12 DIY Fake Snow Recipes for Crafts, Play, & Decor

Create fake snow at home with everyday supplies, perfect for creative play, winter decorations, and indoor craft projects using just a few ingredients.

Also, see DIY Snowman Hot Chocolate Gift Kits for another winter-themed craft idea.

---

How to Make Fake Snow

Whether you’re helping kids craft miniature snowmen, setting up a snow tray for indoor play, or adding a snowy touch to your indoor winter decorations, there are lots of simple ways to make fake snow at home.

These recipes use everyday supplies and are grouped by how you’ll likely want to use them, with quick tips on what each one is good (and not so good) for.

I have not tested every recipe so please use this as information only and follow the Resources listed for more details. Some ingredients may not be suitable for children or curious pets. I have also provided a step-by-step tutorial for my favorite recipe (below).

---

Contents

• Shapeable Fake Snow Recipes
• Sensory‑Play Fake Snow Recipes
• Decorative Fake Snow
• Fake Snow That Hardens
• Sample Recipe for Classic Fake Snow Clay (2-Ingredients)

---

---

Shapeable Fake Snow Recipes

For Snowmen, Small Sculptures, Tabletop Scenes

1. Baking Soda + Conditioner (Classic Snow Clay)

Why it works: This is a simple two-ingredient snow that packs and molds similar to real snow — good for little snowmen or winter figurines.

Recipe & How to Use:

• Mix approximately 6 parts baking soda with 1 part white hair conditioner.
• Best amounts vary based on the conditioner used.

Good for: Mini sculptures, indoor snowmen, small scenes.

Not ideal for: Very young kids who may try to taste it; messy sensory play.

Resources:

• Empress of Dirt (below) tutorial with step-by-step photos and instructions.
• DIY Fake Snow Recipe | Montessori From the Heart
• Homemade Snow | Ontario Science Centre

---

2. Baking Soda + Shaving Cream (Cold‑Feeling Snow Dough)

Why it works: This combo gives a soft, moldable texture that feels cool due to the effect of the shaving cream.

Recipe & How to Use:

• Combine equal amounts of baking soda and white (foam) shaving cream.
• Stir until the texture is snow‑like, then knead by hand.
• Adjust more shaving cream or more baking soda to reach a consistency that holds together but remains soft.

Good for: Sensory snow trays, indoor snowballs, quick winter play.

Not ideal for: Scent‑sensitive kids or long‑term sculptures (shaving cream can dry out).

Resources:

• 2-Ingredient Fake Snow Recipe | Engaging Littles
• Fake Snow | Make Life Lovely

---

3. Cornflour (Cornstarch) + Baking Soda + Water (Snow Dough)

Why it works: The mix of cornstarch and baking soda gives a softer, slightly powdery snow texture. Adding water slowly helps the mixture clump enough to mold.

Recipe & How to Use:

• Use equal parts cornstarch and baking soda (e.g., 1 cup each), then gradually add a few drops of water — a little at a time — until the mixture just holds shape when pressed.

Good for: Mixed sensory play, small sculpting, indoor “snow” landscapes.

Not ideal for: Snowmen that need to hold for days (it can dry out).

Resources:

• How to Make Fake Snow | Good Food
• Fake Snow You Can Make Yourself | Little Bins for Little Hands

---

4. Cornstarch + Shaving Foam (Fluffy Snow Dough)

Why it works: The shaving‑foam adds airiness; cornstarch gives structure. The result is soft, lightweight, and ideal for little hands to squish, pinch, or sculpt loosely.

Recipe & How to Use:

• Mix equal parts cornstarch and foam shaving cream (not gel) until a doughy “snow” forms.
• Adjust the texture by varying amounts.
• Store in an airtight container to prevent drying.

Good for: Sensory bins, preschool‑aged kids, soft sculpting, indoor snow trays.

Not ideal for: Crisp snow sculptures; household surfaces (can be messy).

Resources:

• Make Your Own Snow | Children’s Museum of South Dakota

---

Sensory‑Play Fake Snow Recipes

For Indoor Play, Snow Tables, and Tactile Fun

5. Cornflour (Cornstarch) + Vegetable Oil (“Cloud Dough Snow”)

Why it works: The oil helps cornstarch bind into a soft, “doughy” snow that’s silky to the touch — great for pouring, scooping, and sensory bins.

