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How To: Terrariums
Mar. 16th, 2010 06:19 pmA few years ago I took some stained glass classes. While looking for books on stained glass patterns I came across one for terrariums. I picked up some of the gear & some bottles, jars & glasses. I played with it for awhile but life took over.
I didn't loose interest, just time.
I love the idea of a little garden that can sit safely in the house, one the cats can't get into. I love the idea of creating. I love the idea of growing things indoors as autumn starts kicking its way towards us, to be followed by winter. I love the idea of a miniature world in a bottle/jar/glass. I love the looks of these things, especially the ones in the books. And I love love love the aspect of reuse, where I can go to a 2nd hand shop and pick up some jars or glasses cheap, breathe new life into them & make things of art. They're nice gift ideas too, which I haven't taken advantage of but will do this year I think since I've got some time to start. If you have a friend with brown thumbs you can also give a 'certificate' to maintain the terrarium on a regular basis (ie--check it monthly or every couple of months) for them & to teach them how to take care of it.
I have one terrarium that's been ticking along since that first attempt, one didn't do so well (not enough lighting at work), one I completely forgot about and because it was in a brandy glass it dried out and the plant died :(
When I was making them I picked up a glass gallon jug, I think it used to be for mineral water. It's been sitting in the living room collecting dust and cat hair. Every time I move it to vaccuum I think about it, think about making a terrarium out of it again. I found my terrarium materials & pulled out the jug. I've played with it and the old brandy glass. And I remembered why I was inspired by that book.
So here's some picts, some links and a brief how to. Keep in mind I'm a beginner at these things so check out the links & read some of the more-experienced people's suggestions. Take a look at Thyrza Segal's gorgeous terrariums and critters for some inspiration.
Here's the one terrarium that I've had that has been ticking along for awhile. It's a square jar that's got a maiden hair fern in it:
And a top view:
More under the cut:
( Read more... )
I didn't loose interest, just time.
I love the idea of a little garden that can sit safely in the house, one the cats can't get into. I love the idea of creating. I love the idea of growing things indoors as autumn starts kicking its way towards us, to be followed by winter. I love the idea of a miniature world in a bottle/jar/glass. I love the looks of these things, especially the ones in the books. And I love love love the aspect of reuse, where I can go to a 2nd hand shop and pick up some jars or glasses cheap, breathe new life into them & make things of art. They're nice gift ideas too, which I haven't taken advantage of but will do this year I think since I've got some time to start. If you have a friend with brown thumbs you can also give a 'certificate' to maintain the terrarium on a regular basis (ie--check it monthly or every couple of months) for them & to teach them how to take care of it.
I have one terrarium that's been ticking along since that first attempt, one didn't do so well (not enough lighting at work), one I completely forgot about and because it was in a brandy glass it dried out and the plant died :(
When I was making them I picked up a glass gallon jug, I think it used to be for mineral water. It's been sitting in the living room collecting dust and cat hair. Every time I move it to vaccuum I think about it, think about making a terrarium out of it again. I found my terrarium materials & pulled out the jug. I've played with it and the old brandy glass. And I remembered why I was inspired by that book.
So here's some picts, some links and a brief how to. Keep in mind I'm a beginner at these things so check out the links & read some of the more-experienced people's suggestions. Take a look at Thyrza Segal's gorgeous terrariums and critters for some inspiration.
Here's the one terrarium that I've had that has been ticking along for awhile. It's a square jar that's got a maiden hair fern in it:
And a top view:
More under the cut:
( Read more... )