This activity is by Donna Erickson, a family lifestyle columnist with King Features Syndicate and host of Donna's Day on public television. For more ideas, visit www.donnasday.com.
 
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Activity Photo credits: Donna Erickson and Paul Nelson.

MAKE AND SHAKE UP A SNOW GLOBE

There’s something magical about a snow globe. Who can resist playing with one to watch it “snow”? I know kids who collect them on their vacations, and on occasion they give them a good shake, turn them upright and then smile with the memories. Now you can make your own to commemorate something special you’ve done.

Here’s the fun:

First, you want to have a vision for your scene. Will you need a little jar, fat jar or skinny jar? A tall jam jar might
accommodate that plastic bear figure as a reminder of a camping trip at a national park. A baby-food jar would make a perfect home for a little rubber starfish to represent the sea life you observed at an aquarium. It’s all up to you and your imagination.

Fill the jar with water and shake to test the lid for tightness. Pour the water out, remove the paper label and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Choose a clean waterproof toy, game piece, travel souvenir or trinket to inhabit the imaginary world. Place it temporarily inside the lid and lower the jar down over it, just to make sure it fits and allows enough space for the “snow” to fall when complete. An adult should glue the object on the inside of the lid with water-resistant glue, such as aquarium sealant from your local pet store. Let dry 24 hours.

Step 3: Fill the jar almost to the top with baby oil, or use distilled water with a few drops of glycerin added to the water. Sprinkle glitter into the liquid. An adult should apply water-
resistant glue to the outside grooves of the jar rim and carefully screw on the lid. Stand the jar with lid end up to dry for 24 hours.
Gather your friends around and shake your memory globe. Then hold still and watch.
CRAFT TALK
Talk about other memories of something you did together the past few months such as a book you read, a movie your saw or a recipe you cooked up.