DIY Craft: How to Make Easy Homemade Snow Globes

As a kid, I loved snow globes. I collected them whenever I traveled someplace new. There was such magic in every shake and I loved watching the snow gradually fall on top of each little winter scene.

Years ago I started to DIY snow globes with my middle school classes. Initially, I would make them using baby food jars, but I've come a long way since those first snow globes. In this post, I’m sharin ga step-by-step tutorial on how to make easy homemade snow globes.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the project, gather the following materials:

Snow globe container: You can use either a glass jar or, now they make snow globe containers. In the past, I found them at the art supply store, but this year, I found them at the dollar store! The EXACT same ones for a fraction of the price.
However, the plastic base on the dollar tree ones did not have the same strength. Even so, they all came out the same and I just made sure to add some extra glue to seal the base (sort of like caulking).
That being said, you can also just use a jar to make a homemade snow globe which is what I did for years before I was able to find the Christmas snow globe containers at Hobby Lobby. The jar ones might seem more of a simple diy snow globe, but they look just as good!
White polymer clay and Colorful polymer clay – Polymer clay like Sculpey or Fimo work best for this project. You will need white for the snowman and then some orange and black for the face and buttons. I added extra colors so that the kids could make scarves and a hat.
Toothpicks - I used the toothpicks to secure the head to the body. I did this because in the past I've had kids who's snowmen have become decapitated! Remember, kids shake things vigorously!
Clay oven - I use a small toaster oven with bake settings. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions before baking
Water – Distilled water works best as it’s free from minerals and will prevent cloudiness over time.
Water Slowing agent - I have a lot to say about this! There are so many people on the internet who recommend using either glycerine or baby oil. However, if you research people who repair snow globes for a living, they actually recommend clear school glue!
I tried the test and it works beautifully to slow down the fall of the glitter. It is much cheaper than glycerine and a lot less messy. Glycerine is very hard to clean up!
In my experience, baby oil is a disaster because if the snow globe breaks, you have baby oil all over your house! Either way, you will want something to slow the fall of the glitter and clear glue is my first choice.
E6000 - You will use this to attach the snowman and any other elements to the bottom of the snow globe. The E6000 works better than the hot glue, but is toxic and should be used in a well-ventilated space.
I like the one I've linked because it is waterproof and is less smelly. I use a touch on the underside of the lid and then I also like to seal the lid once it is closed.
Fake snow or glitter – This will be your "snow." You can choose between snow-like glitter or finely cut fake snow, available in craft stores. I like to make a mix of the super fine iridescent glitter as well as the more flakey version.
Experiment and see what works best for you! Personally, I prefer the holographic glitter. But use whichever works best for you when making your own snow globes.
Hot glue gun and glue sticks – This is used to attach your figurines to the lid if you end up using the hot glue in place of the e6000.
Waterproof adhesive – For securing the jar lid to the jar itself and making sure it does not leak or come apart.
Embellishments - feel free to add other elements such as a candy cane, trees, etc. Some kids in my classes even made a little baby snowman to sit alongside the bigger snowman. I also supplied pieces of black coated wire that looked like sticks.
I found these in the art section around the time of the holidays at my local craft store. Be creative and see what you can use. Just remember, these snowmen will be inside water longterm, so do not use anything that might either disintegrate or rust.
Liquid sculpey - this is the best way to glue parts together

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Snow Globes

Step 1: Condition the clay

When working with polymer clay, it is important to condition the clay first. This means kneading it to warm it up in your hands. Make sure your hands are clean and that you are working on a clean surface.

Step 2: Make a snowman

Check out this video for a full tutorial on how to make a Sculpey snowman, or follow the steps below!

Using the polymer, clay, make a snowman. First make the head and then make the body. Although snowmen typically have three spheres, I recommend using only two; one bigger one for the body and one smaller one for the head.

I stick a toothpick into the body to attach the head. If the toothpick is too big or sticks out, you can cut it with scissors or cover it with ear muffs or a cozy hat.

To make sure any appendages stick properly, use liquid sculpey as a clay glue. Trust me!

