Terrarium

Yesterday I dragged my Mother all over Etobicoke to purchase everything I'd need to make my very first terrarium:

• Terrarium w/ Lid (Michaels) - Check
• Decorative Stones (Michaels) - Check
• Spanish Moss (Michaels) - Check
• Activated Carbon (PJ's) - Check
• Potting Soil (Zellers) - Check
• Plants (Sheridan Nurseries) - Check

And mate AND game ON!

I rushed home with all my treasures eager to get my terrarium on.  Kirb happens to be an experienced terrarium builder,so he was eager to help out (finally, a craft we can enjoy together!)  We covered the kitchen table with scrap paper, organized all the supplies and got to work.  I'm the designer, Kirb's tech support...

.... and NOW, for the BIG reveal...

And here's how it looks on our shelves...

I think it needs a little creature of some sort to jazz it up a bit.  The hunt is on.

Here are the steps we followed:

1. Add decorative stones to the bottom of terrarium
2. Add one thin layer of activated carbon (I bought a box of 3 pouches that are meant to be used in fish tanks.  We just ripped one open and sprinkled the contents on the stones)
3. Add layer of Spanish moss
4. Add approximately 2 to 3 inches of potting soil.  Plants should be small and have room to grow  (oops) Some good plants to use are: small ferns, miniature African violets, lipstick plant, wandering jew, and mosses.  Make a small indentation in the soil, put in plant, gently press soil firmly around it
5. Decorate (pending)
6. Water lightly.  Add lid,  Water every few weeks when soil gets dry.  Put in bright light but not direct sunlight.

Next we're gonna make one with a desert theme - mini cacti here I come!

xo Kate