SNOWDOMIA
HOW TO MAKE A SNOW GLOBE
It is super easy and fun to create magical Snow Globes using simple materials. Draw on your own imagination to
capture a miniature scene in a glass jar. When you shake your jar, you can create a mesmerising snowstorm. Any
size jar will work, just make sure they have snug lids and you can find things to fit inside of them.
The whole community can participate in making their own snow globes. It can be very simple and childlike or if you
would like a challenge it can be intricate and detailed. If you really want to make a more traditional glass ball or
dome shape, then kits are available on the internet. We hope to collect hundreds of original snowdomes to fill the
gallery and create a breathtaking winter wonderland.
All snow globes that you contribute to the ‘Snowdomia’ exhibition (8-17 August at Banyule Customer Service
Centres) will be displayed and your work of art can be returned if you have left your contact details. They can be
collected after the exhibition.
Snow globes date back to the 19th Century and are valued as collectables often featuring whimsical White Christmas
scenes, cartoon characters, famous tourist locations or animals. You are welcome to make your scene personal by
including laminated or transparency photos. Use your creativity and ingenuity by making little sculptures or including
LED lights or floating objects made from foam. Remember to choose objects that don’t break down or rust in water,
think plastic, ceramic or aluminium. You can always test something for a few hours in a bowl of water and see what
happens. Op shops, markets and hobby shops are a great source for figurines. Small kids’ toys would be really kooky
and fun. You can get fake greenery from florist supplies or break a tip off your synthetic Christmas tree.
Here is the recipe; you are welcome to submit as many globes as you like. We’ve heard it can be addictive.
INGREDIENTS (SOME ARE OPTIONAL )
Glass jar with tight fitting lid
Crushed egg shell or glitter
Glue gun, craft glue, florist clay or epoxy glue.
Decorative Objects
Sandpaper
All purpose adhesive sealant (so your jar will never leak)
Glycerin or baby oil or corn syrup (makes the snowflakes fall slowly)
Water (use distilled water if you want your snow globe to last forever)
Enamel, oil based paint (if you want to paint the jar lid)
STEP 1
You can use oil based enamel paint to paint the outside of the lid if you wish. You could use spray paint or the little
hobby jars of enamel paint available from craft supplies, hardware of hobby stores. You will need to throw away
your brush or clean it with mineral turpentine after using enamel paint.
STEP 2
Sand the inside of the lid to create a rough surface to help the glue stick. Use your glue gun, craft glue or florist clay
to adhere your selected objects to the inside of the lid and allow the glue to dry. You could use aquarium rocks or
tiny pebbles to help hold objects up while gluing and create a ground surface. Keep your display away from the
edges so your lid will still fit tightly.
Step 3
Fill the jar with water almost to the top and add a pinch of glitter or crushed egg shell. You can buy small amounts of
glitter (including white glitter) from art and craft shops. Add a little more glitter if you have greenery as some of it
will get stuck as it falls. Crush egg shells by rolling over then with a rolling pin, with the shells inside a heavy duty
plastic bag.
STEP 4
Add the glycerine, you can use 1-3 teaspoons per cup of water. You may like to experiment with how slowly you can
make the snow fall. You can buy glycerine in small amounts from supermarkets or chemists. It is used in cake
decorating and also for skin and hair. You could also try baby oil or corn syrup.
STEP 5
Shake the jar and test your objects don’t fall off before you seal the lid.
STEP 6
Glue the lid using hot glue, epoxy, craft glue or you can buy an all purposed adhesive sealant. It is cheaper to buy a
generic brand from the supermarket than the hardware store. Allow plenty of time for the glue or sealant to dry
then tip your jar upside down. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
If you would like to look at images and more detailed instructions check out:
http://www.marthastewart.com/276346/how-to-make-a-snow-globe/@center/307034/christmasworkshop#276346
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpv7hvzTgiA
DELIVERY AND COLLECTION
You will need to deliver your Snowdomes to a Banyule Customer service centre: 9 - 13 Flintoff Street Greensborough
275 Upper Heidelberg Road Ivanhoe or 44 Turnham Avenue at Rosanna between the 29 July and August 5. All service
centres are open from Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm, Rosanna is open late on Wednesday night until 7.00pm
and Greensborough is open on Saturdays from 9.00am – 12 noon.
You will be able to collect your snowdomes from your local Service Centre immediately after the exhibition from
August 20- 23.
Please fill out the details below and bring with your Snowdome.
Name
Address
Phone number
Email