You’re about to embark on a delightful journey into the world of one of gaming’s most cherished digital companions, Snowball from Neko Atsume. This distinguished virtual feline has captured hearts since 2014 with his regal white coat and discerning nature. While many players initially find Snowball elusive, you’ll discover that attracting this rare visitor requires specific strategies and items that transform your virtual garden into an irresistible haven. Let’s explore how to make this aristocratic cat a regular guest.
Key Takeaways
- Snowball is a rare cat character from the popular mobile game Neko Atsume, released in 2014 by Hit-Point.
- Known for his regal white appearance, Snowball requires special items and treats to attract him to the player’s yard.
- The character has become a fan favorite, inspiring merchandise, fan art, and DIY projects within the gaming community.
- Snowball’s popularity increased significantly after the game’s global expansion in 2015, making him an iconic Neko Atsume character.
- Players can attract Snowball using specific items in their yard, making his appearance a rewarding achievement in the game.
History
Though Snowball might seem like just another virtual cat from a mobile game, this beloved white Persian character emerged in 2014 when Japanese developer Hit-Point launched Neko Atsume.
You’ll find Snowball among the game’s rare cats, requiring special items and treats to attract him to your virtual yard. As one of the original characters in the game’s roster, he’s become a fan favorite due to his regal appearance and charming personality.
When the game expanded globally in 2015, Snowball’s popularity soared as players worldwide discovered his tendency to lounge in luxury items like the Persian carpet or royal bed.
Since then, he’s inspired countless fan artworks, merchandise items, and DIY projects, cementing his status as one of Neko Atsume’s most recognizable and cherished feline visitors.
Project
This beginner-friendly clay project brings the beloved white Persian cat Snowball from Neko Atsume into three-dimensional form. The simple yet charming design captures the essence of this popular virtual feline visitor, resulting in a delightful decorative piece that measures approximately 2.5 inches in height.
The project requires basic sculpting techniques and takes roughly two hours to complete, not including the necessary drying time. Working with air dry clay allows crafters to create a durable finished piece that can be painted and sealed for long-lasting display.
Materials Needed:
- White air dry clay (4 oz / 113g)
- Wooden sculpting tool or toothpick
- Black acrylic paint (0.25 oz / 7ml)
- Small paintbrush (size 0 or 1)
- Clear acrylic sealer (1 oz / 30ml)
Begin by dividing the clay into two portions and rolling them into balls: a 2-inch (5cm) ball for the body and a 1-inch (2.5cm) ball for the head. Join these pieces together, shaping the body into a seated position with the larger ball. Form the head by adding triangular ears and creating indentations for facial features. Use the wooden tool to add fur texture across the surface.
Allow the sculpture to dry completely for 24-48 hours before painting the eyes and nose black, then finish with two coats of clear acrylic sealer.
When working with air dry clay, keep a small bowl of water nearby for smoothing cracks, but use it sparingly to prevent warping. Work on a non-stick surface like wax paper and rotate the piece periodically during drying to maintain its shape.
Any unused clay should be stored in an airtight container to prevent premature drying. Consider making multiple sculptures simultaneously since you’ll already have your painting supplies prepared.
Project Steps
Let’s get started crafting your Snowball sculpture by gathering your white air-dry clay, sculpting tools, paints, and sealant.
You’ll begin by shaping the clay into Snowball’s basic body forms, adding facial features and fur texture details with your wooden tool, and then allowing the piece to dry completely.
Once the clay has fully dried, you’ll carefully paint the eyes and nose in black, followed by two protective coats of clear acrylic sealer to preserve your finished sculpture.
Step 1. Gather Required Art Materials
Before starting your Snowball sculpture, gather these five essential art materials: white air dry clay (4 oz), a wooden sculpting tool or toothpick, black acrylic paint (0.25 oz), a small detail paintbrush (size 0 or 1), and clear acrylic sealer (1 oz).
You’ll want to set up your workspace with additional helpful items, including wax paper to prevent sticking, a small bowl of water for smoothing clay, and paper towels for clean-up.
While gathering materials, check that your air dry clay hasn’t hardened in its package and that your acrylic paint flows smoothly.
If you’re planning to make multiple Snowball figures, consider purchasing extra supplies, as opened clay can dry out quickly, and you’ll use the same amount of paint and sealer regardless of how many pieces you create.
Step 2. Shape Clay Into Body Forms
Starting with two clay portions in distinct sizes sets the foundation for Snowball’s charming form. Roll your first ball to approximately 2 inches in diameter for the body, and shape a second, smaller 1-inch ball for the head. Press these pieces together firmly, then gently mold the body portion into an oval that’s slightly wider at the base, creating a natural sitting position.
Using your fingertips, carefully shape the head ball into a rounded triangular form, typical of Persian cats. Smooth the neck area where the two sections meet, ensuring a seamless transition between head and body.
Create small triangular ears by pinching and pulling upward at two points on the head’s surface, then flatten them slightly to achieve Snowball’s signature alert expression.
Step 3. Add Facial Features and Details
Facial features bring Snowball’s personality to life through careful detailing and precise tool work.
Using your wooden sculpting tool, create two slight indentations for the eyes, positioned about 1/4 inch apart on the upper portion of the face. Make a small triangular depression for the nose, centering it between and slightly below the eye marks.
Score gentle curved lines extending from the nose to suggest Snowball’s characteristic fluffy cheeks.
You’ll want to texture the entire face with delicate fur marks, working in small, upward strokes from the center outward. Don’t forget to add whisker marks – six small dots, three on each side of the nose.
Once you’re satisfied with the placement, deepen each feature slightly, ensuring they’ll remain visible after the clay dries.
Step 4. Allow Clay to Dry
With all facial features expertly sculpted, your Snowball figure needs proper drying time to maintain its shape and details.
Place your creation on a clean sheet of wax paper in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources that could cause uneven drying or cracking.
You’ll need to let the clay dry completely for 24-48 hours, depending on your climate’s humidity levels.
During this time, rotate your Snowball figure every 8 hours to prevent flat spots from forming where it contacts the surface.
If you notice any small cracks developing while the clay dries, don’t worry – this is normal and adds to the natural fur-like texture.
Once the clay feels firm and cool to the touch throughout, it’s ready for painting.
Step 5. Paint and Seal Sculpture
Once your Snowball sculpture has dried completely, you’ll begin the painting process by mixing a small amount of black acrylic paint with water to achieve a smooth consistency.
Using your fine-tipped brush, carefully paint Snowball’s small triangular nose and two oval eyes, making sure the edges are clean and defined. Allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat if needed.
After the paint has fully dried, it’s time to protect your sculpture with a clear acrylic sealer. Apply the first thin coat evenly across the entire surface, being careful not to miss any spots.
Wait two hours, then apply a second coat, paying special attention to the painted features. The sealer will give your Snowball figure a professional finish while protecting it from dust and minor damage.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Snowball figure from Neko Atsume provides both a satisfying creative outlet and a cherished keepsake for fans of the mobile game.
As you complete this project, you’ll develop fundamental sculpting skills that you can apply to future clay crafts, while bringing one of the game’s most beloved characters into your real-world collection.
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect – each Snowball sculpture will have its own unique charm. You can always try again, experimenting with different fur textures or poses.
Consider displaying your finished piece alongside other Neko Atsume memorabilia, or give it as a thoughtful gift to another fan of the game.
Remember to store your sculpture away from direct sunlight to preserve its colors and finish.