Recipe & How to Use:

• Mix roughly 5 parts cornstarch with 1 part vegetable oil (a lighter oil, like canola or coconut, works best).
• Stir until it feels like soft snow.
• Add small toys, cookie cutters, or scoops for a fun play tray.

Good for: Sensory trays, small children under supervision, messy creative play.

Not ideal for: Snowmen or structured sculptures. Be prepared for oily residue — best used on a washable tray or mat.

Resources:

• Cloud Dough | Little Bins for Little Hands

---

6. Frozen Baking Soda + Water (Cold Snow Sensation)

Why it works: When baking soda is frozen before mixing with water (or mixed with a cold liquid), the result can feel cold and more “real‑snow” like — adding a sensory surprise.

Recipe & How to Use: Freeze baking soda in a shallow tray or container. Once frozen, transfer to a bowl and slowly add cold water, stirring until you reach a “snowy” texture.

Good for: Sensory bins, short indoor snow play providing a “real snow” feel without going outside.

Not ideal for: Sculptures (melts quickly), long play sessions.

---

Decorative Fake Snow

For Fairy Gardens, Holiday Vignettes, Winter Tablescapes

7. Grated Soap “Snow”

Recipe & How to Use:

• Grate a bar of mild soap (like plain white “ivory” or unscented) into flakes.

Good for: Small winter scenes. Leftovers can be placed in a sock or stocking and used as soap.

---

8. Coarse Salt or Epsom Salts

Why it works: Salt crystals sparkle and catch light, making them ideal for indoor snow scenes, fairy gardens, or cozy winter displays under string lights.

How to Use: Simply sprinkle salt or Epsom salt on your scene base (tray, small garden, or glass container). Combine fine salt with coarse for texture variation. Add mini figurines, pinecones, or tiny lights for effect.

Good for: Indoor décor, holiday table settings, miniature winter villages.

Not ideal for: Messy play or curious pets (salt ingestion risk).

---

9. Shredded White Paper Towels or Tissue

Why it works: Paper mimics fluffy snow drifts, is lightweight, widely available, and easy to clean up (collect into a bag or vacuum).

How to Use: Tear or shred white paper towels or tissues into small bits. Spread loosely over your display tray or set them inside a glass cloche for a wintery “snow dust” effect.

Good for: Quick seasonal décor, mini winter villages, or dioramas.

Not ideal for: Water‑based snow play or sculpture (paper won’t hold shape).

---

10. Cotton Balls or Makeup Pads

Why it works: These give a fluffy, soft appearance — ideal for small snowdrifts, gentle décor under figurines, or soft “snowbanks.”

How to Use: Pull cotton balls or cotton pads apart slightly, or cut them into pieces, then arrange them around figurines, miniature trees, or in a tray under fairy lights.

Good for: Table décor, winter village settings, snow effects under small ornaments.

Not ideal for: Sculpting — they’re too soft and won’t form new shapes.

---

11. Coconut Flakes (Unsweetened)

Why it works: Coconut flakes (plain, unsweetened) have a snow‑like shape and soft white color — and this option is technically edible, which can be useful for projects around food or baking displays.

How to Use: Sprinkle flakes over a tray or in a glass bowl as part of a winter display. Optionally bake briefly at low temperature and lightly pulse/blend for smaller “snow” texture.

Good for: Holiday dessert displays, winter décor near food (safe if kids touch it).

Not ideal for: Sculpting, messy indoor play (flakes can scatter).

---

12. Granulated Sugar

Why it works: Granulated sugar has a fine, sparkly texture that looks like freshly fallen snow—especially under soft lighting.

How to Use: Lightly sprinkle sugar over a serving tray, around cookie platters, or inside glass containers to mimic snow. It works well under clear domes or around gingerbread houses where a realistic snow look is wanted.

Good for: Holiday baking displays, edible décor, snowy touches on dessert tables.

Not ideal for: Crafting or play scenes.