In my experience, it is not best practice to have kids make sticks as arms. This is because they almost always break because they are too skinny. Or they look a bit wonky because they're too thick.

Instead, either paint and seal some toothpicks and stick them into the sides of the snowman, or see if the craft store has coated firm brown or black wire you can use. This worked well for me.

One helpful tip is to have an empty snow globe container handy when making these so that kids can make sure their snowman is not too big to fit inside. There's nothing worse than telling a kid that their snow globe isn't working.

Step 3: Bake the snowman

You will want to bake and cure both the snowman as well as any other elements that you've created using polymer clay. As with all diy projects, it is best to follow the manufacturers instructions when using the clay and oven. Do not let kids operate the oven on their own. Once the snowman is baked, let it cool down.

Step 4: Attach the Figures to the Lid

Use either your hot glue gun or the E6000 to attach your snowman to the plastic base. If using E6000, be sure to let that cure for a minimum of 48 hours before adding to the water.

For this reason, using the hot glue gun might be a better option for a one day project. However, if you plan to make waterless snow globes, this glue will work great! Be sure to use enough glue and make sure it is completely stuck to the lid of the jar.

Step 3: Fill the jar with water, glitter and glue

Once you are finished gluing the figurine to the bottom of the jar or container, you can start adding the water and other elements. Place the jar upside down inside of a bowl. Have each kid add one cup of water to start. You can always add more water if it doesn't make it to the top of the jar.

Have each kid add a few pinches of glitter. I also provide snowflake sequins for extra fun. Add as you go until you are happy with the amount of glitter you have. For best results, use fine glitter first. You can always add more snow or glitter if you want a heavier snowfall effect.

Add more water if needed.

Step 4: Seal the Jar

Place the lid of the snow globe onto the jar or container. The figurines will be glued on to the base, so work carefully to place them inside. Make sure it screws on perfectly and then use some glue to seal the jar.

I like to add glue around the exterior edge of the lid that has recently been screwed on. This prevents leaks from happening. Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes unless you choose to use hot glue instead. Whichever glue you end up using, make sure that it is waterproof glue and can act as a sealant.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Once the lid is securely in place, turn the jar upside down and shake it gently. Watch as the "snow" swirls inside your snowglobe! If the snow falls too quickly, add a little more glycerin to slow it down. If it’s not snowy enough, you can add more fake snow or glitter.

Take a moment to check for leaks. If you notice any water escaping from the lid, you may need to reapply the adhesive and allow it more drying time.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once you’re happy with how your snowglobe looks, you can decorate the outside of the jar for added flair. Wrap a ribbon around the jar’s lid or glue on some festive accents like miniature pinecones or a small bow. You can also paint the lid to match the theme of your snowglobe.

If you’re giving the snowglobe as a gift, consider personalizing it with a name or date using a paint marker or small stickers. The kids in my classes had so much fun making name plates for their snowmen and miniature figurines.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Snowglobe

Theme it out: Create themed snowglobes for different occasions—holiday scenes for Christmas, a beach scene with seashells for summer, or even a whimsical fairy world for birthdays.
Try colored water: For a unique effect, add food coloring to the water. Light blue creates a frosty look, while pink or purple can add a magical touch.
Use non-water-based glues: If you’re worried about water leaking over time, consider using non-water-based glues like E6000 or epoxy for added strength and durability.
Be flexible: If you do not have clay, simply use plastic figurines instead. The first few years I made these, I used little toy penguins. If you make mason jar snow globes and use biodegradable glitter, you can now have fun and be friendly to the environment.

Happy Crafting!

Making snow globes is an incredibly fun project and they also make a great gift if you're wanting to give something handmade. This holiday craft project has endless possibilities.

With a little glitter, a few drops of glycerin or glue, a little water, a little snow (aka glitter) and your imagination, you'll be making water snow globes all of the time. There's something so magical about a beautiful, simple snow globe. Plus, it is fun for kids of all ages. So...what are you waiting for? The holiday seasons are the best!

Looking for more winter crafts? You’ll love these handmade ornaments or these rhinestone gloves!

DIY Craft: How to Make Easy Homemade Snow Globes