New Year's glass balls: options for festive decorations

On the eve of New Year there are many worries and questions. Which Christmas tree to put, 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, the problem of choosing gifts remains relevant. With loved ones it's easier, we know what they like. But with colleagues and comrades the situation is more complicated. I would like that the present was not very expensive, but at the same time gave joy and reminded of you throughout the year. And then come to the aid of glass balls.

History of snowballs

The souvenir, to which all have long been accustomed, turns out to have a history. The first glass sphere 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 the likeness of snowflakes.

A little later, these unique souvenirs became popular throughout Europe, attracting more attention to collectors. To replace the French landmarks as the decoration of the ball came the most diverse figures: Christmas trees, statuettes, watch, compositions with flowers, trees, hearts and much more. And the United States began to produce snow domes with images of large cities.

Snowballs in production

In 1929, a Joseph Garage, a resident of Pittsburgh, received a patent to launch the mass production of these souvenirs, after which they became even more popular around 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 variety of designs and compositions under the snow dome. The most advanced manufacturers began to equip souvenirs with motion or light sensors, so that the ball can be illuminated by itself or even independently drive the blizzard into motion.

Glass balls for a Christmas tree

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

Glass balls today replaced plastic, which, it is worth noting, are no less beautiful, but much safer. Do you remember how guilty we collected the fragments of a Christmas tree toy in our childhood, if by chance it 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, dropping colored balls, you do not risk to stay without jewelry!

How to choose a glass ball with snow?

Choosing gifts - it's not easy and quite time consuming. Well, if you have decided in advance what you want. Have you managed to buy up to the New Year's turmoil? Super! But, as usual, we remember the gifts and purchases at the last moment, when the store shelves were pretty empty, and the prices skyrocketed. However, the chances of finding a beautiful glass ball as a souvenir for colleagues are quite large. But how to choose the most from the whole set? First of all, you need to determine the theme, because the compositions are very different.

1. New Year's: Christmas trees, Santa, snowmen, gifts and stuff that is connected with the holiday.
2. Family: different hearts, loving couples, children, houses.
3. Flora and fauna: trees, fruits and vegetables, flowers, animals and insects.
4. Fabulous: different characters from cartoons and fairy tales, bright skits, magic creatures, etc.
5. Collectible balls: this is a special kind of souvenirs, which are so appreciated by amateurs. Most often they are made to order.

When you have decided on the topic, it's time to choose the size. After all, the gift should remind you, but do not interfere with the house. Otherwise, he runs the risk of getting into the box for all sorts of little things.

Glass balls made by own hands

It's easy to buy a snow ball, but it's much nicer to get such a handmade souvenir as a gift. Even if Mother Nature has deprived you of talent for creativity, it will not be difficult to make a glass ball. Transparent or painted, decide for yourself.

So, you will need:

• A transparent can (preferably it is round) with a twist cap;
• Quality sealant;
• Polymer glue (the faster it dries, the better);
• glycerol;
• water:
• Figurines for composition;
• Sequins, foil or sequins;
• scissors;
• acrylic paints.

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

Paint the foil with foils and foil, then assemble your composition on the inside with glue. It is important that all the details and figures are well adhered.

Fill the jar of sparkles, cut foil and sequins, treat the edge with a sealant to prevent water from leaking. After that, you can turn the lid gently and smoothly lower the figures into the liquid. Well screw the lid. You can paint the dome from the outside. Shake a souvenir and enjoy the snowfall.