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How to Make a Christmas Snow Globe Craft
Copyright © 2004-2008 Jane Lake All Rights Reserved
My grandmother kept a row of snow globes on a high shelf in her drawing room. When we went to visit, I would stare up at her collection, longing to be allowed to shake the glass globes and watch the snow falling on the miniature scene inside. She would take each one down with great care and reverence, polishing the shiny glass globe with her apron before allowing me to shake it. I've been fascinated with snow globes ever since.
This year, I finally got around to making a Christmas snow globe of my own. I chose a small church scene to go inside, but had to experiment a bit with glitter to get the "look" that I wanted when the snow came down. You can use all sorts of glass jars, from baby food jars to jam or pickle jars. The one that I used was small sized apricot jam jar, which gave me a wide enough base for the ornament that I had chosen.
Make a Snow Globe
Craft supplies you will need:
Snow Globe Instructions
What You Do:
Check to make sure that the ornament you have chosen will fit within the diameter of your jar.
You will probably find that the ornament needs to be elevated somewhat to be properly visible within the globe. Use a small plastic bottle lid to create a base; the white plastic lid that I used to do this is visible in the photo, showing as a white area just below the ornament.
Make a trial run. Invert your globe jar and remove the glass part, leaving only the lid. Place the plastic base in the center of the lid, then position the ornament on top of this. Place the jar over the ornament and check the fit. If the ornament is high enough to view clearly, use silicone or aquarium sealant to glue the ornament firmly to its plastic base, then glue the base lid to the center of the inverted globe lid. Allow this assembly to dry and set, using the cure time recommended by the sealant manufacturer.
Use another small jar to test the snow fall. Fill the test jar with distilled water, or boiled water that has cooled, then add a scant teaspoon of glitter. Put the lid on and shake it to see if you like the effect. If the snow is too sparse, add a little more glitter. Add a few drops of glycerin and test it again. The glycerin should slow the rate of the snow fall quite nicely.
I have read that you can use mineral oil instead of water and glycerin, but I haven't yet tried this method.
Working over a sink, pour the water and glitter into the globe jar, filling it to the very top. Invert the ornament assembly into the water and screw the lid into place. Some water will be displaced and spill over the top of the jar. Wipe the jar dry and shake it up! I enjoyed this part the most, I think, because the little church looked so pretty in the midst of a glittery snow storm.
You can use the sealant to glue the jar to a wooden base or another plastic lid, if you like, for extra stability. Although I did use a wooden base for my snow globe, I chose not to glue the two together - this way, I can just pick up the glass jar to shake it.
Paint the base and the jar lid in your choice of color. I chose a terra cotta brown which looks quite effective.
Once the paint is dry, use craft glue to add your choice of Christmas coiled rope, a circle of Christmas lace, or whatever you wish to add as embellishments.
I just love snowglobes!!!!!!! I have 14.
this iz a GREAT idea i love it
i made it for my cids and they LOVED them
thanx for the idea!
this iz a GREAT idea i love it
i made it for my cids and they LOVED them
thanx for the idea!
I have 6 granddaughters ages 7-14 I can't wait to do this project with them. They will love making their own Christmas present.
Can anyone tell me if ceramic/porcelin items, such as small figurines, are considered waterproof for snow globes?
Very Clean
hey this is the best idea ever!!!!! thank u soo much it totally helped.
You mentioned using mineral oil instead of water & glycerin in your snowglobes, & said you hadn't tried it yet. I have. I found that mineral oil is really too thick for glitter & light weight items; it lets them fall,but VERY slowly. I have not figured out a substance to use to thin the oil to the right viscosity. I was looking for something other than water to use for storage purposes. I store my seasonal items in my attic and water would freeze; I thought maybe the mineral oil would not freeze -- at least not very easily. Any suggestions?
This is a GREAT idea for the holidays! I work for a Montessori school and can't wait to start this project with my class! Thanks for the idea!
This is a wonderful idea to make for family members for Christmas. It will be a great keepsake
Thanks!






