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One of my favorite decorations for the holidays is the snow globe. I remember loving those snow globes that were so plentiful during the holiday season. I loved ( and I still do) shaking them and watching the colorful glitter fall to the bottom of the dome coating Santa or whatever figure was in the dome. It was like peering into a fantasy world.

This weeks' Craft of the Week features Glitter Domes. These make fabulous gifts for friends, family, teachers, or for yourself! The materials are simple to find. This is a super craft for children of all ages. If the child is young she will need some help from an adult to finish the project.

What you need:

• One jar with tight lid (any size, but smaller looks better).
• One plastic figure (your choice) and any other plastic decorations to make a scene.
• Glitter
• Superglue
• Ribbon and lace
  
  Hint - Glycerin stabilizes the glitter
  (but don't use too much glycerin as it might cause glitter clumping)

What you do:

1. Superglue the figure and decorations to the inside of lid. Make sure you leave enough space around the edge for the jar to screw down in.
2. Fill your jar with water, but not all the way to the top. Leave enough room for the decorations and glitter.
3. Put the glitter in the jar. For every inch of water you need 1 teaspoon of glitter.
4. Screw on the lid. For extra security you can glue the lid on.
5. Glue lace around the bottom edge of the lid to hide it. Put the
   ribbon over the glued lace.

Ideas from you

Makes a great Gift Idea & Fundraiser
From: Judy
I love your website! We will be making snow globes using baby food jars for the elderly that live in the Skilled Nursing Facility at our local hospital. I have 30+ boys in our local Cub Scout Pack that would like to make these for Christmas gifts for the elderly.
Judy

Using Different shapes
From: Leslie
You can also add confetti shapes to the glitter domes. Tiny snowflakes for Christmas or tiny bats for Halloween!

Making it snow
Many people who use only water say that it doesn't "snow" slowly enough. Some people use glycerin and some use Karo syrup.
Here's what they say

• Glycerin stabilizes the glitter
  From: Phyllis
  Children love this craft.  However, you need to add 1 teaspoon of glycerin to the water for the glitter to "snow."   This is available at pharmacies for a $3-4.00 for a 4 oz bottle, although they may have to order it for you.
• Glycerin or mineral oil helps the the glitter float
  From: Sharlene
  I made these for my class a couple of years ago. You will have problems keeping the glitter suspended. However, I saw a program a year later that said if you add a few drops of glycerin or mineral oil the glitter will stay floating like the ones you see in the stores. I thought you might like to try it this way. I was browsing for new ideas for my class this year. Have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. Sharlene
• The mystery of the Karo syrup & "floating glitter"
  • Using Karo syrup
    From: Jeff
    Another alternative to the glycerin is Karo Syrup. The more you add to the water, the longer the glitter stays suspended.
  • Don't use Karo syrup
    From: featured craft author Kathy Ross: I think the problem with the floating glitter is the syrup. To make a shaker you need to use water. The syrup is for dripping types of projects in larger bottles.
• Using mineral oil & how much glitter do you use?
  From: Sharlene
  Try mineral oil or some other heavy liquid.  The mineral oil would help suspend it.  Mix it with a little water.  As far as the amount of glitter, I used what looked nice to me.  I didn't use a set amount.  It is a touch and go thing.  However, the mineral oil might let it settle. You might have to fool around with the amount before doing a "real" one.

Cookie Gift Jar
This Gift Jar is the perfect way to say Happy Holidays in a warm and fun way. What an exciting way to share cookies without all the fuss.  Want to send cookies, but no time to make them?  Well, all you have to do is assemble these simple ingredients in an inexpensive wide mouth quart jar and presto you are sending cookies!

see even more Christmas Ideas

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Christmas Decorations Kids Can Make
by Kathy Ross, Sharon Lane Holm