How to Make These Enchanting DIY Snow Globes

Create a new holiday crafting tradition with these adorable DIY snow globes! Using a fun mix of vintage ornaments, mini lights and decorative baubles, they add an instant whimsical finish to any fireplace mantel or tabletop. Bonus: these beauties can be recycled or refreshed annually and make great gifts when customized with meaningful mementos.

Published November 27, 2017, Updated November 19, 2020

DIY snow globes with mini christmas trees

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Materials for DIY Snow Globes

To make these whimsical DIY snow globes, you’ll need: glass Mason jars or plastic globes with lids, a hot glue gun (or double-sided tape), decorative mini trees and ornaments, tinsel, glitter (or cotton balls), a mini string of LED lights and ribbon or twine and a gift tag. You can also try crafting these DIY clay ornaments that make the perfect personalized gift.

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Step One: Prep Your Globe or Jar

Empty and clean out a mason jar or plastic globe using a soft cloth. If cleaning with mild soap and water, allow your globe to fully dry before assembling your snow globe. Crafter’s tip: If you’re styling a fireplace mantle or planning a festive centrepiece, use a variety of jars in different sizes. If you’ve got extra time, you can also make these DIY leather gift tags.

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Step Two: Arrange Your Snow Globe Scene

Arrange a small selection of ornaments that will fit nicely in each jar. Stick to the same colour palette or use a seasonal theme like snow-covered trees or nutcrackers to unify a vignette.

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Step Three: Affix Ornaments Inside Your Jar or Globe

Turn the jar upside down and affix the ornaments to the inside of the lid with a hot glue gun or strong double-sided tape.

Twisting lid onto glass globe of snow globe

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Step Four: Attaching the Lid of Your Snow Globe

Place some tinsel, glitter or distressed cotton in the jar and carefully close the lid. You can also add a short string of LED lights for extra sparkle and shine.

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Step Five: Tie Your Snow Globe With a Bow

If you’re gifting the globe, tie a pretty ribbon or string around the lid, and attach a personalized gift tag.

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Enchanting Snow Globes

Snow globes make for sweet holiday keepsakes (both to give and keep). Assembled down the centre of a dining room table or on a mantel, these snow globes are utterly enchanting during the festive season. Here’s another DIY project for your mantel if you really want to make it pop.