В канун Нового года возникает множество забот и issues. 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 holiday tree, the problem of choosing gifts remains relevant. With relatives 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,it turns out, has its own history. The first glass balloon 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 becameare popular throughout Europe, attracting more attention of collectors. To replace the French landmarks as the decoration of the ball came the most diverse figures: Christmas trees, statuettes, watch, flower compositions, 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 certain Joseph Garaj, a residentPittsburgh, received a patent for the launch of mass production of these souvenirs, after which they became even more popular around the world. This prompted large companies in the 40's to use New Year's glass balls to advertise their products.
Today you can meet a wide variety ofdesign and composition 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 is not an easy tasktime-consuming. Well, if you have determined beforehand 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 is quite large. But how to choose the most from the whole set? First of all, you need to decide on the theme, because the compositions are very different.
- New Year's: Christmas trees, Santa, snowmen, gifts and stuff that is connected with the holiday.
- Family: different hearts, loving couples, children, houses.
- Flora and fauna: trees, fruits and vegetables, flowers, animals and insects.
- Fabulous: various characters from cartoons and fairy tales, bright skits, magic creatures, etc.
- 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
Buy a snowball is easy, but much nicerto receive as a gift such a souvenir made by hand. Even if Mother Nature has deprived you of a talent for creativity, it will not be difficult to make a glass ball. Transparent or colored, 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.
Засыпьте в банку блестки, нарезанную фольгу и solder, treat the edge with a sealant to prevent water from leaking. After that, you can gently turn the lid and gently 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.
