How to Make Snow Globes

Snow globes are beautiful to look at and a great decorating touch. What child doesn't love to turn them upside down and watch the glittery snow flutter down?

When I was a child, I loved to hold the glass ball in my hands. It felt like a little bit of magic that I could conjure up. I can remember getting snow globes at our local church Christmas sale with tiny nativity scenes inside. They were special as a symbol for all the love that Christmas represents, held within a scene that speaks of purity and silence. That, at least, was how it seemed to me. That glass ball brought me a sense of awe as I contemplated the meaning of the feast.

Have you ever tried to make your own snow globe? I have included several kit options if you want to make a really beautiful craft creation. You can make a simpler one with a small jar, too. If you have a baby in the house and have dozens of baby food jars you don't know what to do with, here is a project which will use up as many jars as you have the time and energy to transform. In the end, you will have created a snow globe gift -- or two or ten -- that you can be proud to give away.

Photo: Snowglobe Credit: marganz @http://www.sxc.hu/photo/663034

Fun Christmas Craft

Your first step in making a snow globe is to gather clean jars with lids. Baby food jars work well, though you want to be sure that the lids screw on tightly.

Place the lid inside up on your work surface. Use crazy glue to glue a figure to the inside of the jar lid. Set aside to let dry.

Fill jar with water and glitter. A little glycerine can make the snow come down more gradually. Make sure the lip of the jar is dry and then place a band of crazy glue along the lip of the jar. Screw on lid and let it dry. You my want to add a couple of layers of electric tape for extra security.

After about 24 hours, turn your jar upside down and watch the "snow" fall.

Do you like to use glass globes or plastic globes?