There’s something truly nostalgic about snow globes—those tiny worlds of winter wonder that come alive with a gentle shake. They capture the magic of the season in a way few decorations can. This year, you can take that magic one step further by transforming your favorite family photos into charming, handmade DIY Photo Snow Globe Upcycled Jar Decorations.

These adorable snow-filled jars make meaningful gifts, festive mantle décor, teacher presents, or even holiday party favors. Best of all? They’re incredibly simple to make and use items you likely already have at home: empty jars, printed photos, and a sprinkle of faux snow. It’s a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, heartfelt craft you can make with kids, friends, or while enjoying a cozy December crafting night with hot cocoa and Christmas movies.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to create these magical keepsakes from start to finish—including tips for choosing the right photos, how to decorate each jar to match your holiday aesthetic, and creative display ideas to make your snow globe jars truly shine.

Why DIY Photo Snow Globe Jars Make the Perfect Christmas Craft

There are hundreds of Christmas crafts you could choose from each year, but this one is special for so many reasons. Here’s why these DIY snow globe jars are guaranteed to become one of your favorite holiday traditions:

1. They turn your memories into keepsakes.

Instead of keeping photos tucked away on your phone or computer, displaying them in a festive jar makes the memory feel alive again—whether it’s a picture of your kids building a snowman, a family sledding day, or a cozy winter walk.

2. They’re upcycled and eco-friendly.

This craft uses jars you already have on hand—pasta sauce jars, baby food jars, spice jars, jam jars, mason jars, or even candle jars. Nothing goes to waste!

3. They’re incredibly easy and kid-friendly.

Kids love helping pour in the snow, choosing the photo, and decorating the jar. This is a project that welcomes imperfections—crooked twine, uneven snow, and silly photo angles all add charm.

4. They make heartfelt gifts.

Grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, neighbors, babysitters—everyone loves a handmade craft made with a personal photo.

5. They’re customizable for any style.

You can go rustic farmhouse, minimalist Scandinavian, whimsical kid-friendly, or cottage-core Christmas. Your decorations and ribbons allow endless creative expression.

Materials You’ll Need

You only need a handful of supplies for this project, many of which might already be hiding in your home craft drawer:

• Empty glass jars (various sizes)

Straight-sided jars work best, but any jar with a wide enough mouth to insert a photo will do. Clear jars make the snow sparkle beautifully.

• Printed photos

You can print on regular paper or cardstock. Matte prints prevent glare and reflections.

• Fake craft snow

You’ll only need a handful per jar—look for lightweight plastic snow pellets, paper confetti snow, foam “snowballs,” or iridescent shredded snow.

• Hot glue gun + glue sticks (for decorating)

This is for embellishing the jar exterior, not for sealing the photo inside.

• Scissors

For trimming your photo to size.

• Decorative items for lids

Ribbon, twine, string, mini bells, stars, winter stickers, tiny pinecones, mini bottlebrush trees—anything that adds holiday personality.

Types of Upcycled Jars You Can Use

One of the best parts of this DIY project is how beautifully it leans into upcycling. Instead of buying new containers, you can turn all kinds of everyday household jars into magical Christmas snow globe decorations. Different shapes and sizes create visual variety, so feel free to mix and match for a more charming, collected look. Here are some of the most popular (and surprisingly perfect) jars to repurpose:

Baby Food Jars

Baby food jars are ideal for miniature snow globes:

Their small size makes them perfect for single portraits or cut-out silhouettes.
They’re lightweight and easy for kids to handle during crafting.
The wide mouth allows easy snow pouring and photo placement.

These make darling gifts for teachers, grandparents, or as part of a kids’ craft day.

Mason Jars (All Sizes)

Classic mason jars always work beautifully:

Wide openings make inserting photos simple.
Their straight sides help the photo stand upright.
Available in pint, half-pint, and quart sizes for endless variety.

Pint jars are perfect for full winter scenes, while smaller jars are great for one-person portraits.

Sauce Jars (Pasta, Salsa, Alfredo, etc.)

Those empty jars from dinner? Don’t toss them!

Sauce jars typically have lovely tall, smooth sides—perfect for creating a scenic snow globe effect.
Their generous height allows space for taller photos or layered snow.

Just remove the label residue with warm soapy water, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol.

Pickle, Olive, and Pepperoncini Jars

These jars often come with:

Charming rounded shapes
Extra-wide openings
Thick, sturdy glass

Because they’re a bit roomier, these jars work wonderfully for multi-person photos, especially images with kids building a snowman or families posing together during a winter adventure.

Jam and Jelly Jars

Small-to-medium jam jars are adorable and easy to style:

Perfect for crafting sets of matching snow globes
Great for photos printed at wallet size
Their short height makes them ideal for snow-heavy designs

They also give off major vintage farmhouse vibes when decorated with twine or rustic ribbon.

Spice Jars

Small spice jars are great for tiny keepsake versions:

Works well for cropped portraits or photos trimmed into silhouettes
Cute as place settings or stocking stuffer gifts
Easy for kids to help decorate

Try using a row of matching spice jars to create a whole “village” of family memories.