---

Fake Snow That Hardens

If you want a longer-lasting snow effect for a fake snow craft, here are some options to explore:

13. Baking Soda + White Glue + White Paint (“Snow Paste “)

How to Make:

• Mix equal parts baking soda, white glue, and white acrylic craft paint to form a thick paste.
• Spread over a surface and allow to dry thoroughly.
• Dries hard with a crusty, sparkly, snow-like look.

Best For: Mini winter scenes.

Resource:

• Cheap & easy super resistant SNOW for gaming bases | MarcoFrisoniNJM (YouTube)

---

14. Paper Pulp + Glue (Long-Lasting “Snow Clay”)

How it works:

• Shred white tissue or paper towels
• Soak briefly
• Squeeze out water
• Mix with white glue to form a moldable clay
• Air-dry until firm

Best For: Mini winter scenes.

---

15. Plaster of Paris (Hard, White Snow Surface)

How it works:

• Mix plaster of Paris with water following product instructions
• Spread over a base and let cure
• Paint with acrylics and/or add glitter for snowy effect

Best For: Mini winter villages. Popular years ago for miniature train dioramas.

Safety: Follow safety instructions on product. Not for use by children.

---

Bonus Ideas for Creating Snowmen

Each of these are handy for creating snow people (links go to Amazon):

• Modelling clay 
• Polymer clay 
• Styrofoam balls 
• Marshmallows

---

Snow Clay Recipe

This fake snow recipe requires two ingredients: baking soda and hair conditioner. With the right proportions, they bind together to form a snow-like material. And no, it’s not cold to touch, but, oddly enough, it does resemble snow both by looks and feel.

This is what I would call a temporary craft and not for hands-on play time, just sculpting. While the snowmen will last indefinitely, this is only if they are left alone. The “snow” is fairly crumbly so they can’t be played with or knocked about.

If you plan to do this with children, be sure to make some ahead of time so you can understand what it’s like first. A child who enjoys fine motor skills and has a steady hand will enjoy it. One who is accustomed to Play-Doh, which is quite stretchy and forgiving, will probably not enjoy it.

You can also use shaving cream instead of hair conditioner (see Recipe #2). I find the shaving cream does make a firmer snow ball (one you can throw), but it tends to have a stinky scent (to me). Other people say they just use baking soda and water. I’ve never found it binds as well as hair conditioner.

Examples

Make 4 snowmen (3″ tall) and a critter 

• ¼ cup Hair conditioner
• 1 ½ cups Baking soda

Make 8 snowmen (3″ tall) and a critter

• ½ cup Hair conditioner
• 3 cups Baking soda

Make 12 snowmen (3″ tall) and a critter

• ¾ cup Hair conditioner
• 4 ½ cups Baking soda

Steps

1 Measure the ingredients

For the snowman scene you see pictured in this article, I used ¼ cup Hair conditioner and 1 ½ cups Baking soda.

2Combine Ingredients

Combine the baking soda and hair conditioner in a mixing dish or bowl.

Some brands of hair conditioner are quite watery and you’ll need less of it. Some are quite thick and you’ll need more.

Add the hair conditioner gradually. Mix it with the baking soda and check for it to become clumpy. You want to be able to form the snow into balls.

3Form a Snow Ball

When you can form a snow ball that doesn’t crumble, it’s ready.

Congratulations, you are now a snow maker.

How to Make Snowmen

Here are some tips for making snowmen like these ones.

I used small beads for the faces.

If you like the classic look, you could also make a carrot nose with polymer clay. 

This post shares how to make little polymer clay charms and more.

The arms are twigs from a lilac bush. Anything will do.

The snowmen are in a glass pie dish which is sitting on a silver serving tray—all gently-used items from a local thrift store.

I added “snow” on the ground using more baking soda, as well as glitter pinecones, and mini twinkle lights which are battery powered. I love the little lights! Some come with built-in timers or you could use a mechanical timer to make them come on at night.

Create a Tabletop Winter Scene

Another fun idea is to put the snowman in a champagne glass. You can get the little blackboard signs here on Amazon or at a dollar store. This is a fun idea for place cards at a holiday table.

I hope you enjoyed this project. As mentioned, it really is super simple. The snowman won’t last forever, but it’s a fun project to do with kids.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