DIY: What is a Terrarium?

DIY

Terrarium

What is a terrarium?

A terrarium is usually an enclosed area or container for keeping and raising animals or plants for observation or research in controlled conditions. However, they don’t necessarily have to be a scaled down ecosystem but perahps just look like one to “liven” up your space!They are a great reminder that Spring will come during these cold winter months by adding a touch of green to your windowsill or mantle. The terrariums featured here have a rock base with dried moss to display keepsakes. There are many resources on the internet for properly creating and maintaining a live terrarium.

Supplies

• A variety of glass containers or jars • Rocks (or soil if you prefer a live one!) • Moss

• Trinkets you wish to display; jewelry, deer figurines, photographs, etc.

Tips

Glass jars can be found at thrift stores for as cheap as a quarter! If displaying multiple containers, try using a variety of shapes and sizes.

Moss can be found at craft stores such as Michaels in an array of colors...or your back yard.

How to make your own

Fill the jars with a shallow layer of rocks, followed by a layer of moss. Be sure to leave enough room for the items you will place inside and move things around if needed. I chose to put a found photograph in a larger jars, as well as a woodland scene with a miniature turtle in another. Craft stores have many interesting items to create scenes with, as well as a walk in the woods may provide just the right elements (such as twigs, rocks, leaves) to accompany your container. Wider jars may work well to hold your rings and precious jewels too! Terrariums are a simple way to “go green” in any room of your home by providing a miniature yet charming nature scene and they also make fun gifts!