Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Make a homemade snow globe in a few steps
What if we made a homemade snow globe for Christmas ... or even the rest of the year? Tourist version with an Eiffel tower or end of year celebrations with a miniature tree, everything is possible with a DIY snow globe in a jar. And recuperate, please, for a low-cost, fully personalized decoration!
The material to make a snow globe
Hermetically sealed glass jar
Strong, water-resistant glue
Miniature plastic figurines
The glitter and/or fake snow
Glycerin
Demineralized water
Step 1: choose the elements for the snow globe
A detail, but of size, since the elements of a homemade snow globe must meet a few imperatives. Regarding the figurine (s), they must be adapted to the size of the jar and above all, water-resistant. A metal figurine would end up rusting, and unless the decorative effect sought, we prefer to avoid.
The jar, in addition to having the right size, must absolutely close in a completely hermetic way: the snow globe will not only be filled with water but turned upside down. Are you there? Without waterproof closure, hello leaks! For the rest, any material used must be water-resistant, from glue to paint for those who choose to paint elements. Without specific paint, remnants of nail polish do the trick.
Step 2: Prepare the decor for the snow globe
The decoration inserted in the DIY snow globe will be stuck on the inside of the cover. Be careful, therefore, if the cover is thick, part of the decoration will be hidden by the rim… The good tip? We use a plastic plug or any other piece stuck inside the jar lid, to raise it up and make it visible.
Once the base is ready to decorate, we compose according to desire and inspiration: a very simple snow globe with a small plastic tree, made with painted animal figurines, offset with children's toys ... We glue the elements securely on the cap or directly inside the lid, then allow to dry.
Step 3: Prepare the snow globe liquid
The traditional snow globe encloses a liquid that allows the false snow or glitter to fall slowly to enjoy the effect longer. It is not mandatory for those who prefer simplicity, but in this case, the snow will not remain suspended in the ball.
Shall we try the liquid? It consists of demineralized water thickened with glycerin to further slow the fall of the glitter. In the absence of demineralized water, micellar water does the trick, and in the absence of glycerin, a thick soap with low foaming properties, like baby gels. There is an average of nine doses of water for one of glycerin, and then almost completely fills the homemade snow globe with the mixture. Then add a dose of glitter, fake snow, or both… at will!
Step 4: Finish making the snow globe
To complete the production of a homemade snow globe, we check that the glue is completely dry before immersing the decor and screwing the cover back on. Add more water if necessary, then tighten as hard as possible to avoid water damage. Afraid of flight? It is possible to add a dose of silicone glue to the edges of the cover to guarantee its waterproofness, but in this case, it will be impossible to reopen the snow globe. Whatever happens, we finish by turning the jar over to watch the snowfall!