How Are Snow Globes Made? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Magic

Key Takeaways

• Snow globes are unique pieces of interactive decor that require a multi-step design and assembly process.
• In addition to crafting the scene or figurine inside the snowglobe, artisans must infuse the piece with specialty liquid and glitter that acts as snow or other accents when shaken.
• Most importantly, the snow globes at Music Box Attic feature hidden musical mechanical wind-up movements that let you wind the piece to make it rotate and play music. Please note that custom music digital modules can’t be installed in snow globes.

What Are Snow Globes Made Of?

How are snow globes made? These magical pieces of interactive home decor go through a unique, multi-step process that results in a singular piece that you can pass down for generations. So how do these artisans achieve the snowfall effect, and how do you make them play music? Learn more about what snow globes are made of and how snow globes are made when you check out this breakdown from our experts!

History of Snow Globes

Snow globes were invented in the 1900s by Erwin Perzy. While he was originally a surgical tool maker, he expanded into snow globes while experimenting with glass spheres for surgical lamps. Noticing that the reflective particles in his lamps looked and moved like snow, he pivoted from the functional to the whimsical to create the first snow globe.

His designs quickly became popular as souvenirs, especially once they were linked to holiday and winter decor for Christmas.

Different Parts of a Snow Globe

Before you learn how snow globes are made, you must understand the different parts of a snow globe. Traditionally, snow globes have three main elements: the dome, the liquid inside, and the base.

The Dome

While snow globe domes were initially made of glass, today, you can find plastic and acrylic options that present more durable designs than the originals. High-quality plastic and acrylic offer a lighter, break-resistant, and scratch-proof result that’s perfect for younger children to play with.

The Liquid

While it may look like water, the liquid inside a snow globe is actually a mixture of water with glycerin or glycol. This part is actually the magic behind how snow globes are made. This thick concoction slows down the tiny pieces inside the snow globe so they drift down like snow after the globe is shaken. The graceful descent of the glitter, mica, or plastic flakes mimics snow, making snow globes that much more mesmerizing.

The Base

A snow globe base is actually a two-part piece: the exterior portion that rests on your table and the interior figurine beneath the globe. The base serves both a functional and aesthetic role in the snow globe, as it must be thick and sturdy enough to support the globe while creating a beautiful interior scene.

Snow globe interiors may range from plants and animals to holiday themes and winter settings. Our snow globes often feature nature-inspired designs and cute figurines.

Music Box Attic Snow Globes

So you know how snow globes are made, but do you know why the ones at Music Box Attic are even more iconic than most souvenir options? They feature music! Our musical snow globes have small music mechanisms that you wind up and play. They are installed into the base so you can wind the snow globe up to play a tinkling melody as it rotates.

When you browse our collection, you’ll notice that we encourage you to personalize your snow globe with a song from our list and add an engraving to commemorate a special occasion.

Shop Snow Globes for Everyone

Now that you know how snow globes are made, you can start shopping for a piece that perfectly represents you or your loved ones. At Music Box Attic, we have snow globes for every personality and every season of the year! Shop summer butterflies gently alighting on white roses, ballerinas dancing the infamous Swan Lake, Van Gogh-inspired floral designs, and so much more!

And if you’re interested in owning a more traditional, heirloom-quality music box, we recommend you explore our classic Italian inlay boxes to find pieces made through ancient techniques passed down through generations of artisans.