Friday, November 19, 2010

How to make a terrarium

I know it is almost Thanksgiving, but this is a left over summer type project!
I made a terrarium today...I used to always have one, but haven't for years.  So when I cleaned out my pots this fall I saved some creeping jenny and a small fern shoot to use for the terrarium.  I found the gallon glass jug at Goodwill for 50 cents and thought it would be perfect.
First of all I put some gravel inside the jug, spreading it out evenly.  I used a knitting needle to do my spreading and arranging of the plants.
I added about 2 tablespoons of charcoal (I had some for a fish tank filter so I used it)...this helps somehow but really I can't remember, I just have always done this to my terrariums.  Then I added about an inch of potting soil.
and removed as much of the soil from my fern that I could by shaking it gently.  I did this so that I could fit it into the narrow opening of the jug.
Then I stuffed (yup, that is what has to happen here, sounds cruel, but the plants never seem to mind) the plant into the opening and drop it into the bottom.
Putting the creeping jenny in was easier because I had it rooting in water for a few weeks, so there was no dirt to contend with.
I added another two inches of soil and used my knitting needle to tamp down the soil around the plant roots.
Now, use a spray bottle to spray the inside of the glass to remove the dirt from the sides of the jug. Spray enough so the water runs down and washes the dirt down the sides of the jug.
I added a few stones for decoration and
that is it!
Here it is a few hours later after the humidity has dissipated a bit.
Within a few weeks it will look all lush and tropical in there (I hope), because I am thinking it would make a great Christmas present!
Now I can have a bit of summer all winter long in here...

8 comments:

Kelli W said...

So neat! I have a cool clear container that I think would be so fun for this. Thanks for sharing the step by step!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! My mother in law would love something like this as a gift.

DANA said...

That's great! I would love for you to come link this up at my Strut Your Stuff Party, and enter the giveaway as well!
http://danajeanward.blogspot.com/2010/11/strut-your-stuff-link-party-and.html

creativejewishmom/sara said...

Great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday! all the best, and great to see you again!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

Yummy! I love the lush look of a terrarium during the dark winter months. In the past I've even faked them with moss rocks and ferns from the Dollar Store. You've inspired me to try again, thanks!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Great idea and great looking too!

Vanessa said...

Gorgeous terrarium! :) These make amazing gifts, they're so beautiful and alive! Thanks for the tutorial and the inspiration!

Jill said...

That looks lovely Ellen! A little tropical jar!
Thanks for linking up!
Hope you have a lovely week!

Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://jembellish.blogspot.com/