DIY Snow Globe

I've wanted to try this project for a few years, so this was fun to try!

For this project you'll need:

A Jar - I wanted mine pretty small, without anything etched on the outside.  I ended up using a jar of mushrooms, because it was the size I wanted and I really liked the gold lid.  I think Salsa jars would be good options as well, if you use those, Step 1 would be to spray paint the outside of the lid.  I looked at Mason jars, but they have etchings on the outside.

Miniature figures - Miniature Assortment

Glitter - White Glitter on Amazon

E6000 Glue (I read about other people using hot glue and then the figures started floating.)

Glycerin (This link will take you to one at Amazon or I found mine at Walmart in the drugstore area.)

Distilled Water

One post I read said to use "fake snow" because it's bigger than glitter and easier to see, but I tried it and it looked terrible, it would clump together on the objects.

Step 1 - Gather your materials.

Step 2: Arrange your items on the inside of the jar lid and make sure the jar will still fit over them, then glue them down with the E6000 glue.  Follow glue instructions and let them dry overnight.

Step 3 - Fill the jar with distilled water.   I thought I needed to leave room for...water displacement from my figures, but I didn't.  I had to keep adding water.  So at this step, get the jar as full as possible.

Step 4 - Add about 5 drops of Glycerin (this helps suspend the glitter longer).

Step 5 - Add 1 - 2 TBSP of glitter, depending on how big your jar is.

Step 6 - Screw on the lid tightly.

Step 7 - Gently turn your jar over and then watch the snow fall!  (I say gently because I was shaking it like crazy and that didn't look as pretty.)

I think they make adorable Christmas gifts, they are fun crafts for kids to help make and can be used as decoration during winter seasons!

DIY Snowman Kit

Welcome Fall! 

These are my favorite Fall things:

Now that it's officially Fall and that means it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents and hot chocolate and SNOW!

Ok, I know it's a few months away, but thinking ahead gives you plenty of time to get DIY projects done before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins.

I've seen a few DIY Snowman Kits on Pinterest and since I am a kid at heart and love building snowmen, I wanted to put my own spin on it. 

 

 

 

 

For this project you'll need:

foam or plastic black hat (available at Hobby Lobby or Target) OR black felt to make a hat

ribbon (for a band around the hat)

felt (optional)(my felt flower instructions found here)

hot glue gun and glue

white styrofoam balls (optional)

large googly eyes (optional)

orange felt (for carrot)

polyfil stuffing

wooden skewers

black clay (for the mouth and if you choose, for the eyes and buttons as well)

scissors (strong enough to cut through skewers)

fleece (for a scarf)

 

As you can see by the list, this is a bit time-consuming and is actually several projects in one. If you ♥ this kit, but don't want to make it yourself - you can buy one at my Etsy Shop. I have a Snowman Kit currently available!

 

 

 

 

 The Hat

I like using a pre-made one (the foam hat is from Hobby Lobby and the plastic hat is from Target), because it can get wet and will wipe dry - to me fabric and snow don't exactly go together.

Hot glue the ribbon around the bottom of the hat.  If you choose, use the instructions here to make a felt flower or two and glue them to the ribbon.

 

 

 

The Eyes

Take your Styrofoam balls and stick a skewer into each, until the point goes all the way to the opposite side, but doesn't poke out.  Then cut the skewer down to a few inches.  Then hot glue the googly eyes onto the front of the balls.  Or if you can use the black clay to make eyes, described below under The Mouth.

 

 

The Carrot Nose

 http://www.whimsy-love.com/2012/12/diy-build-your-own-snowman-kit.html.

This was a great tutorial that I used to make my carrots - they're actually pretty easy!

 

 

 

The Mouth

Form black clay into small balls with about a half inch to an inch diameter, then stick a skewer into each.  Then cut the skewer down to a few inches.  Let clay dry according to instructions (or bake according to instructions).

 

 

 

The Buttons

I tried a few different ideas for making buttons, but I wasn't happy with my prototypes, so when I found oversized wooden buttons at Hobby Lobby I decided to use them. 

 

 

 

The Scarf

Easy - just a strip of fleece, about 6-7 inches wide x 50 in long, then cut fringe on each end.

 

 

 

online poll by Opinion Stage