Mini Water/Snow Globes

by Amby-chan

12K6511

Intro: Mini Water/Snow Globes

Have you ever seen those capsule dispensers with the little trinkets inside? The ones that you put quarters in at the store? I bet you've bought a few of these capsules, but the problem here, is "What do I do with them!?". As I was coming home, I studied the capsules and the trinkets that fit inside them, and realized, when filled with water, they would make perfect water globes! And with Christmas coming around the block, these can make very unique gifts on a cheap budget. Add a little glitter, and there you go! The perfect holiday decoration! here's what you need:
Some capsules
The trinkets that came in the capsules
Hot glue gun (with the glue sticks)
Water
Dry erase marker
White/Clear glitter (optional)



STEP 1: Attatching of the Trinkets

For this step, you need to glue the base of your trinket to the lid of your capsule. If your trinket has feet, or other sorts of legs that need to be specifically placed, put the trinket right side up in the capsule, and close the lid. Shake it a few times to be sure the the trinket is in its most natural position. Then, the lid facing you, hold the capsule up to a light, and mark where the feet are with your dry-erase. When you take the lid off, you should be able to see where the feet markings are from the other side when held up to a light. Now, you know where to place it. Put glue onto the trinkets base, and attach. Let dry.

STEP 2: Adding Water

Now that the trinket is in place, you'll need to add water. This is the most difficult part, for you have to fill both the capsule, and the lid with water. If you're doing the water globe, you can simply close the capsule underwater, But if you're doing a snow globe -  this is where it gets hard - you have to close it under a running tap. Keep trying over and over 'till you think the air bubble on the top is just the right size. Try to get it right the first time - if you don't, you have to add more glitter.

STEP 3: Sealing the Lid

Dry off the closed capsules well. Take your hot glue gun, and glue around the lid. This will keep any water from leaking out. It helps to aim the tip of the gun down in the crack of the lid. I haven't used a glue gun in years, so my gluing isn't that good. Anyways, if you make a mistake, try to peel the glue off. If it's too late, don't worry. It gives character. ^____^

STEP 4: Display/Gifting

There are several ways to display your globes. You can "collect them all", and make a set to give away. You can make a ton of different ones, hot glue some wire, and hang them on a tree, or a display rack. Finally, you can just place them on a table as I have done. I hope you have enjoyed my first instructable! Please leave a comment if I have made something unclear. Thank you!

11 Comments

ycc2106 14 years ago

Hey that's a cute idea!
A bit small to my taste... I think you can find bigger ones.
and the glue, needs to be a cleaner. Maybe just being more careful? Well on a bigger one it won't show as much.
Have you tried with tinted oil?

Amby-chan 14 years ago

I'm just bad with the gun. That's my first time using a hot glue gun!

I haven't tried tinted oil. It would look cool to use blue water to make an underwater scene! I'm sure you could just use water and food coloring instead of oil though.

neuroamanita 14 years ago

Very creative...so simple. Well done.

ebert2011 14 years ago

This is just pure genius...

pickupthepieces 14 years ago

and now i curse myself for throwing those things away. I should have known someone would come up with a great 'Ible!

komecake 14 years ago

  Omg me too. I used to have a ton of those stupid things. Lol.

frollard 14 years ago

even filling them underwater wouldn't be too hard with 'snow'  - let the particles settle with the clear portion upside down, then lower under water gently)...then close it.

annoyingfeatures 14 years ago

i saved a bunch of these in my sock drawer, i knew theyd come in handy 

deofthedead 14 years ago

Heee! This is absolutely adorable, totally do-able, and just plain darn awesome. If I ever get my craft table cleaned up, I will -so- do this and take pictures. Rated and faved, for sure. <3

Doctor What 14 years ago

Because of my sister, those things pile up in my car.  This is an excellent way to upcycle them!