Christmas glass balls: options for holiday decorations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

There are many worries and questions on New Year's Eve. What kind of Christmas tree to put up, how to decorate the house, what to give to friends and relatives? And if everything is more or less clear with decorations and a festive tree, then the problem of choosing gifts remains relevant. It is easier with loved ones, we know what they will like. But with colleagues and comrades, the situation is more complicated. I want the present to be not very expensive, but at the same time give joy and remind you of you throughout the year. And here glass balls come to the rescue.

History of snow globes

The souvenir that everyone has long been accustomed to, it turns out, has its own history. The first glass ball with snow appeared in France at the end of 1889. It was a small, palm-sized sphere with the Eiffel Tower inside, with a ceramic base and what looked like snowflakes.

A little later, these peculiar souvenirs became popular throughout Europe, attracting more attention from collectors. A variety of figurines replaced the French sights as decorations for the ball: Christmas trees, figurines, watches, compositions with flowers, trees, hearts and much more. And the United States began to issue snow domes with images of large cities.

Snow globes in production

In 1929, a certain Joseph Garaj, a resident of Pittsburgh, received a patent to start mass production of these souvenirs, after which they became even more popular all over the world. This prompted large companies in the 40s to use New Year's glass balls to advertise their products.

Today you can find a wide variety of designs and compositions under the snow dome. The most advanced manufacturers began to equip souvenirs with motion or light sensors, thanks to which the ball can be illuminated by itself or even set the blizzard in motion on its own.

Glass Christmas balls

What is the first association that comes to mind when someone talks about the New Year? Of course, this is a festive table, a cozy homely atmosphere, tinsel, gifts, confetti, tangerines, fireworks and a Christmas tree! And this forest beauty, of course, is all decorated with multi-colored glass balls and stars. Although today Christmas decorations can be found not only in classical forms, but also in the most unusual ones in the form of figures of animals, houses, birds, or even fairy-tale characters. However, a classic is a classic.

Glass balloons today have replaced plastic ones, which, it is worth noting, are no less beautiful, but much safer. Remember how guilty we were collecting pieces of a Christmas tree toy as a child, if it accidentally slipped out of our hands? It was especially offensive if it was not just a sphere, but a ball with tinsel or “snow” inside. Plastic is much stronger and lighter, which means that if you drop colorful balls, you do not run the risk of being left behind.no decorations!

How to choose a glass ball with snow?

Choosing gifts is not easy and quite time consuming. Well, if you have already decided what you want. Did you manage to stock up before the New Year's turmoil? Super! But, as usual, we remember about gifts and purchases at the last moment, when the store shelves are pretty empty, and prices have skyrocketed. However, the chances of finding a beautiful glass ball as a souvenir for colleagues are quite high. But how to choose the most-most from the whole set? First of all, you need to decide on the theme, because the compositions are very different.

1. Christmas: Christmas trees, Santa, snowmen, gifts and other things related to the holiday.
2. Family: various hearts, couples, children, houses.
3. Flora and fauna: trees, fruits and vegetables, flowers, animals and insects.
4. Fairy tale: various characters from cartoons and fairy tales, colorful scenes, magical creatures, etc.
5. Collectible balloons: These are a special kind of souvenirs that are so appreciated by lovers. Most often made to order.

When you have decided on the theme, it's time to choose the size. After all, a gift should remind you of you, but at the same time not interfere in the house. Otherwise, he runs the risk of quickly falling into a box for all sorts of little things.

Handmade glass balls

It is easy to buy a snow globe, but it is much more pleasant to receive such a handmade souvenir as a gift. Even if mother nature has deprived you of talentto creativity, it will not be difficult to make a glass ball. Transparent or painted, decide for yourself.

So, you will need:

• transparent jar (preferably round) with screw cap;
• quality sealant;
• polymer adhesive (the faster it dries the better);
• glycerin;
• water:
• figures for composition;
• glitter, foil or sequins;
• scissors;
• acrylic paints.

Into a clean container, pour the mixture of glycerin and water. If necessary, you can replace it with baby oil. The main thing is that it be transparent. Do not pour the liquid all the way to the rim, because when you put your composition in it, it may leak out.

Decorate the lid with paints and foil, then assemble your composition on the inside with glue. It is important that all the details and figures stick well.

Pour glitter, cut foil and sequins into a jar, seal the edge with sealant so that water does not leak. After that, you can carefully turn the lid over and gently lower the figures into the liquid. Screw the lid on well. You can paint the dome on the outside. Shake a souvenir and enjoy the snowfall.