Snow globes are enchanting holiday treasures, and personalizing them with photos makes them even more special. Forget expensive custom pieces – crafting your own photo snow globes is a delightful and affordable DIY project. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step, allowing you to create stunning photo snow globes right in the comfort of your home.
DIY Snow Globes With Photos Inside: What You’ll Need
Before you begin your snowy crafting adventure, gather these supplies:
- Mason jars with lids (various sizes for different globes)
- Laminated photo prints (your cherished memories ready to be showcased)
- Glitter (a shimmering blend of iridescent chunky, delicate snowflake, and classic white glitter for a wintery effect)
- Silver or iridescent sequins (optional, for extra sparkle and dimension)
- Small festive decorations (miniature snowmen, tiny holiday trees, or other seasonal figurines to add charm)
- Clear glue or glycerin (to control the glitter’s graceful descent)
- Distilled water (for crystal-clear snow globe water)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks (for secure and waterproof sealing)
Once you have everything ready, let’s get started on creating your personalized snow globes. The process involves three main stages: preparing your photo and base, assembling the elements, and filling your globe with winter magic.
Easy Steps to Make Your Photo Snow Globe
First, detach the base from your mason jar lid. Then, follow these straightforward steps to assemble your unique photo snow globe.
1. Prepare Your Photo: Measure, Cut, Laminate, and Glue
Begin by measuring your chosen photograph against the inside of your mason jar. Carefully cut the photo to fit nicely within the globe. You can opt for a simple rectangular shape or give it a curved top to echo the globe’s shape. Ensure you leave enough space around the edges for the glitter to swirl freely without obstruction.
Pro tip: For a captivating double-sided snow globe, use two identical photos back-to-back. Cut them together to guarantee a perfect match.
Laminate your photo to protect it from the water and glitter. Trim any excess lamination. If you are using two photos, use double-sided tape to adhere them together before laminating. Once your photo fits snugly on the base, use hot glue to securely attach the laminated photo to the inside center of the mason jar lid (which will act as the snow globe base).
Alt text: Close-up showing a laminated photograph being hot glued to the inside of a mason jar lid, preparing the base for a DIY photo snow globe.
Remember, photos aren’t the only option! Feel free to skip the picture and decorate your base with charming winter-themed miniatures for a different style of snow globe.
2. Decorate the Snow Globe Base
If you’ve chosen to include small decorations like snowmen, candy canes, or miniature holiday trees, now is the time to arrange them around your photo on the base. Experiment with different placements to visualize how they will appear inside the globe. Once you are happy with the arrangement, use hot glue to firmly attach your chosen decorations to the snow globe base around the photo.
Pro tip: Allow the hot glue to cool and harden completely before proceeding to the next step. This ensures your decorations are firmly in place and won’t shift when you fill the globe.
Alt text: Detail of a miniature snowman figurine being hot glued onto a mason jar lid next to a laminated photo, part of the DIY snow globe assembly process.
3. Fill the Globe with Glitter and Sequins
Now for the magic! Carefully pour your chosen glitters and sequins into the mason jar. Be mindful not to overfill – too much glitter can obscure your photo and make the globe look cluttered. Start with a moderate amount; you can always add more later if needed. Remember, you want a gentle snowfall effect, not a blizzard!
Alt text: Hand pouring a mix of white, iridescent, and snowflake glitter into a clear mason jar, preparing to create a DIY photo snow globe’s snowy effect.
4. Add Glycerin or Clear Glue for Slow-Falling Snow
This step is optional but highly recommended for a more mesmerizing snow globe effect. Add approximately half a teaspoon of glycerin or clear glue to the glitter-filled jar. Glycerin or glue thickens the water, causing the glitter to fall more slowly and gracefully, mimicking a gentle snowfall.
Alt text: Close-up of clear glue being poured into a mason jar already containing glitter, a step in making DIY photo snow globes to slow down the glitter’s fall.
5. Fill with Distilled Water
Carefully fill the mason jar with distilled water, leaving a small gap at the top. This space is needed to accommodate the base and prevent overflow when you seal the snow globe. Using distilled water prevents clouding and ensures your snow globe remains crystal clear over time.
6. Securely Screw on the Base
Ensure the glue on your base is completely dry before proceeding. Carefully screw the lid (with the attached photo and decorations) tightly onto the mason jar. For extra leak protection, consider applying a thin bead of hot glue to the jar threads before sealing the lid.
Flip your newly created snow globe upside down and admire your handiwork! Observe the glitter snowfall and check if you’re satisfied with the amount of glitter. If you desire more snow, you can carefully reopen the globe, add more glitter, and top off with a little more distilled water if necessary.
Alt text: A finished DIY photo snow globe being turned upside down, showcasing the photo and swirling glitter within a mason jar, demonstrating the final product.
Pro tip: To further prevent leaks, especially if you plan to gift your snow globes, run a thin line of hot glue around the seam where the lid meets the jar after tightening. This will create an extra waterproof seal.
Share Your DIY Photo Snow Globe Creations!
Have you crafted your own personalized photo snow globe? We’d love to hear your tips and see your unique creations! Share your snow globe stories and photos with us on social media – tag us on Instagram @Mixbook or leave a comment below to inspire fellow crafters! Enjoy the magic you’ve created!
