Looking for an easy winter craft to do with kids or students? Try making a paper plate snow globe. This simple project invites creativity and the iridescent confetti “snow” inside is always a hit with children.
The craft is easy to adapt for different ages — add more details for older kids or simplify steps for younger ones. These snow globes also make thoughtful homemade gifts for grandparents, parents and siblings.
Supplies Needed
Gather the following materials for each paper plate snow globe:
- Small paper plate (about 6.8″ works well)
- Cardstock in blue, white and a color for the globe frame
- Decorative items like gift tags, felt trees, foam stickers and star or pearl stickers
- Cellophane (a roll or cut-up gift bags)
- Iridescent craft snow or confetti
- Ribbon
- Glue stick
- Hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Stapler
- Scissors or a cutting machine
- Templates for the circle, frame and snow hill (optional)
Notes:
- The 6.8″ plates shown are a great size; if you use a different plate adjust your templates or cut freehand.
- Avoid white school glue on cardstock — it can warp the paper. Use a glue stick for most paper elements.
- Hot glue gives the most secure seal around the rim but should be handled by an adult.
- Craft stores often have the best prices and seasonal supplies; check for coupons. You can also substitute items you already have, such as scraps of paper, fabric, felt or leftover stickers.
Step-by-Step Paper Plate Snow Globe Tutorial
Follow these steps to assemble your paper plate snow globe:
- Cut the shapes from cardstock using templates or freehand:
- One blue circle to fit the inside of the plate
- One white snow-hill shape
- One outer frame circle wide enough to cover the plate rim
- Use a glue stick to attach the snow hill to the blue circle.
- Glue the blue circle to the center of the paper plate.
- Decorate the scene with stickers, tags and other embellishments. Press everything firmly so decorations stay in place when the snow globe is shaken.
- Cut a 7″ piece of ribbon for a hanging loop and an additional piece for a bow if desired.
- Fold the 7″ ribbon in half and staple the ends to the back top edge of the plate to create a hanger.
- Cut a piece of cellophane slightly larger than the inner opening of the cardstock frame (about 1/2″ extra all around).
- Glue the cellophane tightly to the back of the cardstock frame using a glue stick. Smooth out wrinkles and trim any excess.
- With the plate flat, spoon several tablespoons of iridescent snow or confetti onto the bottom, covering the paper snow hill.
- Have an adult apply a continuous bead of hot glue around the plate rim. Quickly place the cardstock frame (cellophane side down) onto the glue to seal the globe. Check for gaps and add more hot glue if needed to make a secure, leak-free seal.
- Attach or tie a bow onto the ribbon loop with hot glue or by tying. Your paper plate snow globe is complete and ready to hang or gift.
How To Gift a Paper Plate Snow Globe
Place the finished snow globe in a standard gift bag and add tissue paper. Let kids decorate the bag and add a handmade gift tag or extra ribbon for a personal touch.
How To Display Your Snow Globe
These paper plate snow globes are lightweight and easy to display. Ideas include:
- Hang on a door as a seasonal wreath
- Attach to the fridge with a clip magnet
- Hang from a cabinet handle
- Swap out a picture on the wall during the holidays
More Kids Winter and Christmas Crafts to Try
- DIY kids’ Christmas ornaments
- Homemade gifts for grandparents
- Popsicle stick train ornaments
- Popsicle stick gingerbread house ornaments
These paper plate snow globes can become a cherished holiday tradition, a fun classroom project, or a cozy activity on a snow day. Kids enjoy designing their own scenes and watching the “snow” drift. Enjoy crafting together!