How to Make a Snow Globe Out of a Jar

by Deborah H. Schreiben

Overview

By filling a jar with tiny decorations to create a winter scene, you can make a cute snow globe. Any size jar will work; you just have to adjust the size of your decorations to fit the size of the jar. Because the lid of the jar becomes the base of the snow globe, you'll want to build up your winter scene with modeling clay to make the decorations clearly visible when the jar is tipped upside down. Depending on the type of lid, you might want to leave it plain, or you could paint it to cover any words or advertising logos.

Make a snow globe.

Step 1

Using hot glue, attach a mound of modeling clay to the inside of the lid.
Step 2

Arrange pieces as desired on top of clay. When you are satisfied with the placement, lift each piece and apply glue to the bottom of the piece and glue in place. Press down firmly. Do not disturb the pieces until the glue cools and sets.
Step 3

Sprinkle glitter into the jar until it just covers the bottom of the jar.
Step 4

Slowly fill the jar to the top with clear water. Place the jar in a sink or shallow pan to catch water that will spill over in next step. It is necessary to fill the jar and allow decorations to displace water and create overflow for the water to be at the top of the jar when tipped over.
Step 5

Screw the lid tightly onto the jar. The decorations will be upside down at this point. While the jar is still upright (with the lid on top) place a bead of hot glue around the bottom of the lid, where it meets the glass. This will ensure that the jar does not get opened accidentally and will act as a sealant. Do not tip the jar until the glue bead has been applied and has set.
Step 6

Tie a ribbon or wrap a chenille stem around the lid to cover the glue bead.

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Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid Modeling clay Waterproof figurines or other decorations White glitter Hot glue and glue gun Filtered or bottled water Sink or shallow pan Ribbon or chenille stem
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Modeling clay
Waterproof figurines or other decorations
White glitter
Hot glue and glue gun
Filtered or bottled water
Sink or shallow pan
Ribbon or chenille stem
Jars without any wording are recommended.
Jars without any wording are recommended.
Hot glue can cause serious burns. Use only low-temp glue sticks when making this craft with children. Do not put glue on inside threads of jar. This prevent threads of lid and jar from coming together correctly and forming a tight seal.
Hot glue can cause serious burns. Use only low-temp glue sticks when making this craft with children.
Do not put glue on inside threads of jar. This prevent threads of lid and jar from coming together correctly and forming a tight seal.