terrarium madness

     

collect all of the materials listed above to create your terrarium.

i got my pebbles at Target in the vase section. i bought my charcoal at the pet supply store in the terrarium section...go figure! spanish moss you can find at michaels or joanns and a ton of other places. any old potting soil will do. keep in mind the size of your container when selecting plants. you would be surprised how much room all of the stuff takes up inside the jar. i used mostly ground cover like irish moss or baby tears that i had growing around my yard. if you have a large container you could do a little bonzai tree or a succulent plant i think herbs will work too.

wash your glass container and lid with hot water. 

layer the ingredients in order. i used a large spoon to add the dirt.

start with a good sized scoop on top of your moss and then add your plant.

use a couple of fingers to help protect the little guy while adding more soil around the edges and use your spoon to press it all down.

now's the time to add your little figurines to create a world all your own.

once you've got everything placed, give it a couple sprinkles of water, secure your lid and VOILA! your very own portable world of enchantment.

monitor your tiny garden for the first few days to regulate the moisture level. if it gets too steamy in there remove the lid to let it evaporate a little. if it seems a little dry you can mist it or add a few more sprinkles of water. once it has become established it will pretty much take care of itself! you shouldn't need to water more than every 2-3 weeks.

you won't belive how simple it is...with all the ingredients and about 3 dozen glass jars i have saved up in all different shapes and sizes i couldn't resist making a whole gang of them.

here are some of my faves.

 

this little guy lives in a vintage style candy jar (also from Target)

i made a tea cup terrarium using baby tears

 

remember: you don't need charcoal unless you are using a lid 

this one is probably my favorite...a feisty yellow ninja in a recycled jalapeno jar. 

  

i got him out of a gumball machine years ago and he has been hanging out in our kitchen ever since. he finally has a home of his own:)  

and here they are tucked away in my shelves.

for about a million more ideas go check out these terrariums on flickr 

you will be inspired and amazed!

happy creating:)

ttfn

Comments

[Gabriela Delworth]

Hello,

Love terrariums, and your recycled jars tutorial is awesome!

~ Gabriela ~

[Rachel]

Very cool! I'll be linking to this in the Daily DIY today!

[Nia]

Wow- they're fab! Might have a go making one myself. The teacup is my favourite! xoxo

[whitney]

I can't wait to make some terrariums of my own!! And I have a jar fetish so that's perfect! My poor husband... i keep all types of bottles and jars! Thanks for all the great info!

[Katie Trott]

I love this! Especially the one in the teacup with the little mushroom poking out of it.

Also... I have an award for you over on my blog. Thanks for being an inspiration to me!

[Kim]

Those (as you say) are so stinkin' cute!! Where did you get your little deer and mushrooms? Love them. Thanks for the tutorial. It's something fun to do with my boys. :)

[rosey]

love the tea cup one the most well done mmwah rosey

[Jessica]

I have been trying very hard the past month to get a terrarium started in that very same covered glass jar-thingy you have (with the adorable deer & mushrooms, that I also need to know the origins of)... and I have been terribly unsuccessful. I followed instructions like you have, but everything keeps getting brown and mushy within a week. Sad face.

[lori marie]

i had a little covered one go brown and mushy on me. it was filled with irish moss...i replanted it last night with baby tears (which i think might grow too fast to live in a terrarium, we'll see) but i noticed that the soil was SOAKED!!! i think i drowned the poor guy. my uncovered ones are looking great and i have a few enclosed that have been getting so foggy that you can't see anything inside....so i have been opening them up to breathe a little and they are still going strong.

[lissilulu]

love the ninja in there! :o)

[Linnea]

Thank you for this wonderful idea :o) what a genius tutorial! I can't wait to make one of my own. Have a great weekend Lori!
xox,
Linnea

[Natalie]

okay, how great are these!!! I am loving the ninja, definitely will try this totoral soon.

[gail]

Hi,,, I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Thanks for the post, this is great information! :) How pretty these are. I always enjoy visiting your blog... Take care, gail

[gail]

Hi,,, I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Thanks for the post, this is great information! :) How pretty these are. I always enjoy visiting your blog... Take care, gail

[Fairytale]

Hi!

I am new at this blogging thing, but there is something I know: I love tutorials. I have to say this seems fun, just right for my fairytalecottage theme.

[cindy]

ALL of these are so darling, I love them. Thanks for the tutorial. Your blog is such a comfy little place to stop by, and always something good to share :)

[Bobbi]

The teacup it my favorite! I love tiny little landscapes! We have a "Pixi-forest" in our yard. The kids love it!

[andrea gutierrez]

i am so happy i found this! i just put a link to it in my most recent post on my personal blog, http://owlacrobat.livejournal.com/

[CherryTreeLane]

I have that very teacup!! I will be doing this ASAP! Love it!

[Abraham Abbe Stubenhaus]

Hi,
I love your little terrariums and the pretty and sweet setup of this website.
Thank you for bringing gentle and creative newness to life.
Love,
Abbe