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The gift giving season is upon us and once again it is time to think about stocking stuffers and small gifts for teachers, babysitters, postmen, and all those wonderful people who enrich our lives or make life easier.
Almost everyone on your list would enjoy and appreciate a handmade gift. Snow domes, those little water filled domes which when shaken shower 'snow' on a scene, have been given as gifts and treasured by their recipients for generations. They are easy and inexpensive to make from empty baby food or other small jars, and can even be theme specific depending on who the gift is for.
Here is what you will need to begin your project:
. An empty baby food jar or other small jar for each dome.
. Spray paint. White for the inside of the jar lid(s) and any color you wish for the outside.
. White, silver, or multi-colored glitter to be used as the 'snow'.
. Baby oil. Using baby oil instead of water causes the 'snow' to fall more slowly and naturally.
. Hot glue, super glue, or any other strong, moisture resistant glue.
. Miniture plastic or ceramic snowmen, santas, churches, angels, etc. to make the 'scene'. These minitures can be found in great abundance and variety at any craft supply store. Be creative. The scene does not have to be a Christmas related theme, but instead could be reflective of something the receiver is interested in. For instance, a miniture school bus figurine would be a great start of a theme for a snow dome to give a child's school bus driver.
Now that you have your supplies, assembly is easy. First paint the inside of the jar lid(s) white. Paint the outside white or any other color you wish.
When the paint is dry arrange your scene figurines on the inside of the jar lid and glue firmly in place when you are satisfied with the placement.
Next, fill the jar to half full with baby oil. You will want to wait until the glue holding the figurines in place is dry so you can screw the lid onto the jar to test it for fullness. If more baby oil is needed, it can be added at this time. Just be careful not to overfill the jar.
Finally add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of glitter to the jar. Apply a thin coat of glue to the inside threads of the jar lid and screw the lid in place.
Your snow dome is now completed and will be regarded as a truly unique and treasured gift by whomever receives it. To make it even more personal consider adding an inscription on the bottom with a paint pen.
This project is simple enough for elementary school aged children to make with only a minimum of supervision and could even be considered as a party activity with the finished project to be kept as a party favor. Larger versions can be made from pickle or fruit jars to be used as paper weights or table centerpieces or to commemorate any gift giving occasion such as a birthday, wedding, or graduation. So, be creative and have fun!
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