Snow globes are decorative paperweights containing small white plastic flakes that simulate snowfall. They were developed in Europe in the late 17th or early 18th century and were initially made of lead glass. Cheaper manufacturing processes led to their popularity as souvenir items, and modern versions can be made from various materials. Homemade versions can be made using clear jars, small plastic items, and hot glue or florist’s clay.
Snow globes, also known as water globes or snow domes, are small, decorative paperweights often sold as commemorative novelties or personalized gifts. Most contain small white plastic flakes to simulate a snowfall every time they are shaken. Some, however, may contain bits of glitter or small plastic representations of real objects such as dollar signs or musical notes. The “snow” usually falls on a vacation scene, a custom photograph, or a popular tourist destination.
Experts believe snow globes were developed in Europe during the late 17th or early 18th century, possibly as a variation on the decorative and functional glass paperweights popular at the time. The first ones were made of lead glass in the shape of a dome. The “snow” may have been pieces of bone or shards of broken porcelain. These globes often featured highly detailed and well-crafted scenes of castles or picturesque towns. The bases may have been made with the best ceramics available. The snow globes would be filled with distilled water and a sprinkle of fake snowflakes, then sealed with base permanently.
Eventually, the expensive lead glass molding process for snow globes gave way to a cheaper manufacturing process using thinner glass. These less ornate domes became very popular souvenir items, finally reaching the American market in the 1920s. Snow globes, especially their bases and scenery, were also created from an early commercial plastic called Bakelite during the 1930s and 1940s. This type is highly prized by collectors of Art Deco decorative pieces.
Modern snow globes can be made from materials ranging from lead crystal to cheap plastic. The elaborate ones often have carved bases, music box mechanisms, and internal lighting effects. Tourists looking for keepsakes or gifts, however, are often presented with cheaper, mass-produced plastic versions. There are still artisans around the world who specialize in creating high-end globes for discerning collectors.
Homemade snow globes can be made from clear jars with leak-proof lids, insoluble soap shavings or glitter, small plastic items, and a hot glue gun or florist’s clay. The scene or photograph should be small enough to fit around the circumference of the jar lid. The scene should be attached to the lid with clay or hot glue. The jar should be cleaned thoroughly, then filled with distilled water or mineral oil and the snowflake material, leaving a small gap to prevent overflowing. The lid that holds the scenery needs to be screwed on all the way, then sealed with a bead of hot glue around the edge.
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