How to Make Snow Globe Tumblers: Complete DIY Guide

Learning how to make snow globe tumblers starts with a double-walled tumbler, decorative glitter, and a suspension liquid that allows the glitter to float. To create the snow globe effect, fill the space between the inner and outer tumbler walls with a mixture of water and glycerin, add glitter, then seal the opening with a cap along with UV resin. 

Snow globe cups offer crafters a unique way to create original drinkware, and they are so much fun to make.

These tumblers are also versatile, as you can customize them with different eye-catching colors and glitters. After applying the glitter and liquid, you can make them even more special with different embellishments, like decals, rhinestones, mica powders, paint, and more.

Some snowglobe tumbler blanks even include a sublimatable inner layer, allowing you to embed a permanent design with sublimation printing before adding the layer of floating glitter.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to craft stunning, one-of-a-kind snow globe tumblers. With the right supplies and guidance, you can create visually striking cups that make cute gifts or high-value products to sell.

Looking for supplies to get started with creating snow globe tumblers?

You can shop snow globe starter kits and snow globe tumblers today at The Stainless Depot Company.

How to Make Snow Globe Tumblers

Making a snow globe tumbler involves filling the space between its inner and outer walls with a suspension liquid and glitter, then sealing the opening to create a leak-resistant decorative layer.

Before we break down the how-to steps, let's unpack what you will need to craft these stunning and unique custom tumblers.

Gather These Materials and Supplies for Snow Globe Tumblers

You will need a few essential supplies to get the best results as you create snow globe tumblers.

Pick up the following items before getting started:

• Snow Globe Tumbler Blank: Choose a double-walled tumbler with a pre-drilled hole, or select a tumbler blank that you can drill before filling.
  
  
• Drill and Drill Bit (if not using a pre-drilled tumbler): Use an appropriate drilling tool if your tumbler does not have a pre-drilled hole.
  
  
• Safety Equipment (if drilling): Wear safety glasses, a dust mask or respirator, and hearing protection as needed. Use gloves when handling the tumbler and drilling debris, but keep them away from the rotating drill bit.
  
  
• Tumbler Holder (if drilling): Use a padded vise, V-block, or other stable holder to keep the tumbler securely in place while drilling.
  
  
• Gloves: Wear gloves when working with resin, adhesives, and other crafting materials.
  
  
• Vegetable Glycerin: You will use a mix of vegetable glycerin and water to create the floating glitter effect.
  
  
• Distilled Water (optional): While not strictly necessary, distilled water can help keep the liquid clear and reduce cloudiness.
  
  
• Fine Glitter: Use fine glitter for a classic snow globe effect with smaller particles that drift through the liquid.
  
  
• Chunky Glitter: Add larger glitter pieces or different shapes to create more interesting visual effects.
  
  
• Funnel: Use a small funnel to add glitter through the pre-drilled hole without making a mess.
  
  
• Plastic Syringe: Use a syringe or another precision-filling tool to add liquid through the tumbler's hole.
  
  
• Hole Covering: If your tumbler does not include a stopper, use clear shipping tape, an adhesive dot, or a small clear furniture bumper to cover the opening before applying UV resin.
  
  
• UV Resin: Use UV resin to create a durable seal over the filling hole.
  
  
• UV Light: Cure the UV resin under a UV light according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• Rubbing Alcohol: Clean the area around the hole before sealing to remove residue and help the seal adhere properly.
  
  
• Paper Towel: Use a paper towel to dry the tumbler and wipe away excess liquid or residue.
  
  
• Optional Embellishments: Use decals or other decorative elements to create additional sparkle and detail.
  

With your supplies gathered, you are ready to start filling and customizing your snow globe tumbler.

The steps below walk you through drilling the hole, preparing the suspension liquid, adding glitter, sealing the tumbler, and applying your finishing touches.

Step 1: Drill a Hole in the Bottom of the Cup (If Necessary)

If you are using a double-walled tumbler with a pre-drilled hole, skip this step and move directly to preparing the suspension liquid.

