Make a Snow Globe
Make a homemade snow globe using a jar, water, glycerin, glitter, and a waterproof figurine; assemble and seal with help, then watch the swirling snow.
About this activity
Make a homemade snow globe using a jar, water, glycerin, glitter, and a waterproof figurine; assemble and seal with help, then watch the swirling snow.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash the jar and lid with soap and water and dry them completely.
- 2
Step 2
Dry the figurine thoroughly with a paper towel.
- 3
Step 3
Ask an adult to put a small dab of waterproof glue on the flat part of the lid.
- 4
Step 4
Place the figurine onto the glued spot on the lid.
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Step 5
Let the glue dry completely following the glue label instructions.
- 6
Step 6
Fill the jar almost to the top with clean water leaving about 1 centimeter of space.
- 7
Step 7
Pour about one teaspoon of glycerin into the jar.
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Step 8
Sprinkle about one teaspoon of fine glitter into the jar.
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Step 9
Screw the lid with the glued figurine onto the jar tightly.
- 10
Step 10
Ask an adult to apply waterproof silicone sealant around the lid seam.
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Step 11
Wait until the sealant is fully cured as directed on the product label.
- 12
Step 12
Wipe the outside of the jar clean with a paper towel.
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Step 13
Turn the jar upside down and shake gently to watch the glitter swirl like snow.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished snow globe on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make a homemade snow globe at home?
To make a homemade snow globe, glue a waterproof figurine to the inside of the jar lid using waterproof epoxy or hot glue; let it dry fully. Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, add a few drops of glycerin to slow glitter, then sprinkle glitter or fake snow into the water. Use a funnel if needed. Screw the lid on tightly, apply waterproof sealant around the rim, wait for cure, then invert and shake to watch the snow swirl. Always have an adult help with gluing and sealing.
What materials do I need to make a snow globe?
Materials you'll need include: a clear jar with a tight‑sealing lid (mason jars work well), a small waterproof figurine or plastic toy, distilled water, glycerin (or clear baby oil), fine glitter or biodegradable glitter, waterproof glue or two‑part epoxy, clear silicone sealant, a funnel, and paper towels. Optional: gloves, tweezers, and decorative ribbon for the lid. Avoid fragile or painted toys that aren't sealed against water.
What ages is this snow globe activity suitable for?
This craft suits children aged about 5 and up with close adult supervision. Kids 5–8 can help glue (with an adult), pour water, and add glitter; older children can assemble more independently. Preschoolers (3–4) can help choose figurines and shake a finished globe but should not handle glue, small parts, or sealed jars. Never allow children under 3 due to choking risks from small toys and glitter.
What are safe tips and fun variations for a homemade snow globe?
Snow globes build fine motor skills, creativity, and early science (cause and effect). Safety tips: use distilled water, secure figurines with waterproof epoxy, seal lids with silicone, and supervise to prevent spills or broken glass. For variations, try oil-based (baby oil for slower float), themed scenes (holiday, ocean), glow‑in‑the‑dark paint, or replace glitter with small sequins. For toddlers, make a sealed sensory bottle instead using larger floating beads and a plastic bottle.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I can't find glycerin or waterproof glue—what can I use instead?
If you can't find glycerin, pour about one teaspoon of clear baby oil or corn syrup into the jar to slow the glitter, and if waterproof glue is unavailable, use a waterproof epoxy or clear-setting cyanoacrylate glue to attach the figurine to the lid following the glue label's drying instructions.
My figurine fell off or the jar leaks—how do I fix that?
If the figurine detaches, remove residue, dry the figurine and lid thoroughly, reapply a small dab of waterproof glue and let it cure fully as directed, and if the jar leaks after screwing the lid on, have an adult apply more waterproof silicone sealant around the seam and let it cure completely.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids use a plastic jar, let an adult pre-glue the figurine and apply the silicone sealant while the child adds water and about one teaspoon of glitter, and for older kids let them choose smaller figurines, experiment with two teaspoons of glycerin for slower snowfall, and decorate the lid before sealing.
What are some ways to personalize or enhance the finished snow globe?
Personalize by choosing a themed figurine, adding colored fine glitter or tiny sequins, painting or labeling the lid with the child's name, gluing a small waterproof background behind the figurine before sealing, or mounting the finished jar on a decorated base and wiping the outside clean.