What liquid is in a snow globe?
4 min read
Asked by: Jeremy Granner
One of the secret ingredients to any snow globe is glycerin, a clear liquid typically made from vegetable oils, which is widely used to slow down the effect of shaken water and glitter, to the effect of falling snow.
Is the liquid inside snow globes toxic?
Most of us have snow globes in our homes, they are popular gifts to give especially during the holidays, but they are often found on shelves year round. What most people don’t realize is that snow globes are filled with a toxic chemical called ethylene glycol, which is the main ingredient in antifreeze.
How do you make snow globe liquid?
Directions
- Put glue on the inside of the jar’s lid. Place and stick your child’s plastic figurine on it.
- Fill the jar with cold water.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter and stir.
- Add a few drops of glycerin.
- Screw the lid on the jar. You can glue it if you’re concerned about your child trying to open it.
- That’s it!
What can I use instead of glycerin in snow globes?
But glycerin can be hard to find in stores… especially during the busy holiday season. To make a snow globe without glycerin, simply use clear glue instead.
Is it regular water in a snow globe?
Top tips for making a snowglobe
Normal tap water is fine to use, but if you have particularly cloudy water you may wish to use filtered or store-bought water for the clearest effect. You’ll find glycerine in the baking aisle of larger supermarkets and craft shops, or you can buy it online.
Is ethylene glycol harmful to skin?
Skin exposure to ethylene glycol can cause skin irritation but is otherwise not especially dangerous. In case of skin exposure to EG, remove wet clothing with EG on it, then wash the affected skin with soap and water.
Do all snow globes contain antifreeze?
Many people think that snow globes are just filled with water. But some globes, especially ones from overseas, actually have a small amount of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) mixed in. This can help keep the water from freezing during shipping, but ethylene glycol can be very harmful if you swallow it.
What do you refill snow globes with?
Don’t you just love snow globes? Such a simple thing that makes us smile! First, does it have a plug? If so, you can carefully empty the water and refill with distilled water using a turkey baster.
Can you use vegetable oil instead of glycerin for snow globes?
Glycerin can be substituted for olive oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. Adding more oil will make the glitter fall slower. Tighten the lid on jar and glue shut.
How do you make glycerin and water for a snow globe?
Add 2-3 teaspoons of glycerine per cup of water in your mason jar. The exact amount doesn’t matter too much, so feel free to estimate if you want; you want enough that it helps the glitter “float” a little bit, but not so much that the glitter just clumps up in a mound at the bottom of the jar.
How do you make a snow globe without liquid?
So the first thing you're going to do is to take the top of a jar the lid basically and I'm going to glue the bottom of the handle onto the lid you don't have to do this but it will show the figures.
How do you thicken water in a snow globe?
Fill your mason jar up about 75% with distilled water. Then, add 2-3 drops of glycerin. This will help to thicken the water so the glitter floats slower – but don’t overdo it, or it’ll be too goopy!
How much baby oil do you put in a snow globe?
Fill the jar three-quarters full with baby oil. Use unscented oil, as scented oils may yellow over time.
