How to Make Flower Aquariums and Snow Globes for Decoration or as Gifts

Snow globes have been popular holiday items for years now, but they're expensive to purchase and somewhat expensive to make. That is, if you buy the supplies at a craft store. Purchase the supplies elsewhere, though, and you'll have a gift that looks expensive but isn't.

A glass globe in a craft store is sold like a craft item and becomes very costly. The same item at a home improvement store, however, is only a few bucks. The glass globes are sold to go over a lightbulb in certain lighting fixtures. Don't look for the frosted kind or other fancy types, buy the inexpensive clear globes you'll find in various sizes.

Almost anything can be the base for the globe. The lid from a peanut butter jar, a round rubber piece, or other household items can be used. All you need is a way to close the hole in the globe. If you'll be adding water to the globe, to make it an aquarium, you'll need the rubber stopper as a base.

Use a screw or nail to make holes in the top portion of the rubber, without going all the way through. Use contact cement to arrange flowers, pine cones, miniature people and animals, or other things, onto the rubber stopper. Turn the globe upside down and fill with water, then place the rubber stopper into the globe, tucking in the flowers and other items. Add 3 teaspoons of white vinegar to the water before adding the stopper and the water won't stagnate.

Whenever you want to change the arrangement simply remove the rubber stopper and flowers, add new water, then make a new arrangement on the stopper. Since the glass and water will somewhat magnify the flowers or other items, use few. Adding too many flowers and minis will make the globe scene look crowded.

It's not necessary to add the water, though. You can make a simple globe arrangement by gluing minis or flowers to a piece of wood, or jar lid, then gluing it to the open end of the globe. Decorate the lid with garland or wide ribbon.

The snow globes or flower aquariums don't have to contain flowers or holiday arrangements. Think of something that a friend loves, like shells, and make a beach scene instead, with sand, mini palms, mini hammock and similar features. Or, place one simple, small statuette under the globe. These arrangements can be done to suit anyone's taste.

The water and snow globes are fun to make, look expensive, but are very inexpensive to create. They make fabulous gifts for just about anyone and can be decorated extensively or left simple and tasteful.

Don't head to the nearest home improvement store right away. You'll often see the globes at yard sales or flea markets, along with other lighting fixtures and hardware and save money.