Homemade Christmas Fun: Christmas Snow Dome

Immy recently discovered snow domes in the Australia Zoo gift store! Her one purchase choice out of everything in the store was a Steve Irwin snow dome 🙂 So this week I thought we might make a simple Christmas snow dome to add to her ‘collection.’

Christmas Snow Dome Tutorial

You will need;

1 small glass or plastic jar with lid
A small amount of plasticine
Waterproof glue
Miniature plastic or plaster Christmas figurines
Glitter, sequins, sparkles
Water

To make:

Form a mound with the plasticine in the centre of the jar lid. Mounting your figurines onto a layer of plasticine lifts them up above the lid of the jar, making them easier to see. Make sure that the plasticine does not spread all of the way to the edge of the lid or your jar will not properly close. Place your figurines onto the mound and check that they fit within the jar. Remove figurines and then glue plasticine into position with the waterproof glue.
Glue figurines securely into position on top of the plasticine. Allow glue to fully dry according to manufacturer’s directions.
Place glitter, sequins and sparkles into the jar.
Fill the jar almost to the top with water.*
Secure the lid onto the jar tightly. You may like to glue or tape the lid into place.
Turn over and shake away!

* Coincidentally, I was reading today that the ladies at Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning suggest adding a little glycerine to the water. We didn’t as I hadn’t heard this suggestion before and Immy loves her snow dome just the way it is 🙂

You’ll find more Christmas inspiration here!

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

Read more of Christie's adventures at https://childhood101.com.

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

Sue says
November 24, 2011 at 6:51 AM

Very cool. I think I'll do this with my kids.
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:52 PM
  
  Have fun, Sue, I would love to see the result if you do give it a go.
Melissa says
November 24, 2011 at 7:27 AM

Very sweet and simple idea. better add some glitter to my shopping list...
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:53 PM
  
  Gitter and sequins look really cool, Melissa :)
Timmi says
November 24, 2011 at 9:27 AM

This looks so fun, I'll have to keep my eye out for a good plastic jar since my 2 y/o is into throwing things at the moment...
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:53 PM
  
  Some of our dried herbs come in plastic jars, Timmi. They tend to be the herbs that come in larger quantities :)
Kate @ Puddles and Gumboots says
November 24, 2011 at 9:34 AM

oh this is just gorgeous!!!! I love it!!
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:54 PM
  
  Thank you for sharing it on Facebook and Twitter, Kate :)
Marita says
November 24, 2011 at 10:19 AM

Oh my gosh! Heidi love love loves snow domes. This is a perfect activity for us to do together on one of the afternoons when I've picked her up early from school. So calming and fun.
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:54 PM
  
  The hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry :) Have fun x
Jackie says
November 24, 2011 at 11:37 AM

I love this! My son is really into snow globes. Is plasticine the same as playdough? I pinned this so I won't forget to do it this year. Thanks for sharing the idea!
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:55 PM
  
  Jackie, I think playdough would break down in the water. Plasticine is a commercially produced, harder, artificial material.
Brooke says
November 24, 2011 at 12:10 PM

We are SOOO doing this! My little guy absolutely loves snow globes and has even taking to shaking up the glitter (non water filled) bouncy ball - thinking it's a snow globe. 2 questions: Can you use play doh? What brand of glue did you use? (not sure what counts as waterproof)
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:56 PM
  
  Hi Brooke, I wouldn't use playdough as I think it would break down in the water. I used Selleys Kwik Grip which says it can be used outdoors and on wetsuits so I figured it was going to be alright in water.
  - Brooke says
    November 29, 2011 at 10:42 AM
    
    Thank you!
Ai Sakura says
November 24, 2011 at 1:45 PM

Such a great idea! I love snow globes... and think my bub will have fun making this with me :) Ai @ Sakura Haruka
- Christie Burnett says
  November 24, 2011 at 4:57 PM
  
  Have fun :)
Kristin Williamson says
November 24, 2011 at 7:05 PM

Any suggestions as to what glue is waterproof? Ta
- Kristin Williamson says
  November 24, 2011 at 7:10 PM
  
  Sorry - I just read the earlier post about Selleys Kwik grip. I can't wait to make this - have just drawn up a shopping list for tomorrow. Lachlan and Imogen will go crazy for these globes - thanks for the great idea!
Melinda @Eco Toys says
November 25, 2011 at 3:33 AM

What a fantastic idea Christie! I love that you can re-use things around the house. Will link to this from my blog too.
emma says
November 25, 2011 at 9:20 PM

we made these last year and the kids had great fun with them. We also made them into christmas presents by putting gift vouchers in them for a bit of fun. http://froggooseandbear.blogspot.com/2010/12/kids-craft-diy-snow-globe.html Love your glitter stars.
heather at wordplayhouse® says
November 28, 2011 at 7:31 PM

Lovely. Isn't this time of year so magical for creating holiday projects? Our children keep saying, "it FEELS like Christmas" every time we are making. A lovely holiday you are making with Immy. -heather
Heather @ Life, gluten free says
November 30, 2011 at 1:03 AM

That is neat! My daughter was just talking about making a snow dome (we read a book where one was mentioned). I am making our advent activity cards for this year, and this is going on it!! Thanks :)
Katie says
November 17, 2014 at 1:16 PM

Hi there, Hopefully you will still see this comment. I'm just wondering... do you still have the snow globe? Did the plasticine last in the water for all this time? I'm looking at making some this year and want something that will last for a long time. Thanks
Chris says
October 31, 2016 at 11:47 AM

Super important to ignite kids creativity and cultural events like Christmas are often a great way to motivate them!

Trackbacks

Christmas Craft activity – Snow Dome | Little Me Little You says:

November 24, 2011 at 6:28 PM

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christmas play | theparentingfiles says:

November 30, 2011 at 1:10 PM

[...] that extra creative hat on and making a snow dome… thanks to the How To’s provided by Childhood101.This is super cool I [...]
Irresistible Ideas for play based learning » Blog Archive » Christmas is-a-coming! says:

December 1, 2011 at 11:03 PM

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Snow globe sensory play in preschool | Teach Preschool says:

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Homemade Christmas Fun: Christmas Snow Dome

Christmas Snow Dome Tutorial

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