Snow spray has been a staple in holiday decor for decades—especially for those of us not blessed to live in actual winter wonderlands. But if you thought your artificial snow was limited to a simple window frosting, it's time to expand your imagination. Artists such as Tom Baker of Snow Windows are proving that with a little creativity and skill, you can transform your windows into stunning, whimsical winter landscapes worthy of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
And the best part? You don't need to be an artist to do it.
Baker has been pushing the boundaries of what's possible with window art for over 15 years. His work has been featured in countless homes and businesses, from small local shops to large corporations including Coca-Cola, Yankee Candle and Legoland. But his first-ever display happened entirely out of curiosity.
"During Christmas 2006, I covered a window pane in snow spray at our house and decided to scratch out a scene after sharpening the opposite end of a paintbrush," he tells Wide Open Country. "After a couple of years of doing this in my home at Christmas, Keri posted my work on social media platforms, and the response was absolutely mind-blowing. So many people inquired about me coming to their homes and businesses to create scenes on their windows."
Baker and his partner in life (and now in business), Keri Ackling, decided to see where his hobby could take them. Turns out, it could take them pretty far.
"What started as a small business creating scenes for local households quickly turned into something very popular for businesses," Baker says. "Not only as beautiful artwork but as a tool for marketing, driving footfall, and video content for social media.
"During our first year as a business, the Empire State Building inquired. Now we travel around the world creating scenes."
Nowadays, Baker sprays over 200 windows during a six-week period every holiday season—some of which last well past New Year's Eve (the longest installation stayed up for a whopping seven years). While he's admittedly always been artistic, both he and Ackling are quick to point out that anyone can create beautiful window art, regardless of their skill level.
All it takes is a little practice and the right tools.
Use High-Quality Snow Spray
Credit: Snow Windows
First thing's first: Snow spray is your best friend, so make sure to grab a high-quality brand.
"Cheap snow spray is awful, and you will not be able to create scenes with it," Baker says. "It will just run down the window."
While he doesn't name a specific brand, Prextex's Santa Snow is highly rated on Amazon. According to one of Baker's many YouTube tutorials, other tools for this project include:
- Window scraper: For pushing snow around and creating the scenes. You can also use anything with a sharp edge.
- Silicone brushes: One with a flat head for pushing snow around and one with a pointy end for detailing.
- Stencils: If you're not confident in your drawing skills, stencils are a great way to create scenes without free-handing them. Baker has some available for purchase at Snow Windows; and there are tons of options on Amazon, such as this snowflake stencil set.
With the spray and the tools, you can create gorgeous landscapes with as much — or as little — detail as you like.
Clean Your Window First
Credit: Snow Windows
Before you start creating your winter wonderland, make sure to clean your windows thoroughly. Any dirt or residue on the glass will affect how well the snow spray sticks and how vibrant your final product looks.
Take a few minutes to wash your windows and dry them completely before getting started.
Put a Solid Background Behind Your Window
Credit: Snow Windows
Easily one of the most difficult parts of creating snow spray windowscapes is seeing your work as you go. It's hard to know what the final product will look like if you're just looking at an otherwise-bare window on a sunny day.
Baker suggests taping up a black sheet behind the glass, which will make it easier for you to keep track of where your snowy masterpiece is actually going while you're spraying.
Be Patient — and Maybe Follow a Tutorial or Two
Credit: Snow Windows
If you're new to snow spray art, it's best to start simple and work your way up to more-complex scenes. Baker offers a ton of free tutorials via the Snow Window YouTube Channel, as well as paid courses that teach you how to master the art of snow spraying.
But no matter what level you're at, Baker stresses the importance of patience. Creating a beautiful snow spray window takes time, practice and a lot of trial and error. So don't get discouraged if your first few attempts don't look perfect. Just have fun with it and embrace the imperfections as part of the holiday cheer.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