Square Glass Jars

Square jars add a modern, clean-lined twist:

The flat sides help the photo stand straight without curving
They look sleek when paired with metallic ribbon or minimalist décor
They display equally well from all four angles

These create a polished look that fits well with Scandinavian or neutral Christmas décor themes.

How to Prepare Upcycled Jars Before Crafting

No matter what type of jar you use, make sure to:

Remove labels and sticky residue completely. Soaking in warm water and dish soap works well.
Wash and dry the jar thoroughly. Any moisture inside can affect the photo.
Check for any chips or cracks. Choose smooth, safe jars—especially for crafting with children.
Test the lid fit. A snug lid keeps the snow contained and gives the craft a neat, finished look.

Mix and Match for a Magical Display

The beauty of using upcycled jars is watching how each shape brings its own charm to your winter memory scene. A mix of tall jars, small jars, round jars, and square jars creates a whimsical, collected look—almost like a tiny holiday village made entirely from your family memories.

Display them together on a mantel, shelf, or entryway table, and let the different shapes and sizes tell a story.

How to Make DIY Photo Snow Globe Upcycled Jar Decorations

This project is simple, relaxing, and extremely rewarding. Follow the step-by-step instructions below:

Step 1: Choose and Print Your Photos

Selecting the right photo is one of the most fun parts of the craft. Here are some helpful tips:

Choose photos with winter themes—snow play, Christmas outfits, sledding days, holiday lights, or bundled-up smiles look especially magical.
Print the photos small enough to fit into your jar without bending too much.
Vertical/portrait images work best since they need to stand upright.
If printing at home, print on heavier paper so the photo stands firmly.

For a more whimsical look, you can cut the people out around their silhouette. For a cleaner, simpler look, leave the photo as a rectangle.

Step 2: Cut the Photo to Fit Inside the Jar

Carefully trim your photo so that it fits cleanly inside the jar. It should stand vertically in the center without curling too much.

If the photo is flimsy, you can:

Back it with thin cardboard
Laminate it
Tape a toothpick or small stick to support it

This ensures your photo stays upright and doesn’t bend under the weight of the fake snow.

Step 3: Place the Photo Inside the Jar (and Secure It with a Sturdy Standing Base if Needed)

Once your photo is trimmed and backed, it’s time to gently place it inside the jar. This step can be a little delicate, especially if you’re working with a small jar opening, so take your time.

Carefully slide the photo into the jar. You can use long tweezers, kitchen tongs, chopsticks, or even the eraser end of a pencil to help guide it into place. Your goal is to get the photo standing straight and centered, rather than leaning forward or pressing against the glass. When the photo is centered, it creates a beautiful 360° snow globe effect, allowing the snow to surround it naturally and giving the jar a more magical, dimensional look.

Creating a Sturdy Base to Keep the Photo Upright

This is where the “secret” to a professional-looking snow globe jar comes in—your photo needs a supportive base so it won’t shift, lean, or topple over once the snow is added. There are several easy ways to secure it:

1. Use a Folded Cardboard “Stand” as a Base

If your photo has a small cardboard stand attached (from Step 2), the base will naturally rest flat inside the jar.

Position the stand so it sits evenly.
Gently press the stand into the snow layer to anchor it.

The snow will hide the stand completely while giving the photo excellent stability.

2. Create a Weighted Support with a Hot Glue “Foot”

If you prefer a more hidden support:

Add a small bead or line of hot glue along the bottom back edge of your photo.
Let the glue dry fully before placing it in the jar.

This creates a textured “foot” that grips the bottom of the jar better than smooth paper or cardstock, helping the photo stay upright even when snow is added.

3. Use a Mini Popsicle Stick or Craft Stick as a Back Brace

If you used a popsicle stick as a back brace in Step 2, you can nestle the bottom edge of that stick into the snow.

Push the stick slightly into the bottom layer of snow.
Let the photo lean back gently until it is standing perfectly upright.

This method works especially well with taller jars or if your photo needs extra support.

4. Add Snow Around the Base to Lock It in Place

After the photo is positioned in the center:

Carefully sprinkle snow around the base of the photo.
Gently press the snow into place with a pencil, creating a supportive “snow drift” around the bottom edge.

This not only hides any cardboard supports but also adds natural-looking winter texture while stabilizing the photo.

5. Adjust the Photo Before Sealing the Jar

Once the base is secure, hold the jar at eye level and rotate it slowly.
Ask yourself:

Is the photo perfectly vertical?
Does it lean too far forward or back?
Is it centered or touching the glass?
Does the support look natural and hidden under the snow?

Now is the time to make any small adjustments before closing the lid. Once the jar is sealed and decorated, it becomes harder to reposition the photo without removing the contents.

Step 4: Add Fake Snow to the Bottom of the Jar

Pour in enough fake snow to cover the photo edge and stabilize the base. This creates the illusion that your family is standing in a winter wonderland.

