Make your own glittery globe.


Ever-popular, snow domes captivate big and little kids alike. Make your own glittery globes this winter using the following technique..

You'll need
Clean jar with lid
Block of Das Air Drying Clay
Rolling pin
Small, sharp knife
Distilled water
Paintbrush
Coarse glitter
Pack of stars (optional)
Ceramic or plastic figurine
Glycerine
Araldite
Matisse Artist's Acrylics in Permanent Light Violet and Metallic Light Gold
Flat-backed jewels
Round plastic containers or similar (for cutting circles from clay)
Two lengths of timber the same thickness as the depth of the lid
Cookie cutter (optional)

Here's how
Step 1
Lay down plastic or aluminium foil to protect your work surface. Roll out the Das to the same thickness as the depth of the jar lid. To achieve an even thickness, place the block of Das between two lengths of timber the same thickness as the depth of the lid and roll the rolling pin along the timber.

Tip: The surface of the Das tends to dry quickly. It'll be easier to work with if you keep a bowl of water close by and dampen it down when necessary.

Step 2
Use appropriate-sized plastic pot to cut a circle from the Das about 20mm larger all round than the diameter of the lid. Position top of pot on Das and, using the pot as you would a cookie cutter, press it down to cut out the centre. Cut another circle of Das 10mm larger all round than the diameter of the lid. Position the lid in the centre and press into the Das to make an imprint, then cut out. Retain the Das ring and discard the centre.

Step 3
Centre the ring of Das on top of the solid circle. Wipe around join with wet fingertips and a wet paintbrush, making a slight indent to create a moulded look. If the ring warps slightly, sit the lid of the jar back inside it to keep it firm and prevent shrinking. You may not get it perfectly smooth at this stage, but once the Das is dry it can be sanded to improve the shape and finish.

Step 4
Roll out a piece of Das to about 3mm thick. Use a tiny cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes and glue them around the perimeter of the top section of the base. Disguise the joins by brushing around them with a wet paintbrush. Leave Das base to dry thoroughly. As the base is quite thick, it could take up to a couple of weeks to dry out completely in damp conditions. When dry, paint the base violet and the hearts gold. Glue jewels around the bottom section of the base.

Step 5
Use Araldite to glue figurine to inside of lid. Allow to dry according to manufacturer's instructions. Tip: Scratching the surface of the lid will help the figurine adhere better.

Step 6
Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerine (if using a large jar over about 500ml), 2 teaspoons of coarse glitter and 1/2 teaspoon of tiny stars (optional). Don't add too much glycerine or the glitter will stick to the bottom of the jar when it's turned over. Place the lid back on the jar. Some of the water will be displaced because of the figurine, so top it back up to the brim and screw the lid on tightly. Turn the jar upside down and scratch the top of it to roughen it slightly. Use a generous amount of Araldite to glue the lid to the base inside the circle.

Shopping: Fairy figurines usually available at discount stores. Das Air Drying Clay from craft shops.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens August 2001

Once you've mastered the fairy snow dome, have fun creating others.