How to Make Snow Globes | Handmade Winter Decor

You can make a snow globe at home with a jar, distilled water, glitter, and a waterproof-glued figurine screwed into the lid.

Winter is the perfect time to craft something personal, and making snow globes is one of the most satisfying DIY projects there is. You probably have the kitchen jar; you need the right water, glue, and technique.

The Best Materials For A Homemade Snow Globe

Half the magic comes from gathering quality supplies before you start. A few common household items combine with a couple of specialty materials to make the whole project work.

• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid — mason jars, baby food jars, or any clean jar with a secure screw lid work perfectly. Just confirm the lid doesn’t leak before you begin.
• Waterproof adhesive — epoxy, waterproof glue, or hot glue all attach your scene to the lid securely.
• Figurine or ornament — plastic toys, ceramic pieces, or small holiday decorations that fit inside the jar.
• Distilled water — recommended again and again because it prevents the cloudiness that tap water eventually creates in a sealed globe.
• Glycerin or corn syrup — this thickens the water so glitter falls slowly instead of sinking instantly.
• Glitter — fine glitter swirls best; larger pieces add accent.

How To Build A Snow Globe Step By Step

The IET’s classroom guide lays out a very workable sequence: start with a clean, dry jar, glue the decoration to the inside of the lid, and let the adhesive fully cure before adding any liquid.

1. Clean and dry the jar completely — wash the inside thoroughly, then let it air-dry so no water spots or residue float in your finished globe.
2. Glue the figurine to the inside of the lid — apply waterproof glue, epoxy, or hot glue to the base of your ornament and press it into the center of the lid. Make sure the figurine sits so the jar can still close fully over it.
3. Let the adhesive dry completely — this step matters more than it seems; if the glue isn’t fully cured when you add water, your scene may detach and float loose.
4. Fill the jar mostly full with distilled water — leave headspace at the top so the figurine and lid fit without forcing the water to overflow. The National Artcraft guide is explicit here: never overfill.
5. Add small amounts of glycerin and glitter — common ratios include 1 cup of water with 3 teaspoons of glycerin and 3 teaspoons of glitter, or roughly 2 tablespoons of glycerin in a filled jar. Start with less; you can test and adjust.
6. Seal the lid tightly and test for leaks — screw the lid on firmly and turn the jar upside down to check that nothing drips from the rim.

When you test your globe, hold it over a sink. If you see any leak at all, dry the jar, add a ring of waterproof glue around the rim or threads, reseal, and test again once it sets.

This is your moment to check both swirled glitter and liquid movement before the globe becomes permanent decor. If you love the finished look enough to start a small collection, the most beautiful snow globes for collectors round up presents gorgeous ready-made options for your shelf.

Common Problems And How To Avoid Them

Most snow globe failures fall into three avoidable categories: leaks, cloudy water, and floating scenes. Each has a simple prevention.

• Leaks happen when the lid isn’t watertight. Test the jar’s seal with plain water before you commit your figurine and glitter to it.
• Cloudy water develops from tap water minerals. Distilled water is the single most repeated recommendation across every source for exactly this reason.
• Scenes float when glue hasn’t fully cured. Give the adhesive plenty of time — overnight where possible — before adding liquid to the jar.

Also, confirm the figurine you select fits comfortably with room to spare. The lid must screw on without forcing, and the decoration should sit low enough that it never jams against the jar’s base when closed.

FAQs

Do I have to use distilled water in a snow globe?

How much glycerin should I add?

Start with roughly 2 tablespoons of glycerin per filled jar, then test the swirl. Glycerin slows the glitter’s fall, but too much makes everything float sluggishly. If the glitter drops too fast, add more glycerin in small amounts; if it barely moves, the next globe deserves less.

Can I use hot glue to attach my figurine?

Yes, hot glue works well for attaching figures, but it must dry completely before you add water. Whichever adhesive you choose, let it cure fully — overnight is safest — before filling the jar.