How to Make a Snow Globe

After reading this article, the reader should know how to make their own snow globe. This is a perfect craft to do with the kids on a cold, winter afternoon!

The first snow globe appeared in Paris in 1878 at the Universal Expo and by 1879 five companies were producing snow globes and selling them throughout Europe.

In 1889, a snow globe containing a model of the newly built Eiffel Tower was produced to commemorate the International Exposition in Paris, which marked the centenary of the French Revolution. This souvenir quickly became a favorite souvenir.

Snow globes became popular in England during the Victorian Era and, in the early 1920s, crossed the Atlantic and caught on in the United States where they became a popular collectors item.

During the 1940s, in America, snow globes were often used for advertising. In Europe, during the 1940s and 1950s, religious snow globes were common gifts for Catholic children. Snow globes have appeared in a number of film scenes, the most famous is the opening of the 1941 classic "Citizen Kane."

In the 1950s, the globes, which were previously of glass construction, became available in plastic. Currently, there are many different types of snow globes available produced by a number of companies in various countries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty, clean jam jar with lid
• Pitcher (for pouring)
• Distilled water (enough to fill the jam jar)
• Measuring spoons (or teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons of glycerin (purchased at a craft supply store)
• 1/2 teasoon liqid dish detergent
• 5-6 teaspoons glitter (white and silver for snow effect)
• Waterproof holiday decorations of choice, to put inside jar.
• Strong waterproof glue
• Optional: Craft silicone sealant

1. Fill jars. Use a pitcher to pour the distilled water into the jam jar. Fill it as full as possible. Add glycerin and then dish detergent (in that order).

2. Add glitter, spoon the glitter into the water. White or silver glitter looks most like snow, although other bright colors can look very festive.

3. Attach decoration. Use a dollop of strong waterproof glue to securely stick the decorations to the inside of the lid of the jam jar. It is advisable for an adult to do this if the child is young. Let the glue dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Secure lid. Carefully place the lid on top of the jam jar and screw tightly into place. The jam jar should be watertight (allowing space for the decorative item, of course), but you may wish to seal it around the edges with a layer of craft silicone sealant, which is available from good craft stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to use only waterproof items in your snow scene
• Children 10 and under should be supervised while making this item

[lisagregor]

on 3/14/2009 Super idea! I'll save in my faves.5

[Chaddy]

on 3/15/2008 Thank you so much for reading, Therese! I appreciate your comments anytime!

[TheHabe]

on 3/10/2008 What a cool idea to make a snow globe. I have a couple of them that I treasure and love to take out during the holidays. Thanks,Chaddy, for a great craft idea.

[JMOrganizations]

on 2/5/2008 How delightful this way. I really enjoyed it, and was drawn in to learning with it. Great work!
Thank you.

[Ceile]

on 1/23/2008 OH! I never knew the history behind snow globes! Wow! Now I'm going to have to make a few of these, thank to your wonderful instructions!

I don't know where my sister and I got the 'snowglobe bug', but we both love these beautiful creations!