Make Your Own Snow Globe
December 2005, Tate St Ives
There was a festive theme to a cold November day at Tate St Ives when local families were invited to make snow globes inspired by the artworks on display. Armed with a sketchbook and pencil, the families spent time in the Gallery drawing as many ideas as they could from the paintings, sculptures, films, video and the building itself. When their books were full of ideas they came back to the Courtyard and put their favourite ideas onto strips of acetate using permanent markers. Their drawings were then curled into clear jars, liquid poured in and, for the final touches - a good sprinkle of sparkle added. Once the lid was sealed into place the snow globes were given a good shake and filmed as the glitter settled.
The film produced was projected into the ceiling of the loggia at Tate St Ives on 20 December as part of our Christmas Late at the Tate event and the families were invited back to see their creations becoming part of the Gallery.
Top tips!
- You will need a small clear jar with a screw-top lid (like a jam jar or baby food jar), a sheet of acetate, a selection of coloured permanent markers, liquid made up of water and glucose to thicken, glitter or sparkles to float, and putty (or plasticine) to make a water-tight seal.
- Find inspiration all around you from natural objects, buildings, or other artists' work and make quick drawings of shapes and colours. Choose one or two of your favourite to draw onto the acetate which needs to be cut to fit into the jar. Try and use bright and contrasting colours for your drawings.
- When you've done your drawing bend the acetate into an 'S' shape to curl into the jar (this will make your drawings appear to float).
- Add the liquid, then the glitter, before sealing your lid with the putty to make sure it's water-tight.
- If you want to film your snow globe try putting different coloured backgrounds behind the jar to get different effects. Focus very closely on the jar itself and, if you can, turn it slowly as it's being filmed.
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