~DIY Terrarium~

I know there are many steps to this project, but don’t let that intimidate you. This is an easy, inexpensive and really creative way to make your own beautiful terrarium.

Step 1

Remove the backs and glass from eight picture frames (four 5" x 7", two 8" x 10", and two 11" x 14"). Lightly sand each frame's surface. You can find these for less than $1.00 at a garage sale.

(left) Step 2: Align an 11" x 14" with an 8" x 10" frame as shown. Drill one hole near the top and one near the bottom, through the larger frame and halfway into the smaller; screw together. (The screws you use should correspond with your drill bit. We suggest a 3/32" bit and #6 x ½" wood screws.) Repeat with other 11" x 14" and 8" x 10" frames.

(right) Step 3: Arrange the two L's you've created as shown. Attach them to each other using the same method described in Step 2 to form the terrarium's base. 

(left) Step 4: Place two 5" x 7" frames facedown. Align a 2" mending plate at each end of the frames, as shown. Drill pilot holes and secure with screws. Repeat with the two remaining frames.

(right) Step 5: Align the two sets of 5" x 7" frames as shown. Attach a corner bracket inside each end of the eave, using the method described in Step 4.

(left) Step 6: Line the resulting roof up with the base, as shown. Place two 1" utility hinges, spaced evenly apart, over the joint where the pieces meet. Drill holes and screw together.

(right) Step 7: Trace the inside of an eave on paper. Cut out, and trace the resulting triangle onto a piece of ½"-thick plywood. Repeat; then cut the wood.

(left) Step 8: Fit the cut wood into each end of the roof. Attach by pre-drilling holes from the outside of the roof into the triangles and securing with screws.

(right) Step 9: Wearing gloves for safety, smooth wood filler over the terrarium's exterior, filling in the joints and covering the screw holes. Let dry for several hours; then lightly sand. 

(left) Step 10: Paint the piece white. For a distressed finish, apply a dark furniture polish over the paint after it dries. Let sit for a few minutes; then buff off.

(right) Step 11: Replace the glass from the bottom up. Place hot glue in the corners of each frame, pop the pane in, and run glue around each frame's inside edge.

Step 12

Lift the terrarium's lid and place your favorite items inside. Some suggestions I have to make this more decorative would be to slightly distress it to make it look aged and paint it a gorgeous robins egg blue!

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Some other ideas for terrariums…

You can be so creative with terrariums. You can use  cloches, vintage bottles, wardian cases or cake stands with bell jars placed on top. Any glass item with an opening can be turned in to a beautiful display piece.

Also, remember that you don’t have to have a green thumb to enjoy a terrarium. You can place birds nests, seashells or any of your favorite collectables in them.

   (click on the picture to read this post that I did last August)

  My friend Maria owns the Agoura Antique Mart and that is where I fell in love with this oversized terrarium. It is one of the most incredible ones I have come across…