SUPPLIES:
2 Styrofoam balls, 1 plastic or glass snowglobe (with lid), plastic snowman pieces (nose, arms, hat, etc.), mini LED fairy light, super glue, glycerin oil, glitter
Building your very own snow globe can be so much fun! Every family has different traditions in the winter time. Some families light up the dark days of winter through festivities and lights. Create a custom snow globe to represent the things you like or the unique traditions your family may have. Below are suggested steps on how to build your snow globe. The above photo shows the two types of kits that were sent to our family subscribers. The kit on the left includes a 4 inch globe and fairy light (full kit). The kit on the right includes a 3 inch globe without fairy light (partial kit).
IMPORTANT WINTER KIT SAFETY WARNING: Your Raising Noah Winter Kit may contain super glue. Super glue is toxic and can hurt you. It should not be placed on your skin, in your mouth, or on other sensitive parts of your body, such as your eyes. Please do not use super glue without your parent's help and supervision. There may be other small objects that children may choke on. Please do not place any objects into your mouth. Ask your parents for help with anything that may seem too difficult to do on your own.
STEP 1: DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING?
Open your craft kit and be sure you have the following:
• a small instruction manual and story book • an empty plastic snow globe • a Styrofoam snowman (this may come fully assembled or separated into two parts)
• snowman pieces (total of 9 pieces)
• a mini super glue (children may not be able to open without adult assistance, and should not use without parent supervision)
• a tube glycerin (a non-toxic, vegetable-based liquid to keep glitter snow from sticking together)
• a container of glitter (snow)
• *some kits may have an LED, waterproof fairylight bundle (not required to assemble)
STEP 2: GET ALL OTHER SUPPLIES YOU MAY WANT
Get any items you will want to put in your snow globe, and any extra supplies that you might want to help you in your build. You may want to use a hot glue gun if you have one at home. Using one will make the gluing process much faster. You don't need to use your snowman or woman if you would prefer to use something else. You can repurpose anything that may be sentimental to you. Your snow globe is a great and fun way to preserve memories. The above photos reflect:
• a hot glue gun
• some permanent and multi-colored (waterproof) markers • paper ribbon for the snow globe base
STEP 3: GLUE FAIRYLIGHTS TO INSERT, MEASURE, AND DESIGN
If you have the 4 inch tall snow globe and fairy lights, remove the insert and glue the fairy light battery pack to the top of the cover insert, as shown above. Do not glue the fairy lights to the globe's cover (cap). You want to be sure that the extra insert that comes with your kit is where you place your fairy lights. If you are using super glue it may take up to 2 hours to seal your lights to the cover, so you may want to complete that first. If you do not have fairy lights and your snow globe is only 3 inches tall, then you can skip this process. Next, you will want to measure any object that you plan to put into your snow globe, to be certain that it will fit. Remember, the cover has to be able to close easily. Otherwise, your globe may leak water. After you have glued your lights and measured your objects, you can start to design your globe with stickers or markers. You can include names of people you love, write your favorite quote, or even draw a picture. Just remember not to cover it completely or you won't be able to see your snow falling in the end.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE ANY OBJECTS THAT NEED TO BE PUT TOGETHER
If you want to use the snowman that comes with your kit, you'll need to put him together. If your snowman's Styrofoam head and body are not together, you'll want to put those pieces together first. You'll need to use your super glue or hot glue gun to fuse them together, and also to keep the hat on. To assemble your snowman's head and body, you may first want to remove a part of the Styrofoam, so that it can sit nicely on top of the other Styrofoam ball. You may use scissors or even a pen or pencil to remove some of it. Styrofoam is very easy to tear. Don't remove too much. Then take your hot glue or super glue and place a little amount on the area which was torn. Then take the other ball and stick them together. Remember, super glue may take an hour or more to dry. Once you fit all your pieces together, test be sure that the finished snowman will still fit into the globe, by placing it inside your globe. Keep in mind that the cover will take up room. You can even draw on your snowman with permanent (waterproof) marker if you want to. Add hair, clothes, or other accessories if you'd like.
STEP 5: GLUE YOUR ASSEMBLED PIECES TO YOUR CAP INSERT, OR CAP
Next you'll want to glue everything to your snow globe's inner cover, or to the extra insert for your cover if working with the 4 inch globe. Remember, if you're using a snow globe that TMC has provided, only the 4 inch snow globe will have the added insert to help retain water. If you have an insert, be sure to glue your pieces to the top of the insert, and not to the concave side. See the picture above with the snowman for reference. If your snow globe was 3 inches and did not have a cap insert, you can glue your object directly to the inside of the globe's cover (cap). See the Iron Man piece for reference. You always want to double and triple check that your objects will fit and that your glue is dry before moving your cover.
STEP 6: POUR GLITTER AND GLYCERIN IN GLOBE
Once your objects have dried and set to the cover or insert for your globe, it's time to add glycerin and glitter to your globe. The fun has really begun now!
STEP 7: FILL WITH WATER, STIR & COVER
Bring your cover to your kitchen or bathroom sink, or wherever your water source will be. We highly recommend not pouring water over any structure that will be damaged by moisture as there may be some water spilled. Place your cover to the side and fill your globe with water all the way to the top. Then take a spoon or object and stir your glycerin and glitter together. Doing this will help to separate any glitter which may have stuck together. Finally, take your cover and place it over your globe, screwing it on tightly. If you have the extra insert, be sure that your fairy lights are turned on before placing your cap cover over the insert. Once you are certain that it is twisted tightly closed, you may want to dry off any water on the outside of your globe. Shake your globe to see the snowfall!
STEP 8: SEAL YOUR GLOBE LID
Your snow globe may not leak at all, but to prevent damage to your room or furniture, you'll want to make certain that no leaks will occur when you leave your globe unattended. To do this, you can take your hot glue gun and add hot glue to the edges of your globe, where the cap meets the globe. This is also the perfect time to add ribbon to your base if you choose to. See photos above for reference. If you do not have hot glue, super glue may work to seal your globe and prevent leaks. You should watch your globe periodically over the next couple of days to make sure there are no leaks which you may have overlooked.
YOU'RE ALL DONE! WAS THAT FUN?
We hope you and everyone who helped enjoyed making your very own snow globe. This may be a good time to mention that your LED lights may or may not last very long. But as they are waterproof, it will not cause any problems in the long run. If you would like to share some photos of your finished snow globe with us, we'll be sure to post it on our website. Email us at community@livemoral.com and include "My DIY Snow Globe" in the subject. We wish you and your family a very cozy and merry winter season!
MORAL OF THE PROJECT:
Do you think winter is dark or beautiful? No matter how you see it, winter is a season that lasts for a short time and will pass. Life is also filled with seasons that come and go. Fill every season of your life with joy for all the good things in it, just as your snow globe is full of good things. Happy winter!
