How to Make a Winter Snow Globe Scene Card
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Time to read 5 min
Create a festive winter card featuring ice skaters, glowing city buildings, snowy trees, and a dramatic moonlit sky inside a snow globe. In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to build a layered snow globe scene using die cuts, create a blended nighttime sky, add dimension with layered elements, and finish the card with snowy details.
This project is perfect for cardmakers who enjoy scene building and die-cut layering. The City Skating Scene Etched Dies coordinate with Simon's Snow Globe Etched Dies, allowing you to create interactive winter scenes that can be customized for a variety of holiday and winter-themed cards.
Hello there, Michelle Short here to share a step-by-step tutorial with you using the new City Skating Scene Etched Dies from the Simon Hurley Snow Globe Scenes Collection. This collection works alongside Simon's Snow Globe Etched Dies to create new and creative winter scenes.
Project Snapshot
| Project Details | A layered snow globe card featuring a moonlit skating rink, city skyline, snowy landscape, and dimensional winter scene elements. |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Approximate Time | 60–90 Minutes |
| Project Type | Dimensional Winter Scene Card |
| Techniques | Die Cutting, Ink Blending, Scene Building, Layering, Dimensional Adhesion |
| Occasion | Christmas, Winter Greetings, Holiday Cards |
| Finished Size | A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5") |
| Featured Products | City Skating Scene Etched Dies, Simon's Snow Globe Etched Dies, Everlasting Circles Etched Dies |
What You'll Need
Spellbinders Products
- City Skating Scene Etched Dies
- Simon's Snow Globe Etched Dies
- Everlasting Circles Etched Dies
- Masking Sheets
- Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock
- Raven ColorWheel Cardstock
- Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock
- Truffle ColorWheel Cardstock
- Fog ColorWheel Cardstock
- Fawn ColorWheel Cardstock
- Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
- Beeswax ColorWheel Cardstock
- Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
- Handy Craft Tool Set
- Blending Brushes
- Best Ever Craft Tape
- White Foam Squares Mix – 1mm
- Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
Other Supplies
- Prize Ribbon Distress Ink
- Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink
- Villainous Potion Distress Ink
- Black Soot Distress Ink
- Vintage Photo Distress Ink
- Mowed Lawn Distress Ink
- Salvaged Patina Distress Ink
- Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen
- Thin Foam Tape
How to Make a Skating Snow Globe Scene
Step 1 – Die Cut the Scene Elements
Die-cut the main scene pieces from the City Skating Scene Etched Dies and Simon's Snow Globe Etched Dies.
- Ice rink from Seaside Cardstock
- Skaters (two layers) from Raven Cardstock
- Tree from Rainforest Cardstock
- Tree trunk from Truffle Cardstock
- Lampposts from Fog Cardstock
- Snow globe base and sentiment layers from Fawn Cardstock
- Buildings from Classic White Cardstock
- Snow globe circle layers from Classic White Cardstock
Additional die cutting:
- Sentiment shadow from Classic White Cardstock
- Building and lamppost backing layers from Beeswax Cardstock
- One snow globe circle cut with the snowbank die
Secure dies using Best Ever Craft Tape and run them through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine.
Designer Tip: Holding dies in place with low-tack tape helps prevent shifting and allows for more accurate die cutting.
Step 2 – Create the Moonlit Background
Die-cut the second smallest circle from Everlasting Circles Etched Dies using masking paper.
Place the masking circle onto the snow globe background piece to create the moon.
Blend Prize Ribbon Distress Ink across the background using a blending brush.
Designer Tip: Secure the die-cut circle to a sticky mat or temporary adhesive surface while blending for smoother results.
Add Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink around the edges.
Deepen the blend with Villainous Potion Distress Ink.
Add Black Soot Distress Ink to the outer edges.
Remove the masking circle to reveal the moon.
Designer Tip: Leaving the moon unshaded creates strong contrast against the dark winter sky.
Step 3 – Add Ink Blending for Dimension
Blend Vintage Photo Distress Ink onto the edges of the snow globe base and sentiment.
Blend Mowed Lawn Distress Ink onto the base of the tree and Salvaged Patina Distress Ink onto the bottom edge of the ice rink.
This creates additional dimension while keeping the die-cut pieces from appearing flat.
Step 4 – Assemble the Snow Globe Scene
Remove the window pieces from the buildings.
Designer Tip: A precision tool makes removing small die-cut pieces much easier.
Layer the yellow building backing pieces behind the smaller buildings.
Attach the snowbank to the background, applying adhesive only to the bottom edge.
Adhere the larger building section behind the snowbank.
Add the smaller building layer in front.
Attach the snow globe base below the snowbank.
Adhere the ice rink in front of the city skyline.
Apply foam squares behind the tree.
Adhere the tree at the top of the snowbank.
Layer the skaters together to create extra dimension.
Adhere the skaters to the ice rink.
Attach the yellow backing pieces behind the lampposts.
Adhere the lampposts on either side of the tree.
Assemble and attach the sentiment to the snow globe base.
Step 5 – Assemble the Finished Card
Apply foam tape to the back of the completed snow globe and adhere it to a white A2 card base.
Add dots of white gel pen throughout the scene to create falling snow.
Be sure to add snow to the tree as well so the snowfall appears throughout the entire globe.
Tips for Better Snow Globe Cards
- Create depth by layering buildings behind foreground elements.
- Use darker inks around the edges and lighter inks in the center for dramatic skies.
- Double up small silhouette pieces to add dimension.
- Keep adhesive only where needed when layering scene elements.
- Use white gel pen snowfall to unify the entire scene.
Ways to Customize This Project
- Create a daytime snow globe by using lighter blue sky colors.
- Add shaker elements inside the globe.
- Use different Simon Hurley Snow Globe Scene dies.
- Create holiday village or festive street scenes.
- Add glitter cardstock accents for extra sparkle.
- Experiment with different sentiment styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn this design into a shaker card?
Yes. The snow globe frame works beautifully as a shaker card window filled with sequins, beads, or snowflake confetti.
Why layer the skaters twice?
Layering the silhouette die cuts creates thickness and helps them stand out within the scene.
What inks work best for winter night skies?
Blue, navy, purple, and black inks blend together to create realistic nighttime winter scenes.
How do I create depth in scene cards?
Place elements at different layers and heights, moving from distant background objects to raised foreground focal elements.
More Winter Card Ideas from Spellbinders
- Snow Globe Card Ideas
- Christmas House Cardmaking Tutorial
- Holiday Mug Cardmaking Tutorial
-
Ink Blending for Cardmakers - Complete Guide for Beginners
Conclusion
Snow globe cards are a wonderful way to create miniature winter worlds on a card front. By combining layered die cuts, dramatic ink blending, and dimensional details, this skating scene captures the magic of a snowy winter evening while showcasing the versatility of Simon Hurley's Snow Globe Collection.
The scene can easily be customized with additional accessories, colors, and techniques, making it a design you'll return to again and again throughout the winter season.
About the Designer
Michelle Short
Michelle Short loves combining die cutting, ink blending, and scene-building techniques to create cards full of dimension and storytelling. Her projects often feature clean layering, thoughtful compositions, and versatile techniques that are easy to adapt for many occasions.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today. Happy crafting!