Here's how to drill your own hole before adding your liquid and glitter:

1. Mark the Drilling Location: Choose a spot near the edge of the bottom of the tumbler. Make sure the location provides access to the space between the inner and outer walls.
   
   
2. Put on Safety Equipment: Wear safety glasses and a dust mask or respirator as appropriate for the material you are drilling. Use hearing protection if needed, and keep loose clothing and gloves away from the rotating drill bit.
   
   
3. Secure the Cup: Place the tumbler in a padded vise, V-block, or other stable holder to keep it firmly in place while drilling.
   
   
4. Slowly Drill the Hole: Use an appropriate drill bit for the tumbler material and slowly drill through the outer wall. Avoid applying excessive pressure, which could crack or damage the cup.
   
   
5. Remove Debris: Clear away any plastic or other material left from drilling. Make sure no debris remains inside the space between the walls.
   
   
6. Check the Opening: Confirm that the hole provides access to the space between the walls without penetrating the inner wall. If the hole is damaged or in the wrong location, do not continue filling the tumbler.
   

Once the opening is ready, you can prepare the suspension liquid that will help your glitter float and drift inside the tumbler.

Step 2: Mix the Suspension Liquid

Your suspension liquid controls how quickly the glitter floats inside your snow globe tumbler.

This liquid is a mixture of water and vegetable glycerin. The more vegetable glycerin you use, the greater the liquid's viscosity, meaning the glitter will move more slowly through the mixture.

You can create your mix based on your preferences. A reliable starting point is a 1/4 glycerin to 3/4 water ratio, but some crafters prefer a 1/3 glycerin to 2/3 water ratio.

These ratios create a water mixture that is thick enough to slow the floating glitter without making it difficult to fill the tumbler.

Additionally, some crafters use distilled water to prevent cloudiness in the mixed liquid.

Follow these steps to mix your liquid for the snowglobe tumbler:

1. Measure the Glycerin: Add 1/4 cup or 1/3 cup of vegetable glycerin to a clean container.
   
   
2. Add the Water: Pour in 3/4 cup or 2/3 cup of water to create the suspension mixture.
   
   
3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir the glycerin and water until they are evenly combined.
   
   
4. Check the Consistency: Make sure the liquid flows easily while still having enough viscosity to slow the glitter.
   
   
5. Adjust if Needed: Test a small amount with your chosen glitter and adjust the mixture if the glitter moves too quickly or too slowly.
   

The right consistency also depends on the type and amount of glitter you use. Fine glitter generally moves differently from chunky glitter, so testing the water mixture first can help you get your desired effect.

Step 3: Add Glitter and Dispersion Liquid to Your Snow Globe Cup

Now that the suspension liquid is ready, it is time to insert the mix and glitter into your snow globe tumbler.

The liquid fills the space between the inner and outer walls, while the glitter creates the floating snow globe effect.

Add your glitter and suspension mixture with these steps:

1. Place Your Funnel: Put your funnel over the hole of your tumbler.
   
   
2. Add the Glitter: Carefully pour in your chosen glitter. Start with a small amount, then add more until you reach the desired level of sparkle. Keep in mind that adding too much glitter can make it difficult to see the design or prevent the glitter from moving freely.
   
   
3. Add the Suspension Liquid: Use a syringe or another filling device to slowly introduce the water and glycerin mixture into the space between the walls. Work gradually to reduce spills and help prevent excess air bubbles.
   
   
4. Fill the Tumbler: Continue adding glitter and liquid until the space between the inner and outer walls is full.
   
   
5. Allow for the Liquid to Gas Out: Place your tumbler bottom-side-up and wait 2-8 hours. This will allow the air bubbles to rise and escape from the liquid.
   
   
6. Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the tumbler to encourage trapped air bubbles to rise toward the filling opening. Then, use a syringe to draw out stubborn air bubbles through the hole.
   
   
7. Add More of the Mix: Top off the tumbler with additional suspension liquid to replace any space left by escaped air bubbles.
   
   
8. Check the Glitter Movement: Gently shake the tumbler to see how the glitter moves through the liquid. The glycerin should help the glitter float and drift slowly after shaking.
   
