
Art & Creativity6-12 years
Easy
20 Minutes
DIY Snow Globe Tutorial

Bilal Şentürk
Maker
What You'll Need
- Small glass jar (≈200 ml capacity, with tight-sealing lid)
- Miniature figure (e.g. snowman, pine tree, or any waterproof figurine)
- Clear glycerin (or substitute baby oil / clear hand soap)
- Warm water
- Fine silver or white glitter
- Water-proof glue (silicone or strong hobby adhesive)
- (Optional) Decorative touches: ribbon, stickers, adhesive gems
Safety First!
- !Handle the glass jar carefully to avoid breakage.
- !Hot-glue guns should be used only by adults.
- !Keep small parts away from very young children.
- !Avoid contact of glue and glitter with eyes or mouth—rinse immediately if contact occurs.
- !Work on a protected surface to catch spills.
Let's Make It! Step-by-Step Guide
1
Gather & Clean Materials
Step 1 of 4
- Wash and fully dry the glass jar and lid.
- Lay out your figurine, glitter, glycerin, and glue.
The Science Behind It
Glycerin increases the viscosity of water, slowing down glitter flakes so they drift gently rather than sink immediately—mimicking real snowfall. This demonstrates basic concepts of density and fluid dynamics, as heavier particles fall more slowly in a denser medium.
Helpful Tips
- Leave about 1 cm of headspace in the jar to prevent overflow when you shake it.
- Use distilled water to avoid mineral cloudiness over time.
- Use distilled water to avoid mineral cloudiness over time.
- For extra sparkle, mix in a tiny amount of fine iridescent glitter.
Try These Variations!
- 1For extra sparkle, mix in a tiny amount of fine iridescent glitter.
- 2Themed Figures: Use holiday characters, animals, or even custom-printed mini-photos.
- 3LED Base: Mount tiny battery-powered LEDs under the lid for a glowing effect when shaken.
- 4Scented Snow Globe: Add a drop of vanilla or peppermint essential oil for a festive aroma.