Handmade Terrarium

Last november I did a great terrarium workshop with Loof Terrariums where I learnt how to plant up a lovely teardrop shaped terrarium. I was really pleased with it but I wondered if it would be possible to make my own glass shell instead of using a ready made one (also they're quite expensive and not sure about where they come from, ethically etc). I vaguely remember doing some soldering at school a long time ago! I did learn how to cut glass when I did my Fused Glass houseplants panel, so I was confident about cutting the glass. I bought a template from Etsy as I didn't want to spend ages figuring out the shape, it wasn't very expensive. 

After I had cut out all the glass panels (it helps if you have quite a few to do and then you can use the glass more economically) I wrapped the copper tape around all of the edges. This is what will hold the construction together once soldered. as this is what the solder sticks to. After that it was a matter of soldering it all together. I had already practiced on a cube shaped terrarium, this one has a lot more pieces so it took a while to get them all correct. I watched some helpful videos on youtube beforehand. 

After cleaning and polishing it was the fun part- adding the plants! I bought one of these and the other 2 were from splitting up plants I already had. I bought the pebbles, moss and charcoal from etsy as well, in a kit. Really pleased with the result and I have another one to plant up too.

Half constructed

Fully constructed and half soldered

Fully soldered

Nice and polished

Planted up and added seaside pebbles

Watermelon Peperomia paper plant

I made this “Watermelon Peperomia” as the last paper plant I made was successful so I made another. This is another one from a book called Handmade Houseplants by Corrie Beth Hogg and there are plenty more that I would like to make. 
It was fun arranging all the leaves in the pot once I had created them. I think it looks very lifelike!

Pink Cordyline paper plant

I made this “Pink Cordyline” paper plant to hang in my house, because it is fairly dark and all the plants die if they’re not close to the windows! This is from a book called Handmade Houseplants by Corrie Beth Hogg and has loads of other projects I can’t wait to make!
It was reasonably easy to make but you need to be able to get the right thickness and colour of paper, and some floristry wire. I also made the macrame plant hanger to put it in, it all coordinates quite well with my wallpaper I think!