How to Make a Snow Globe: Crafting Winter Magic in a Jar
I still remember the first snow globe I ever made. It was a disaster. The glitter clumped together like wet sand, the water turned murky within days, and my carefully chosen figurine—a tiny ceramic penguin I'd found at a yard sale—somehow managed to lose its beak in the process. But you know what? That failed attempt taught me more about snow globe making than any tutorial ever could.
Making snow globes is one of those crafts that seems deceptively simple until you're elbow-deep in glycerin and wondering why your "snow" looks more like a blizzard of dandruff. The truth is, there's a surprising amount of science and artistry involved in creating these miniature winter wonderlands. And after years of perfecting my technique (and yes, ruining countless jars along the way), I've discovered that the magic isn't just in the final product—it's in understanding why certain materials work and others spectacularly don't.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Snow Globe
Before we dive into the making process, let's talk about what actually goes into a snow globe that works. Not just one that looks pretty for five minutes, but one that will still be enchanting your grandkids decades from now.
The jar itself is your foundation, and this is where most people make their first mistake. Mason jars are popular because they're everywhere, but honestly? They're not ideal. The threading on the lid creates tiny spaces where water can seep out over time. I learned this the hard way when I gave my sister a beautiful snow globe for Christmas, only to have her text me a week later about the mysterious puddle on her bookshelf.
Baby food jars, though smaller, actually work brilliantly. The seal is tighter, and the glass is usually thicker. But my personal favorite? Those old-fashioned apothecary jars with the ground glass stoppers. They're harder to find, but the seal is practically bulletproof, and they have this wonderful vintage charm that makes even the simplest scene look sophisticated.
The liquid is where things get interesting. Pure water works, sure, but it's like making pasta with no salt—technically correct but missing that special something. The secret ingredient that transforms your snow globe from amateur hour to professional-looking is glycerin. You can find it at any pharmacy, usually lurking near the skin care products. It thickens the water just enough to make your "snow" fall slowly and dreamily instead of plummeting like hail.
Some people swear by using baby oil instead of water and glycerin, and I'll admit, it creates a beautiful, languid snowfall effect. But here's what they don't tell you: baby oil can yellow over time, especially if your snow globe sits in sunlight. I've seen gorgeous creations turn into what looks like a miniature scene suspended in apple juice. Not exactly the winter wonderland effect we're going for.
Choosing Your Scene
This is where your personality really shines through. I've seen everything from traditional Christmas scenes to tiny dinosaurs having a snowball fight. The key is choosing elements that won't deteriorate in water. Plastic figurines are safe bets, as are ceramic pieces that have been properly sealed. Metal can work, but it needs to be stainless steel or aluminum—anything else will rust and turn your pristine snow globe into a science experiment about oxidation.
One of my favorite discoveries was using polymer clay to create custom figures. You can bake it according to the package directions, seal it with a waterproof varnish, and create literally anything your imagination conjures up. I once made a snow globe featuring my friend's cat wearing a tiny crown, and it remains one of my proudest achievements.
The base of your scene needs to be waterproof too. Hot glue guns are your best friend here, but—and this is crucial—you need to use marine-grade hot glue. Regular hot glue will eventually break down in water. I discovered this when my carefully constructed winter village scene suddenly became a floating debris field. Marine hot glue costs a bit more, but trust me, it's worth not having to explain to a disappointed child why Santa's workshop is now in ruins.
The Snow Itself
Ah, the snow. This is where people get creative, sometimes to disastrous effect. I've experimented with everything from crushed eggshells (too heavy, sinks immediately) to actual snow (melts, obviously—don't ask why I tried this).
Traditional snow globes use white plastic glitter, and there's a reason for that. It's light enough to float nicely, doesn't dissolve, and catches the light beautifully. But not all glitter is created equal. Craft store glitter often has a coating that can dissolve in water over time, creating a cloudy effect. Look for polyester glitter specifically labeled as solvent-resistant.
For a more unique snow effect, I've had great success with:
- Crushed white wax (from old candles)—gives a softer, more realistic snow appearance
- Tiny styrofoam balls—creates a almost blizzard-like effect
- White sand—heavier, so it falls faster, but beautiful for underwater scenes
- Coconut flakes—surprisingly effective, though they do eventually break down
Whatever you choose, less is more. It's tempting to dump in half a container of glitter, but all that does is obscure your carefully crafted scene. Start with a pinch and add more if needed. You can always add more snow, but once it's in there, good luck getting it out without starting over.
