Invite spring into your home with this green craft made with items from your shed and closet...

Materials Needed:
Light Cover- Use one that is attractive, clear and free of cracks or chips. Other vessels will work too! Just be sure they are not toxic to your plant and that you can securely hang it.

Plant- Some type with a short root system and that doesn't need excellent or rapid drainage. Also, pick one that will not outgrow your terrarium too quickly. I used a clipping from a Jade plant because they are easy to propagate, but it will grow somewhat quickly.

Sterilized Soil- Either start with fresh potting soil, or sterilize used soil. Just be sure it has a healthy percentage of vermiculite or perlite. You need to sterilize used soil to get rid of any fungus or bacteria that would kill your plant. To do this pre-heat oven to 250 degrees. Lay soil about three inches deep in a cookie sheet/cake pan. Bake for about an hour or until soil is 150 degrees. Do NOT overcook, this could release toxins in the soil that will harm your plant.

Odds n' Ends- Rocks, seashells, rounded glass, marbles, or other natural artifacts that will increase drainage.

Hanging Material- rope, hemp or something of the like. You will need a ceiling hook too!

Step 1:

Sterilize Soil, or skip to step 2 if using fresh potting soil.
Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees. Lay soil about three inches deep in a cookie sheet/cake pan. Bake for about an hour or until soil is 150 degrees. Do NOT overcook, this could release toxins in the soil that will harm your plant.

Step 2:

Measure length of cord desired, you will want enough support from each side that your terrarium won't slip out. I used three different ropes here. Tie all ropes together by an overhand knot in the middle of each strand. Tie each strand to another so no one strand can slide through. Gather all ends evenly around the vessel and hold at the top of the vessel. Tie another piece of rope securely around the neck, holding all the strands vertical, you can tug them into place later. Tie the tops in a loop or knot, and add a cute do-dad on the ends of the neck tie piece.

Step 3:

Fill the bottom with larger odds n' ends. Use judgement, you want at least ten pieces to fit comfortably at the bottom without filling up a lot of your limited space. Pile them towards the center.

Step 4:

Mix soil (after cooling) with vermiculte-if needed, small shells, small rocks. Fill your vessel about half way up. Use judgement here, it depends on how much soil the roots of your plant need and how much space you have. Fill a little bit at a time. Settle the soil by gently shaking and tapping. Air pockets will kill roots or limit their growth.

Step 5:

Plant your plant!
Some suggestions can be found at www.terrariumplantsonline.com.

Step 6:

Hang hook where you want to see your terrarium. Be sure to take into account the amounts of sunlight, hot and cold influences- such as opening and closing exterior doors or heater vents.
Enjoy!
Watering your terrarium will depend greatly on the plant you select and how you managed your drainage in the vessel. So just be attentive to your new friend until you know what it likes.