You can add:

Foam snow pellets
Iridescent glitter
White confetti
Mini snowballs
A blend of textures for depth

Start with a small amount and add more until the look feels right.

Step 5: Close the Jar Tightly

Once your snow and photo are positioned perfectly, seal the jar tightly with its lid. If you plan to keep the jar long-term, you can add a tiny bit of hot glue around the rim for extra security (optional).

Step 6: Decorate the Jar Exterior

This is where your snow globe jar really shines. Use hot glue to attach your ribbon, twine, and holiday embellishments.

Ideas include:

Red and white baker’s twine
Rustic jute string
Mini wooden snowflakes
Tiny bells
Buttons
Felt stars
Holly berries
Bottlebrush trees glued to the lid
Glitter-painted cork tops

You can match your holiday theme—red and white peppermint vibes, classic green and gold, Scandinavian neutrals, or whimsical bright colors.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you make one jar, you’ll want to create a whole lineup! Here are fun variations to inspire you:

1. Family Memory Set

Create one jar for each family member with a winter photo from the same outing. Display them together as a grouping.

2. Vacation Snow Globes

Use photos from ski trips, winter cabin getaways, or snowy national parks.

3. Baby’s First Christmas Jar

Add a tiny pacifier charm, a mini ornament, or glitter to make it special.

4. Grandparent Gift Jars

Use photos of grandchildren with matching ribbon colors.

5. Pet Snow Globes

Adorable for dogs playing in snow or wearing holiday sweaters.

6. Classroom Craft

Let each student make a jar with a class photo to take home as a gift.

7. Couples Christmas Jars

A sweet decoration for newlyweds or anniversary gifts.

How to Display Your DIY Snow Globe Jars

Once your jars are complete, you can style them beautifully throughout your home. Try these display ideas:

• Mantlepiece Christmas Scene

Line up several jars with mini trees, fairy lights, and wooden houses.

• Entryway Welcome Display

Greet guests with a little lineup of jars on your console table.

• Children’s Bedroom Holiday Décor

Kids love seeing their own winter adventures displayed in a magical way.

• Coffee Table Centerpiece

Place a few jars on a wooden tray with pinecones and candles.

• Kitchen Holiday Shelf Styling

These jars look adorable tucked between gingerbread houses, recipe books, and festive mugs.

• Classroom or Office Desk Decorations

A jar with your favorite winter memory brings joy to your workspace.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra pointers to make your jars look their best:

1. Use high-quality prints.

Avoid glossy prints that reflect light. Matte or cardstock works beautifully.

2. Don’t overfill with snow.

Too much snow can bury the photo. Less is more.

3. Keep the inside of the jar clean.

Fingerprints or dust inside the glass will show once sealed.

4. Mix snow textures.

A mix of pellet and confetti snow looks more realistic and magical.

5. Add extra support if needed.

If your photo keeps tipping over, glue a tiny cardboard “foot” to the bottom (hidden by snow).

Why This Craft Is Perfect for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful Christmas activity for your children, this one is a winner. Kids love:

Choosing which photos to use
Pouring in the fake snow
Decorating the outside of the jar
Showing off the finished craft

Younger children can help with snow and ribbons, while older kids can manage the full project. It’s a great craft for classrooms, Girl Scout troops, homeschool projects, and family craft nights.

Gift Ideas Using These Snow Globe Jars

These jars make incredibly thoughtful handmade gifts. Here are great gifting possibilities:

• For grandparents:

A jar featuring the grandchildren playing in the snow.

• For teachers:

A photo of your child holding a “Merry Christmas!” sign.

• For neighbors:

A fun winter photo wrapped with peppermint-striped twine.

• For coworkers:

Decorate a jar with office holiday photos.

• For friends:

Include a memory from a ski trip, holiday party, or snow day together.

You can even add a personalized tag:

“Handmade with love – Our Winter Memories, 2025.”

Safety Notes for Crafters

Hot glue guns should be handled by adults or supervised children.
Fake craft snow can be messy—do this craft over a tray or tablecloth.
Keep small embellishments away from toddlers or pets.

Why You’ll Love Making These Every Year

The beauty of this craft is that it becomes a tradition. Each year, you can make a new jar featuring a new winter memory. Start with baby’s first Christmas, and continue every year onwards. Over time, you’ll build a collection that tells the story of your family—your kids growing, your travels, your Christmas traditions, and all those tiny moments of winter joy.

Your “memory jars” become more magical with every passing Christmas.

Conclusion – Capture the Magic of the Season in a Jar

DIY Photo Snow Globe Upcycled Jar Decorations bring together everything we love about Christmas crafting—creativity, nostalgia, recycling, and a whole lot of holiday magic. Whether you’re decorating your home, crafting with your kids, or creating heartfelt handmade gifts, these jars add a cozy, personal touch to the season.

So gather your jars, print your favorite photos, sprinkle in some snow, and let the magic begin. This is one Christmas craft you’ll return to year after year.