If you're looking for a simple DIY project this weekend, this snowman clear ornament craft is about as easy as it gets. There's something really satisfying about taking a plain, empty globe and turning it into a little character with a personality. Plus, since you're using clear ornaments, you get to see all the "snow" inside, which makes it look much more professional than it actually is.
The best part about this project is that you probably already have half the supplies in your junk drawer or craft bin. It's a great way to keep kids busy for an hour, but honestly, I find it pretty relaxing to do while watching a movie. You don't need any elite art skills—if you can draw two dots and a triangle, you're basically an expert.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Before you get glue all over your fingers, let's talk about what you actually need. You can find most of this at a dollar store or any craft shop.
- Clear Ornaments: You can use glass ones if you're fancy, but if you have kids or cats, go with plastic. They look the same on the tree and won't shatter into a million pieces if they get knocked off.
- Filler (The "Snow"): This is where you can get creative. You can use fake snow, Epsom salts, white glitter, or even tiny white pom-poms or cotton balls.
- Paint Pens or Sharpies: You'll need black for the eyes and mouth and orange for that classic carrot nose.
- Scrap Fabric or Ribbon: This will be the snowman's scarf. Old flannel shirts or leftover Christmas ribbon work perfectly.
- A Small Funnel: Trust me on this one. Trying to pour fake snow into a tiny ornament opening without a funnel is a recipe for a mess that you'll be vacuuming up until July.
Choosing Your Snowman Style
There are actually a few different ways to approach a snowman clear ornament craft. You don't have to stick to just one style. In fact, making a whole "family" of them with different fillers looks really cool on the tree.
The "Stuffed" Snowman
This is the easiest version. You just take your white filler—like iridescent tinsel, white feathers, or cotton balls—and stuff it inside until the ornament is completely white. This gives you a solid background to draw the face on the outside. It's great for younger kids because there's no liquid or loose powder involved.
The "Melted" Snowman
I think this one is hilarious. Instead of filling the ornament all the way up, you only fill it about a third of the way with Epsom salt or sugar. Then, you drop in a couple of small black beads (for "coal" buttons) and a tiny orange triangle of felt or foam (the "carrot"). It looks like a snowman that had a rough day in the sun. It's a fun, quirky take on the traditional look.
The Glitter Snowman
If you don't mind a bit of a mess, you can coat the inside of the ornament with a little bit of floor wax or specialized ornament glue, dump in some white glitter, and shake it around. Once you pour out the excess, you're left with a perfectly sparkly, solid white base. It's definitely the most "glam" version of the craft.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you've picked your style, it's time to get to work. Don't worry about making these perfect. A slightly wonky snowman face just gives it more character.
- Prep the Ornament: Pull the metal cap off the top of the ornament and set it aside. If there's any dust inside, give it a quick puff of air to clear it out.
- Fill It Up: Use your funnel to pour your chosen snow material into the ornament. If you're going for the full snowman look, fill it nearly to the top. If you're doing the "melted" version, just a little bit at the bottom will do.
- Draw the Face: This is the part where the snowman comes to life. Take your black paint pen and draw two large circles for the eyes. Then, draw a series of smaller black dots in a semi-circle for the coal mouth.
- Add the Nose: Use your orange pen to draw a long, horizontal triangle right in the middle. I like to add a couple of tiny black lines on the orange part to make it look more like a real carrot.
- Let It Dry: Give the ink a minute or two to dry before you touch it. There's nothing worse than accidentally smudging your snowman's eye across his face.
- Replace the Cap: Carefully push the metal prongs of the cap back into the top of the ornament.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now that you have the basic snowman clear ornament craft finished, you can dress him up a bit. A naked snowman is just a floating head, right?
Take a thin strip of fabric or a piece of ribbon and tie it around the "neck" of the ornament (right where the metal cap meets the plastic). This acts as a little scarf. You can even use a tiny dab of hot glue to hold the ends of the scarf in place so they look like they're blowing in the wind.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can glue a tiny black pom-pom or a small circle of black felt to the top of the metal cap to give him a little hat. Some people even use the top of a baby sock to make a tiny beanie. It's incredibly cute and hides the metal hanger part.
Tips for a Better Crafting Experience
I've made plenty of these over the years, and I've definitely learned a few things the hard way. Here are some quick tips to help your project go smoothly:
- Avoid Glass for Kids: I mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating. Plastic ornaments have come a long way and often look just like glass. They're way safer for little hands.
- Static is Real: If you're using fake snow or glitter, it might stick to the sides of the ornament in weird ways because of static electricity. If it's driving you crazy, you can sometimes rub a dryer sheet on the outside to help it settle.
- Test Your Markers: Not all markers work on plastic. If you're using a standard permanent marker, it might look a bit translucent. Paint pens are usually the way to go because the color is solid and vibrant.
- Seal the Cap: If you're using a very fine filler like sand or salt, you might want to put a tiny drop of glue on the metal cap before you put it back on. This prevents any "snow" from leaking out if the ornament gets tipped over.
Why This Craft is a Winner
There are a million holiday crafts out there, but the snowman clear ornament craft stays popular for a reason. It's inexpensive, it's fast, and the results are consistently good. You can make a dozen of these in an hour if you get a little assembly line going.
They also make fantastic gifts. If you have coworkers, teachers, or neighbors you want to give a little something to, a handmade ornament is always a sweet gesture. You can even write the year or the person's name on the back with a silver marker to make it a keepsake.
At the end of the day, crafting should be fun and low-stress. Whether your snowman ends up looking like a masterpiece or a little bit goofy, it's going to look great hanging on your tree. So, grab your supplies, put on some music, and start filling those ornaments!