Host Renai Ellison demonstrates how to make holiday snow globes that will become part of the holiday home decor for years to come
(figure A).
Materials:
jars with tight-fitting lids (Make sure the jars fit the figurines that have been selected.)
plastic or ceramic Christmas figurines (houses, animals, etc.) to fit in jars. (Stay away from paper or wood, and use plastic or other moisture-resistant material.)
oil-based enamel paint in holiday colors
paintbrushes
mineral oil (to "thicken" the water and make the snow fall slower)
sandpaper
clear-drying, waterproof epoxy
distilled water
glycerin (available at drugstores or groceries)
white or silver glitter for "snow" (Crushed eggshells also work well in a jar with mineral oil.)
silicone sealant
Steps:
- Paint jar lids in holiday colors, using oil-based enamel. Let dry well.
- Sand inside of jar lids to roughen up the surface. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
- Use clear epoxy to adhere holiday figurines to the inside of the jar lid to create a holiday scene. Let dry.
- Fill jar nearly to the top with distilled water, and add a few pinches of white glitter for snow (figure B).
- Add a drop or two of glycerin to help snow swirl around and not fall too quickly. Be careful not to add too much glitter, or it will stick to the bottom of the jar when it is turned over.
- Carefully screw the lid on the jar. Shake up and enjoy.
- If you like the way it looks, take the lid back off and use silicone sealant on the lid before permanently reattaching it.
Tips
- A great place to find miniature trees and houses is in hobby shops that sell electric trains and dollhouses. Also, look for holiday items in year-round Christmas shops.
- Another option is to use snow-globe kits from hobby stores.
- Snow globes are typically small, but using larger jars allows for larger, more dynamic Christmas scenes.
- Cut out and glue images to the outside of the jar on the back side of the figurine scene that is inside the jar to add depth and interest to it. Pictures of mountains with snow help create a perfect winter scene.
)
)