   
9. Inspect the Fill: Check the tumbler from different angles to make sure there is enough glitter and that the liquid is distributed throughout the outer layer.

Take your time during this step. A clean fill with minimal air bubbles will make the finished tumbler look more polished and help the glitter move freely.

Once the tumbler is filled and the glitter is moving as desired, the next step is to secure the opening and prevent the suspension mixture from leaking.

Step 4: Seal the Tumbler

Now, it's time to seal the hole so that the liquid and glitter do not leak.

Some snow globe tumbler blanks come with a hole covering or stopper designed to cover the opening after the tumbler is filled.

If your tumbler does not include a stopper, you can use a small piece of clear shipping tape, an adhesive dot, or a clear furniture bumper as a temporary covering before applying UV resin.

As you seal your tumbler with UV resin, make sure to follow all safety instructions provided with the product and always work in a well-ventilated area.

You should also keep uncured resin away from direct sunlight until you are ready to cure it under the UV light.

Here's how to seal your snow globe tumbler:

1. Plug the Hole: Use the hole cover that came with the tumbler, or a makeshift plug, to securely cover the opening and prevent the mixture from leaking.
   
   
2. Clean the Area Around the Stopper: Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to clean around the hole. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the seal.
   
   
3. Apply UV Resin: Evenly spread the UV resin over the plug with a plastic butter knife or popsicle stick, ensuring you completely cover it. Make sure the resin also extends slightly beyond the edges of the plug to create a secure seal.
   
   
4. Cure the Resin: Place the resin under a UV light and cure it for about 3 minutes, or follow the curing time recommended by the resin manufacturer. Allow the resin to fully cure before handling the tumbler.
   
   
5. Inspect the Seal: Check the cured resin for gaps, cracks, or areas that did not cure properly. Add another layer of resin if necessary and cure it again.

Now that the opening is sealed, you should have an eye-catching tumbler with a snow globe effect. The completed tumbler should have glitter that floats and slowly drifts through the liquid when you shake it, creating a sparkling display.

You can stop here if you'd like, or make your tumbler even more stunning with additional elements.

Step 5: Add Decals Or Other Embellishments (Optional)

With your UV resin cured and tumbler fully sealed, you can add decals or other decorations to make your custom cup even more unique.

While there are many ways to decorate your snow globe tumbler, it's most common for crafters to add UV DTF or vinyl decals. You can make your own decals at home, or order ready-to-press decals online.

Follow these steps as you apply your decals to your snowglobe tumbler:

1. Clean Your Tumbler Surface: Wipe the outer wall with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Allow the surface to dry before applying the decal.
   
   
2. Position the Decal: Hold the decal against the tumbler and check its placement before pressing it down.
   
   
3. Apply the Decal: Press the design onto the outer wall, working from one side toward the other. Use a squeegee to firmly press the decal against the surface and remove air bubbles.
   
   
4. Remove the Transfer Film or Tape: Slowly peel the transfer film or tape away from the design. If any part of the decal begins to lift, lower the film and press that area again.
   
   
5. Smooth the Design: Gently press over the decal one more time to ensure the edges are firmly adhered.
   
   
6. Let the Decal Cure: Allow the decal to fully adhere to the tumbler surface according to the manufacturer's instructions before washing or handling it.

A combination of decals and glitter can create a truly original tumbler, whether you want a super cute Christmas design for holiday gifting or a personalized design for everyday use.

You can also craft snowglobe tumblers to create in-demand custom drinkware with high perceived value. Their eye-catching floating glitter makes them incredibly unique and dynamic, giving you a great option for selling premium drinkware.

Shop Snow Globe Tumbler Supplies

Whether you want to create a single snow globe tumbler or expand your product line, you need reliable crafting supplies to get professional results.

Fortunately, you can get started creating these stunning cups with snow globe tumbler blanks from The Stainless Depot Company.

We feature double-walled insulated tumblers specifically designed for crafting snow globe tumblers. These tumblers come with pre-drilled holes and stoppers, streamlining the crafting process.

Many of our snow globe tumbler blanks come in double-wall AS (Acrylonitrile Styrene) acrylic. These blanks are shatter-resistant and 100% BPA-free for worry-free crafting and use.