Assembly: Where the Magic Happens
Now comes the moment of truth. First, test everything. I cannot stress this enough. Fill your jar with water and let it sit for 24 hours. Any leaks? Fix them now, not after you've added all your components.
Attach your scene to the inside of the lid using your marine hot glue. Work in thin layers—thick globs of glue take forever to cure properly and can create weak spots. While that's drying, mix your liquid. My go-to ratio is about 1 part glycerin to 3 parts distilled water. Why distilled? Tap water contains minerals that can cloud over time or leave deposits on your figurines.
Here's a trick I learned from a woman who'd been making snow globes since the 1960s: add a tiny drop of dish soap to your mixture. I'm talking minuscule—like, touch a toothpick to the soap and then swirl it in your liquid. This breaks the surface tension and helps prevent air bubbles from clinging to your decorations.
Fill your jar almost to the top, leaving just a small air gap. Too much air and you'll get a bubble that ruins the effect. Too little and the pressure changes can crack your jar. Add your snow, then slowly lower your scene (attached to the lid) into the liquid. Some overflow is normal—in fact, it's desirable. You want to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible.
Sealing the Deal
This is the make-or-break moment. Even the most beautiful snow globe is worthless if it leaks. After screwing on your lid (or placing your stopper), dry the rim thoroughly. Then apply a bead of clear silicone sealant around the edge. Some people use super glue, but I find silicone more forgiving and longer-lasting.
Let it cure for at least 48 hours. I know, I know—the waiting is torture. You'll want to shake it, show it off, photograph it from every angle. Resist. Those two days of patience will reward you with years of leak-free enjoyment.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best intentions, things go wrong. If your water turns cloudy, it's usually either minerals from tap water or your glitter coating dissolving. Unfortunately, the only fix is to start over with better materials.
If your snow clumps together, you probably used too much glycerin. The solution is counterintuitive—add a bit more water to thin the mixture. You can do this by carefully unsealing your globe, but honestly? It's usually easier to start fresh.
Algae growth is another common issue, especially if your globe sits in sunlight. A tiny amount of bleach in your water (we're talking a single drop per cup) can prevent this, but some people worry about bleach affecting their decorations over time. Keeping your globe out of direct sunlight is the better solution.
Beyond the Basics
Once you've mastered the traditional snow globe, the possibilities are endless. I've made "reverse" snow globes where the scene is on the outside and the jar is filled with swirling glitter. I've created snow globes with LED lights in the base for a magical nighttime effect. I've even made edible snow globes using gelatin instead of water (though these obviously don't last long).
The real joy of snow globe making isn't in following a formula—it's in discovering what works for you. Maybe you'll find that adding a drop of food coloring creates the perfect twilight effect. Maybe you'll discover that vintage buttons make better snow than glitter. The point is to experiment, fail, learn, and create something uniquely yours.
Every snow globe tells a story. Not just the scene inside, but the story of its creation—the materials you chose, the problems you solved, the moment of satisfaction when you finally got it right. That first failed snow globe I made? I still have it. The penguin might be beakless and the snow might be clumpy, but it reminds me that every expert was once a disaster with a jar and a dream.
So go ahead, make a mess. Create something weird. The worst that can happen is you'll end up with a good story and the knowledge of what not to do next time. And the best? You'll hold in your hands a small world of your own making, where it's always snowing and everything is exactly as magical as you imagined it would be.
Authoritative Sources:
Bodger, Lorraine. The Christmas Kitchen: The Gathering Place for Making Memories. New York: Clarkson Potter, 1999.
Martin, Laura C. Garden Crafts: 30 Beautiful and Practical Projects for Patio, Porch, Deck, Garden, or Yard. Emmaus: Rodale Press, 1993.
McMurray, Kim. "Preservation of Water-Damaged Family Heirlooms." University of Minnesota Extension, 2018. extension.umn.edu/how-manage-water-damage/preservation-water-damaged-family-heirlooms.
National Museum of American History. "Snow Globe Collection." Smithsonian Institution Archives, collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=snow+globes.
Rhatigan, Joe, and Rain Newcomb. The Miniature Book of Miniature Golf. Philadelphia: Running Press, 2006.