How to draw a snow globe - a free snow globe drawing guide
Green highlight

Draw a detailed snow globe: sketch the glass dome and base, add a tiny winter scene, then shade and color floating snowflakes.

Orange shooting star
Start Drawing
Background blob
Challenge Image
Table of contents

Photos of detailed snow globe drawings

Drawing example 1
Drawing example 2
Drawing example 3
Drawing example 4
Drawing example 5
Drawing example 6

Step-by-step guide to draw a detailed snow globe

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Draw A Snow Globe

What you need
Black fine-liner pen, colouring materials (colored pencils or crayons or markers), eraser, paper, pencil, round object for tracing like a cup or lid, white gel pen or white crayon for highlights

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clear table so you are ready to draw.

Step 2

Place the round object on the paper and lightly trace a circle with your pencil to make the snow globe dome.

Step 3

Draw a flat oval under the circle and a rectangle below it to make the base of the snow globe.

Step 4

Inside the circle draw a slightly smaller circle to show the glass edge of the dome.

Step 5

Draw a low curved line inside the dome to make the snowy ground where your tiny scene will sit.

Step 6

Sketch one main tiny object in the center like a little house a pine tree or a snowman.

Step 7

Add small details around the main object such as windows a door tree branches or a chimney.

Step 8

Draw many tiny snowflakes and dots floating around the scene using small circles stars or crosses.

Step 9

Trace all the final lines carefully with your black fine-liner pen to make the drawing bold.

Step 10

Wait a minute for the ink to dry so it won’t smudge when you erase.

Step 11

Gently erase the pencil guide lines so only your inked drawing remains.

Step 12

Shade the dome and the base with your pencil using light strokes and smudging to show glass and shadow.

Step 13

Colour the tiny scene inside the globe using your colouring materials and make the base bright or patterned.

Step 14

Use the white gel pen or white crayon to add bright snowflake dots highlights and sparkles on the glass.

Step 15

Take a picture of your finished snow globe and share your creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder

Help!?

What can I use instead of the round object, black fine-liner, or white gel pen if I don't have them?

Use a cup or jar lid to trace the dome in the 'Place the round object' step, swap the black fine-liner for a thin permanent marker or felt-tip pen when you 'Trace all the final lines,' and replace the white gel pen with white acrylic paint, correction fluid, or a white crayon for the 'add bright snowflake dots' step.

My ink smudged and pencil lines won't erase cleanly — what should I do?

If ink smudges when you 'Gently erase the pencil guide lines,' let the fineliner dry longer, blot the ink with scrap paper, and then use a soft kneaded eraser to gently lift the pencil without rubbing the ink.

How can I change this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids pre-trace the circle and oval and let them stick simple shapes or color a pre-drawn snowman instead of using a fine-liner, while older kids can add detailed 'Shade the dome and the base' pencil shading, intricate patterns on the base, and tiny highlights with a white gel pen.

How can we make the finished snow globe more special or interactive?

Make it interactive by adding glued sequins or loose glitter under a taped acetate layer to shake like real snow, painting a personalized pattern on the base when you 'Colour the tiny scene,' and then 'Take a picture of your finished snow globe and share' it online.

Watch videos on how to draw a detailed snow globe

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Draw a Cute Christmas Tree Snow Globe - Easy Step-by-Step for Kids!

4 Videos

Facts about drawing and shading

❄️ Snow globes make snowfall by suspending tiny particles in liquid so they drift slowly when you shake them.

✨ To show depth in falling snow, draw different sizes of white flakes and blur or fade the ones that look farther away.

🌲 A snow globe’s little world is like a miniature diorama — artists arrange tiny objects to tell a story in a small space.

🪞 Glass domes reflect light, so adding small bright highlights makes the globe look shiny and round.

🎨 Using perspective (like horizon lines and vanishing points) helps your tiny winter scene look realistic inside the dome.

How do you draw a detailed snow globe?

Start by sketching a large dome and a sturdy base with light pencil lines. Draw a horizon inside the dome, then add a tiny winter scene—house, pine trees, or a small figure. Refine outlines and mark glass highlights (small crescent or oval reflections). Shade the dome edges and base for depth, add varied snowflake sizes and opacity, then color and finish with white highlights or speckles for glittering snow.

What materials do I need to draw a snow globe?

You’ll need HB and 2B pencils for sketching and shading, an eraser, pencil sharpener, and a fine black pen for outlines. For color use colored pencils, markers, or watercolor paints on heavier paper. Add a white gel pen or opaque gouache for snow highlights. Optional tools: blending stump, ruler or compass for a perfect dome, and heavyweight sketch paper to prevent warping.

What ages is this snow globe drawing activity suitable for?

Suitable for ages 5 and up with adjustments: ages 5–7 can draw a simple globe and basic shapes with adult guidance. Ages 8–11 can add detailed scenes and begin shading techniques. Ages 12+ can tackle realistic glass effects, perspective, and mixed-media approaches. Tailor complexity to each child’s fine motor skills and attention span; tracing templates or step-by-step prompts help younger children succeed.

What are some creative variations or safety tips for drawing a snow globe?

Try variations: an underwater scene, outer-space globe, city skyline, or monochrome vintage style. Add mixed media—glitter, sequins, translucent film, or watercolor salt texture—to make it pop. Turn drawings into holiday cards or pop-up paper globes. Safety tips: avoid loose glitter around small children, choose non-toxic materials, supervise use of liquid glues or sharp tools, and prefer washable markers for younger artists.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

how to draw a snow globe. Activities for Kids.