*This is a great kids craft as well, so get the little ones involved and make a whole bunch! :)
Getting started: You will need a jar. Any size jar will work, as long as it seals watertight. I like to recycle jars, so when that applesauce, baby food, jelly or jar of pickles is empty, wash it up and give it a new purpose. You can paint the lids if you don't like the color of them. I think it adds character to leave them alone, but that is completely up to you! You will also need glue, I use hot glue on mine, but a good heavy duty adhesive, like Gorilla Glue would work also. (Super glue might work as well, but if you are doing this with kids, I would avoid the glued fingers and use something else.)
Figurine for inside: When selecting your item, be sure to consider a few things. Will being submerged in water damage and/or change the appearance of my item? (For example, if it is metal, it will likely rust over time.) Consider the size in comparison to the jar you are using, also. If the jar is quite tall and your item is small, it will appear lost inside. Do dry runs first to be certain you like how it will look.
Distilled water: Although it is not entirely necessary, I do recommend using distilled water for this project. You want your water as clean and free of elements (AKA: nasty floaters) as possible.
Glitter/Snow: I use several colors & sizes of glitter in mine, and just a dash of fake snow, but again, this is your project, so if you want a blizzard, have at it! :)
*I will note here that some sites call for adding glycerin or bleach to the mix, but I prefer to leave them out. I have found that it works just fine without it.
Step 1. Once you have selected your focal piece, glue it into the lid. Make sure your lid is clean and dry for the best results. After the glue is dry, insert your piece all the way, just to be sure it will fit without problems. (If it fits, take it out and continue on.)
Step 2. Add your glitter & snow to the empty jar. I don't measure anything, I just toss it in, but remember, it's easier to go back and add more than it is to remove it. Just something to keep in mind.
Step 3. Fill your jar 3/4 of the way full with the distilled water. You want to leave plenty of room for your piece to fit in without spilling. (You will finish filling it after.)
Step 4. Start putting the lid/focal piece in, but do not tighten the lid. Leave some room to finish filling your jar with water. (The glitter is going to attach to your piece immediately, but don't worry, once you shake it up good, it will move around.) Finish filling your jar as high up as you can without overflowing. (Some air will remain, that's ok, these aren't meant to be perfect.)
Step 5. Tighten your lid as tight as you can & slowly turn it upside down. I recommend doing this over a sink the first time, just in case you have sprung a leak. If you are leak free, shake it up & watch it snow!
*You can also add embellishments to your jar like ribbons, bows, etc. if you want to. It can be as simple or fancy as you want. (If you are packing them away, I strongly suggest emptying the water out & filling them with fresh water each year.)
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