{{Short description|Simulated non-water snow}} {{About|imitation snow|artificially created real snow|Snowmaking}} thumb|A White House decoration volunteer throws fake snow onto a Christmas tree at the White House
'''Fake snow''' is any product which simulates the appearance and texture of snow, without being made from frozen crystalline water.
Fake snow has been made from many materials. In the early 1900s, decorative snow was sometimes made from borax flakes and even ammonia.<ref name="McCormack2005">{{cite book|author=Derek McCormack|title=Christmas Days: From Fake Snow to Santalands, The Things That Make Christmas Christmas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A6ejHlAPRiYC&pg=PT13|date=1 October 2005|publisher=House of Anansi Press Incorporated|isbn=978-0-88784-946-6|page=13}}</ref>
Before the dangers of asbestos were known, the substance was sold for Christmas tree decoration. It was also used to simulate snow in films, including ''The Wizard of Oz'' and ''Citizen Kane'',<ref>[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/was-fake-snow-made-from-asbestos-marketed-as-christmas-decor/ "Was Fake Snow made from asbestos marketed as Christmas decor?"]. ''Snopes''. Bethania Palma, 22 December 2017.</ref> although gypsum may have been used<ref>{{cite book | title=The wizardry of Oz : The artistry and magic of the 1939 M-G-M classic | date=2004 | isbn=978-1-55783-624-3 | url=https://archive.org/details/wizardryofozarti0000scar/page/152/mode/2up?q=gypsum }}</ref> until it was banned. Actor Lon Chaney died after fake snow, lodged in his throat, caused a serious infection, which then lead to a throat hemmorrhage of which he died.
Fake snow has also been sold in spray cans which could apply the flocking to windows and indoor displays.<ref>[https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/a-look-at-retro-christmas-trees/ " A look at Christmas tree tech from the 1940s through today"]. ''Digitrends'', By Brinke Guthrie — November 26, 2016 </ref>
==Film and theatre== [[File:Fake snow at Puzzlewood.jpg|thumb|Fake snow at a filming location for the ''Doctor Who'' 2013 Christmas Special]]
When snow-like scenery is needed in live theatre, materials have included feathers, cotton, paper, breakfast cereal and potato flakes.<ref name="Brégent-Heald2015">{{cite book|author=Dominique Brégent-Heald|title=Borderland Films: American Cinema, Mexico, and Canada During the Progressive Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YXCPCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT84|date=November 2015|publisher=U of Nebraska Press|isbn=978-0-8032-7884-4|page=84}}</ref> To reduce the cleanup problem, many theatres use "snow generators" which create soapy white bubbles which disappear after a short time.<ref name="Cobb2006">{{cite book|author=Vicki Cobb|title=On Stage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RoKlAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA19|date=1 January 2006|publisher=LernerClassroom|isbn=978-0-8225-9043-9|page=19}}</ref> A similar process has been used in film studios and backlots; one well-known example is ''It's a Wonderful Life''.<ref>[https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/6-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-its-a-wonderful-life "6 things you probably didn't know about 'It's a Wonderful Life'"]. ''Mother Nature Network'', Matt Hickman, December 14, 2011</ref> Director, Frank Capra, refused cornflake snow made from asbestos and gypsum. Working with Russell Sherman, special effects artist, they created fake snow from foamite, soap, sugar, and water. The mixture was then released from high-pressure cans, causing the fake snowfall to appear natural. The properties of the fake snow were also realistic as actors could clump the mixture in their hands and leave footprints on the ground. Shearman along with his staffers, Jack Lannan and Marty Martin won an Oscar, the Technical Achievement Award, for their special effects efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alaska |first=David Reamer {{!}} Histories of |title=From cotton to cornflakes and even asbestos, here’s how moviemakers have tried to reproduce snow |url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2024/10/20/from-cotton-to-cornflakes-and-even-asbestos-heres-how-moviemakers-have-tried-to-reproduce-snow-in-film/ |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Anchorage Daily News}}</ref>
For outdoor film scenes needing large amounts of fake snow, salt was an inexpensive choice, but damaging to soil and plant life.<ref name="McKim2013">{{cite book|author=Kristi McKim|title=Cinema as Weather: Stylistic Screens and Atmospheric Change|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZRrxQkqrFaQC&pg=PA139|year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-89412-8|page=139}}</ref> Gypsum and bleached or painted cereal flakes have often been used;<ref name="Alton2013">{{cite book|author=John Alton|title=Painting With Light|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v7MwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA64|date=5 February 2013|publisher=Univ of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-27584-3|page=64}}</ref> a less noisy alternative is paper, which is shredded and spread by specially-built machines.<ref name="Hammelef2015">{{cite book|author=Danielle S. Hammelef|title=Explosive Scenes: Fireballs, Furious Storms, and More Live Special Effects|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TFrmBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA18|year=2015|publisher=Capstone|isbn=978-1-4914-2003-4|page=18}}</ref> Snow blankets, made from woven tapestries, are typically used to represent large areas of snow for a background.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nationwide |first=Heather Morrison |title=Faux snow on movie sets: How do they do it? |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/mountain/weather/2021/12/27/faux-snow-blog |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
Many productions turn to eco-friendly fake snow, crafted from recycled paper and food-quality ingredients, to build expansive winter settings. Its biodegradable makeup ensures it dissolves harmlessly, preventing environmental runoff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nationwide |first=Heather Morrison |title=Faux snow on movie sets: How do they do it? |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/mountain/weather/2021/12/27/faux-snow-blog |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en}}</ref> SnowCel, a paper-based material, is known for replicating various snowfalls and frost. The modern industry commonly uses SnowCel as its properties are non-toxic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alaska |first=David Reamer {{!}} Histories of |title=From cotton to cornflakes and even asbestos, here’s how moviemakers have tried to reproduce snow |url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2024/10/20/from-cotton-to-cornflakes-and-even-asbestos-heres-how-moviemakers-have-tried-to-reproduce-snow-in-film/ |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Anchorage Daily News}}</ref>
Finally, the newest method for creating movie snow involves adding it digitally during post-production. Specialized software generates realistic snow overlays, allowing editors to choose from many detailed effects, such as falling, piling, or melting snow. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Nationwide |first=Heather Morrison |title=Faux snow on movie sets: How do they do it? |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/mountain/weather/2021/12/27/faux-snow-blog |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
<gallery> File:Schneemaschine-fuer-Kunstschnee-transportabel.jpg|Theater snow machine File:Schneemaschine-fuer-Kunstschnee-mit-Rollen.jpg|Theater snow machine on wheels File:Santa Snow.jpg|Aerosol can of artificial snow </gallery>
== Making fake snow == A common method for creating artificial snow at home involves combining household materials. To make this mixture, baking soda and hair conditioner are placed in a bowl, and small amounts of water are gradually added until the texture becomes slightly sticky. Decorative items such as beads, buttons, or other craft materials may be mixed in to enhance the appearance and texture of the fake snow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=marketeer |date=2023-12-30 |title=Fake Snow Sensory Play |url=https://www.livingmontessori.com/fake-snow-sensory-play/ |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Living Montessori Education Community |language=en-US}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
== Further reading == *{{Cite news |last1=Holtermann |first1=Callie |last2=Gable |first2=Scott |date=2024-08-11 |title=A Place Where It Snows All Summer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/style/buffalo-snow-fake.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |url-access=subscription}}
Category:Special effects Category:Christmas decorations