The snow is here . . . at least for Northeast Ohio.  Just a few weeks ago, we accumulated 24″ in 24 hours.  Talk about a rough start to winter!  Most unfortunately, it was the day I was hosting a gorgeous brunch.  But, I still had a couple people brave the weather and we ended up having a wonderful time.

Whether or not you have snow, I have a fun craft that your kids are sure to love.  They will be putting themselves into a winter wonderland “snow globe.”  This craft is perfect for home or a group of children (I did it with my son’s class and they loved it).

Here is What You’ll Need to Make a Photo Snow Globe:

• Chinet Cut Crystal Plates – 7″.  After looking at several clear plastic plates, this was the best option because of the width of the plate’s border.
• Marker
• Drill & 3/16″ Bit (one that can cut through plastic)
• A Photo of Each Kid (4×4 works best)
• Scissors
• Mod Podge (Matte Finish) & Brush
• Elmer’s Glue
• Printed Snow Globe Base Template (below)
• Card Stock
• White Acrylic Paint & Brush
• Ribbon

Instructions:

Before you do anything else, take a photo of your child and order the print.  I usually go with 1-hour prints ordered online at Walmart and then pick them up on my next shopping trip.

Notice this photo was taken BEFORE we got two feet of snow.  It doesn’t matter where you take the photo, your child will be cutting themselves out.  Just put them in their winter gear and snap the picture.

* * If you are using the same size plate as I did, be sure to order a 4×4 print and edit it to make the child fill as much as the print as possible.

Now let’s get to work:  With a marker, put a mark on the plate where it should be drilled.  I noted the center Chinet logo and went straight up from there, splitting the difference on the width of the plate’s border.  Try to mark between the swales of the plate.  We found that when I marked a swale, the plate splintered or cracked more easily.  Plan on drilling a couple extra for this reason.

Drill a 3/16″ hole on the mark.

Have your kids carefully cut their bodies out of the photo.

Then, with Mod Podge, glue the photo to the plate looking down.  The child’s feet should touch the line of the plate’s border.  I prefered to glue the plate and wipe off excess, but you may like painting the photo lightly and placing the glued photo on the plate.

Remember:  the photo faces down to the back of the plate.

Allow the glue to dry.

Next, download this template for the snow globe base.  Cut the base out and trace onto card stock paper.  Glue the base to the bottom of the plate (which is the front of the snow globe).  The top edge of the paper should meet the inner line of the plate.

*I first used Mod Podge to glue the card stock base in place.  However, it did not hold.  I ended up using Elmer’s Glue and it held much better.  For classroom purposes, I also put a piece of tape on the back to ensure the kids could safely get their craft home.

Now, it is time to start painting.  With a fine brush and white acrylic paint, add falling snowflakes and snow to the ground of the globe.  We painted on the top of the plate (the back of the snow globe).

Once the paint is dry (or for classroom purposes, do this before painting), thread ribbon through the hole and tie in a knot or bow.

All done!  How will your children like seeing themselves in this photo snow globe?  If you are doing it as a family, don’t forget to do one for Mom & Dad.  The kids will LOVE it!

 

Kristen of Celebrate Every Day With Me is a fun-loving mom to two kids who keep her busy and laughing. Add her great husband and the Lord to the mix and her life is one fantastic (and sometimes crazy) adventure. She is a former youth leader, professional wedding and event planner and has a degree in Christian Thought/Christian Ministry. She loves long lists, diet soda and playing jokes on her husband.

Kristen is the author of Teach Me To Serve:  99 Ways Preschoolers Can Learn To Serve & Bless Others.  On her blog, you’ll find fun ideas for children’s activities, creating memorable moments and party planning.