How to Make Fake Snow

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 References Tested

Artificial snow comes in handy for craft projects and when putting on a winter-themed event, such as a school play or the senior prom. Here are several methods for making fake snow that can top off art projects or enhance winter-themed events.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Simple Fake Snow

1
Tear up cotton. Take a cotton ball or cotton swab between your fingers and pull to stretch it out into wispy snow. Lay them out as a field of snow in craft projects, or reshape them into balls to make miniature snowmen.^{[1]
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2
Imitate falling snow with laundry soap flakes or instant potato flakes. Make a video of fluffy, falling snow by pouring this in front of the camera.^{[2]
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- This also works as fallen snow. To make it more fancy, combine 4 cups (960mL) flakes, 1⅓ cup (320mL) liquid starch, several drops blue food coloring, and glitter.
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3
Punch paper holes. Punch small holes from white paper and use the punched circles as snow. This works best when blown in front of a fan.
4
Add fake snow to snow globes. To refill a snow globe, pour in glycerine and small thermocol balls. You may use glitter or small beads instead of the thermocol.
5
Make a sparkly glaze for small craft projects. Mix ¼ cup (60mL) each of table salt and talcum powder. Spray the surface with spray-on craft glue or dab on white glue where you want the "snow" to stick. Sprinkle the sparkly mixture on the wet glue and allow to dry.^{[3]
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Research source} Turn the project upside down to remove excess "snow."
6
Mix water with flour or baking soda. Start with white flour or baking soda. Add water one small spoonful at a time, mixing it up with a fork. Once you've formed a paste, cover the ground of a small winter scene. You can shape this into snowy hills and slopes with your hands. Sprinkle more flour over the top once finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Realistic Fake Snow

1
Combine sodium polyacrylate with water. Cut open a disposable diaper and remove the white granules; these are made from sodium polyacrylate.^{[4]
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Research source} You can also buy it in powder or granulated form from the soil treatment section of a garden supply store. Powder makes fluffy "snow," while the granules create slushy "snow." Mix in water little by little until you obtain the desired consistency
- This may look more realistic if you put it in the freezer.
- If it dries out, just add more water. If you want to keep it dry, reduce the amount of water and add salt.
2
Blend crushed ice and white paint. This melts quickly, so it will only work in a cold room. Pour the crushed ice in a big bowl, then stir in white paint. Add water slowly until the snow reaches the desired consistency.
3
Make salt crystals. With a cup of water and a string, you can grow your own salt crystals. The longer you hang the string in the water, the larger the crystals will be.^{[5]
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Research source} Arrange these to form clumps of sparkly snow.
4
Paint the surface. You can use paint to make a surface look like it's been covered with snow. Dip an old brush into any type of white paint. Keep your thumb on the bristles, facing toward the surface. Rub the bristles gently to spray the paint onto the surface.
- Don't use a nice new brush, since rubbing the bristles will damage them.

Community Q&A

Question

What are some things to do with this fake snow?

Community Answer

Decorate tables, rooms, the Christmas tree etc. If you live in a place where you don't get snow, put some outside on the porch and mailbox.
Question

How do I make the powdery kind of fake snow at home?

Community Answer

Use white or all-purpose flour! Voila!
Question

How do I make a dry sand type of snow?

Community Answer

Take baking soda and the tiniest bit of shaving cream and mix.