautifully. Here’s how:
- Open a mini pack of white Sugru and use it to secure your decorative items to the inside of the lid.
- Use ⅓ of the pack to attach your Santa figurine.
- Use the remaining ⅔ to fix the tree in place next to Santa.
- Position the decorations thoughtfully, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually balanced.
- Pro Tip: Avoid placing decorations too close to the edge of the lid. Doing so can interfere with the lid’s ability to screw onto the jar properly.
- Once everything is positioned, let the Sugru cure. While Sugru can cure underwater, we recommend letting it set overnight for added durability before proceeding.
Step 3: Mix the Magical Snowy Liquid
The liquid inside your snow globe is what creates the magic. Follow these simple steps to mix it perfectly:
- Fill your mason jar with warm water, leaving about a ½-inch gap at the top to prevent overflow.
- Add a dash of glycerin to the water. Glycerin helps slow the glitter’s descent, creating a mesmerizing snow-fall effect.
- Sprinkle in your favorite glitter. Be generous for maximum sparkle!
- Use a spoon to stir the mixture gently, ensuring the glitter is evenly dispersed.
- Once mixed, carefully screw the lid onto the jar, making sure it’s tight enough to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Seal the Snow Globe
To ensure your snow globe remains leak-proof and secure, use Sugru to seal the lid:
- Take a mini pack of Sugru and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin, sausage-like strip.
- Place the Sugru strips along the edge where the lid meets the jar. This creates a watertight seal.
- Press the Sugru firmly in place, smoothing it out with your fingers.
- Pro Tip: Use a small amount of soapy water to smooth the Sugru and achieve a polished finish.
- Allow the Sugru to cure for a full 24 hours before shaking your snow globe. This curing time ensures a strong, waterproof seal.
Shake and Enjoy!
After the Sugru has fully cured, your snow globe is ready to shine! Shake it up to watch the glittery snow swirl around your festive scene. The glycerin will slow the glitter’s movement, creating a beautiful, tranquil snowfall effect. This homemade snow globe is not only a stunning piece of holiday decor but also a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a Sugru snow globe is a delightful way to channel your creativity while celebrating the holiday spirit. The process is straightforward, and the result is a festive keepsake that can be cherished for years. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or as a centerpiece for your own holiday decorations, this project is sure to bring joy and sparkle to the season.
So grab your materials, roll up your sleeves, and get crafting—because nothing says “holiday magic” like a handmade snow globe!
Project Via Instructables – Download PDF Instructions here.