Additionally, we feature double-walled tumblers with an inner stainless steel layer designed for sublimation printing as well as sublimatable double-wall glass tumblers. 

These give you even more options for creating personalized snow globe tumblers with custom designs and eye-catching finishes.

Plus, in addition to these high-quality blanks, you can shop for snow globe tumbler kits to get started creating polished snow globe cups.

How to Make Snow Globe Tumblers FAQs 

What Is the Best Glitter to Use for Snowglobe Tumblers?

The best glitter for snowglobe tumblers depends on the look you want to create. Fine glitter produces a delicate, snow-like effect, while chunky glitter and shaped glitter create more noticeable sparkle as they float through the liquid. You can also combine different glitter sizes and shapes to create a more dynamic design.

What Is the Best UV Resin for Snowglobe Tumblers?

The best UV resin for snowglobe tumblers is a clear, waterproof resin that can form a durable seal over the filling hole. Crafters often use Resin Rockers Soft Coat UV Resin and Kraft Nerds UV Resin for snow globe tumbler projects.

Where Can I Buy Wholesale Snowglobe Tumbler Blanks?

You can buy wholesale snowglobe tumbler blanks from The Stainless Depot Company. The supplier offers acrylic, glass, and sublimatable snow globe tumbler blanks for crafters and businesses.

How to Make a Snow Globe Tumbler?

To make a snow globe tumbler, use a double-walled tumbler with a pre-drilled hole or carefully drill one near the edge of the bottom. Mix 1/4 glycerin with 3/4 distilled water, add the suspension liquid and glitter through the hole until full, remove excess air bubbles, then seal the opening with UV resin before adding decals or other decorations.

What Are the Different Sizes of Snow Globe Tumblers?

Snow globe tumblers are available in many different sizes, including 15-oz, 16-oz, 20-oz, 24-oz, and more.

What Liquid Do You Put in a Snowglobe Tumbler?

A snowglobe tumbler typically uses a mixture of distilled water and vegetable glycerin as the suspension liquid. The vegetable glycerin increases the liquid's viscosity and allows the glitter to float and drift more slowly when you shake the tumbler. Some crafters also add clear glue to further increase the liquid's viscosity.

How Much to Sell Snow Globe Tumblers For?

The price to sell your snow globe tumblers depends on the cost of the blank, glitter, liquid, decals, other materials, labor, and desired profit margin. Handcrafted snow globe tumblers commonly list for about $25 to $45, while more elaborate designs that incorporate sublimation prints and decals can reach $50 or more.

How to Get Bubbles Out of a Snowglobe Tumbler?

To get bubbles out of a snowglobe tumbler, let the filled tumbler sit for several hours or overnight so trapped air can rise toward the filling opening. For stubborn bubbles, use a syringe to draw them out through the hole, then add more suspension liquid as needed before sealing the tumbler.

Order High-Quality Snow Globe Tumbler Blanks Today

Learning how to make snow globe tumblers involves filling the space between the inner and outer walls with a water and glycerin mixture, adding glitter, removing excess air bubbles, and securely sealing the filling hole.

From there, you can customize the tumbler's outer wall with decals or other decorations to further beautify your one-of-a-kind drinkware.

As you craft your snow globe tumblers, it's important to work with high-quality blanks that are smooth for surface application and durable. It's also more convenient to work with blanks that come with pre-drilled holes and plugs for sealing the opening with ease.

You can order pre-drilled double-wall snow globe tumbler blanks today from The Stainless Depot Company.

Our high-quality snow globe tumblers and supplies can empower you to craft eye-catching drinkware that you, your loved ones, or your customers will absolutely love.

Plus, in addition to snow globe tumbler kits and blanks, we offer tumblers for other crafting methods as well. Choose from our wide selection of stainless steel tumblers for epoxy and decals, engraving tumblers, sublimation tumblers, and more.

We also offer tumblers in bulk so that you can save even more money while getting quality blanks.

Shop The Stainless Depot Company's crafting supplies today and find everything you need to create your next stunning tumbler.