Snow globes are great for any occasion or holiday, simply by changing what you use to create your scene. Let your imagination fly!
For example, create a harvest scene for Thanksgiving, a ghostly haunted house for Halloween, a red heart for Valentine’s Day, or a colorful Easter / Spring display for the holiday of your choice.
Other themes could include a birthday or special event, sports team, favorite cartoon character or superhero, seashell, or Victorian motif, to name just a few.
Once you have an event or theme in mind, it’s easy to put the elements together for a truly unique custom creation.
WINTER CRAFTSMANSHIP SNOW BALLOON
Materials:
Clear glass jar with tight lid (pickle, bell pepper, jelly, baby food)
Small waterproof ornaments, figures or decorations
Distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled
Clear silicone sealant (aquarium sealant) or florist clay
Eggshells or foil confetti
Brilliantine
Glycerin or mineral oil
Optional: plastic lid to fit inside the jar lid,
Circle of fabric, ribbon or lace
1. Choose a clean and dry glass jar – A baby food jar is perfect for a toddler’s craft, the bell pepper jars have a unique ball shape, and the pickle jars are large enough to allow you to add various items to your scene. Simply adjust your bottle to the desired end effect. Remove labels and food debris.
2. Plan your snow globe scene – Search your sewing kit and home craft supplies for materials and inspiration. You can make people, animals, trees, whatever, from craft foam. Sewing findings are also a great source for small decorations. Also consider miniatures at the craft or hobby store. Remember to shop the day after the holidays to get lots of discounted items!
3. Secure figures and decorations inside the lid of the jar with silicone sealant or florist clay. To elevate the scene so that it is in view, glue a plastic lid inside the lid of the jar or construct the area with some additional florist clay. Make sure to leave the edges clear so you have room to screw the cap on. Set aside.
4. Prepare your “snow” using the shell of a hard-boiled egg. Separate the peel from the membrane, place in a sturdy ziploc bag and flatten with a roller. The finer particles will fall more slowly into the snowball and will have a more pleasant effect. However, crush the eggshell into a powder, as it will simply float on the water rather than avoid gently falling.
Depending on your theme, you can change your “snow” to go with it. Try the themed confetti available at craft stores to add an interesting element to your creation. If you’re making a Halloween or Thanksgiving scene, look for foil leaf confetti in fall colors. For Easter you can use foil flower confetti. For a sports theme, use glitter in the colors of your favorite team.
The possibilities are endless and they guarantee you are creating a one-of-a-kind snowball!
5. Fill the snow globe – When you’re happy with your snowball scene, fill the jar with distilled water, leaving some room at the top to accommodate the figures. Add several drops of glycerin to keep the snow suspended and floating properly. Mineral oil or baby oil can also be used in place of the water and glycerin.
6. Add snow and glitter – When adding eggshells make sure you have enough to cover the lid once it has settled to the bottom. Use silver glitter along with the eggshells to make sparkly snow; use a teaspoon of glitter for every inch of water. If you are adventurous, experiment with different effects. Use a drop or two of colored lamp oil to create a swirling effect. Add food coloring to the water or use different colored glitter.
Close the jar tightly and shake the snowball. Notice how the snow falls and the general appearance. Adjust until you get the desired effect by adding a little more snow, glitter, or confetti.
7. Seal the dome – When you are sure the figures and scenery are set up to your satisfaction, and the snow to water ratio looks good, add a bead of silicone sealant around the cap threads and close tight.
8. Add the finishing touches – For a more decorative, finished look, cut a pretty fabric circle slightly larger than the lid of the jar. Secure it to the lid with a rubber band. Hot glue a piece of ribbon or string to the elastic band.
You will be proud to display and enjoy your original
winter crafts creating snow globes.
