Monday, March 19, 2012

Terror In The Terrarium

Remember terrariums?
Remember the 1970's?
Remember the craze of those
mini-gardens?

A few weeks back I was
the winner of a giveaway.
generously offered to
give a terrarium book away.
She is a great gal, lovely really,
and she has a great blog.
Pop over and see her
AFTER your finish reading
MY BLOG!;>)
Lulu was fascinated by the book,
as I knew she would be.
Here is the model 
Lulu liked and she wanted hers
to look something like this.
Here's the book she drooled over.
We set a limit of  $20 to spend
to make one.
We hunted every thrift shop in the
area looking for an old aquarium
or a big old fishbowl.
Nary a one to be found!
The pet stores and Wallyworld
wanted $20+ just for the bowl.
All was not lost though because
we did find a couple
of little "residents" for our
plant filled haven at GW.

Finally, 4 stops later we 
 found a fishbowl on sale for $9.00
No top but we had the 
solution for that.
We found it at Stein Garden & Gifts.
We also  found our plants there.
Lulu dug right in.
She was not afraid of getting her 
hands dirty at all.
First she put a layer of 
potting soil in the bottom.
Next she added her plants.
She anchored her plants with 
a few rocks..some that Papa collected
while he was on vacation.
And last, but not least,
she placed two little
roaming bears
that now call this 
little piece of Eden
Home Sweet Home.
She was SOOO proud of the 
job she did.
We topped it with 
a clear glass salad plate
that fit like it was made for it.
Didn't she do a great job?
Now-if only I could crawl into
that perfect little environment.
I would be as happy as a pig in mud...
wait a minute..
that doesn't sound too flattering..
I mean as happy as
 can be!
Except..I don't think my 
computer would fit in there
with me...and then where would
I be?
I'd be trying to chat up two 
bares  bears.
Plus-my hair would be a
mess in all that humidity...
and size-wise I might be
just a tad squished.
Yeah-there's THAT!

And, THAT VISION, my friends,
is the
TERROR in the TERRARIUM!
your photo name

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have 2 terrariums as that is the only way I can have plants in the Winter. You see.... I have a Kitty-Baby who likes to munch & the only munching he is allowed to do is of Kitty Grass.... not Mommys houseplants!!
Have a Great Day!!
Marilyn

Jettie said...

Such a cute idea, and she looks as if she enjoys gardening.

Maria Elena said...

What a beautiful terrarium she created! I love the two little bears. Nice touch!

Gina said...

LOL! Lulu did a great job on her terrarium. I do remember my older sister having one in the 70s. It was this big mushroom looking thing on a stand. Lulu's is much nicer looking!

Tete said...

Lulu did such a great job! I remember those- wanted one so much, but did mine out of a pop bottle!
You can also use fruit jars...if the other kids want to do one, too.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

How cute Diana! She did a great job what a neat project to share with your cute little grand-daughter!
Hugs,
Cindy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That is so pretty and I have been wanting to create one since last year. I will get to it this year. I have the container I just need the stuff to go in it. You are also supposed to add a layer of rocks and a layer of charcoal for terrariums under the soil. I love the bears she added.

Susie said...

Lulu's smile is as pretty as her project. She did a fabulous job. No wonder the kids love to come to your house Nana. xoxo, Susie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What great memories this brought back! We made these in school and I had several. I may have to look int doing this again!!

I am now following you too!!

Hugs,
Deb

Janette - The2Seasons said...

I didn't have a terrarium in the 70's, but I put one together last fall - in my mother's old pickle jar. Since then I reproduction Victorian terrarium but have been traveling 6 out of the last 7 weeks. When I get home next week, planting it is the first thing on my to-do list.

Debi WeeFaerie said...

She did awesome on her terrarium! I love her smile and how proud of herself she looks. You created a special memory here, good job!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Lulu did a great job, Diana! It looks wonderful and she must be so pleased that she put this together.

Mark said...

She has every right to be proud. It's beautiful!
m.

Patty Patterson said...

She did a great job! She should be very proud. And sometimes I think it would be nice to go back to the garden of Eden. Life would be much simplier and we wouldn't have to worry about having anything to wear.

Anonymous said...

oh its lovely, just beautiful.What a great job!!!!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I had one in the 70's:) It was a big one and I was so proud of how nicely the plants grew! Lulu looks so happy and proud!

Unknown said...

This is too cute & look at the proud precious smile ... adorable! So love doing projects with the kid-lings, too.

I am still here but head over heels deep in some projects & business sales for the next few weeks. Try to peek in as I can.

Have a beautiful week ...
TTFN ~
Marydon

Maureen Wyatt said...

Lulu looks so proud of herself. What a nice thing for the two of you to share! Love it! ~ Maureen

Savannah Granny said...

Lulu, Did an awesome job. It will be so much for her to watch it grow. Hugs, Ginger

SImple and Serene Living said...

What a great job she did with her terrarium. My daughters gave me one a few years ago and somehow I managed to kill the plants. Apparently I do better with growing things outside of little glass containers.
:)
Laura

Patty Marker said...

I haven't seen a terrarium in ages. What a fun project for a little one and the little bears look comfy in there...just the right size. She did a wonderful job. Patty

At The Picket Fence said...

Love it! I've noticed they've been coming back too and saw some in a recent Southern Living magazine. Lulu and her terrarium are just darling!
Vanessa

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh WOW, Diana, it turned out perfect!! Lulu is totally adorable and I'll bet she's lovin' it!!!
XO
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Such fun! I remember making these in the 70s. I was just a mere child, of course! LOL! It wonderful! Lulu looks so proud!

shabbyfufu said...

Terrariums and Chia Pets, right? Great project for kids...they usually last for a long time which they love!
xo
Janet

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

My hubs and I were just talking about terrariums yesterday. When we were first married, moons ago, I had a table terrarium...plastic...and now they are back.
She did a great job! Better than I had!!

Unknown said...

Love it ! Looks wonderful thanks for sharing joann

Blessed Serendipity said...

Lulu did a fantastic job! I remember making one of those in school and it was really fun looking into the tiny little world of the terrarium. It seemed almost magical.

xo,
Danielle

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Very cute! This is on my to do list too. And yes, I made them in the 70's too - too funny! ... Does that mean I'm getting old to see things coming back in vogue again?

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

What a fun weekend with Lulu! I love you for inspiring your grand kids to learn and DO. They will never forget these special times with you and the bond you share is simply and utterly priceless. These kiddos have gobs of self esteem oozing out of them-
thanks to good parents and a Nana like you who makes them feel so important. You raised your kids right and it's flowing right in to the next generation.
Makes my heart happy. :)

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Lulu, you did a lovely job with the Terrarium. I do remember those. Whatever happened to them? They were so pretty. I love the fact that she doesn't mind getting her hands all dirty. It reminds me of when I was a kid how we used to build forts in the dirt fields with the neighbors. hehe Your Terrarium is so enchanting.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Kelly said...

Y'all did a great job on that terrarium. You for finding it and her for putting it together. I'm sure she will take good care of her plants and remember that day y'all shared together.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, This was like taking a trip back in time; I had lots of terrariums. So glad your girl got into it and I'm with you-I'd certainly get stuck. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful afternoon.
Hugs, Noreen

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

How cute that turned out. She looks so proud. I just want to say..if you decide to crawl into that perfect world..you might want to ditch the bears! :) Hugs.
Mona

Nellie said...

What I really love about this post is the look of pleasure on that sweet girl's face! You did a good thing, Diana!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

She did do a great job! My daughter left her terrarium here when she left for college. I've watered it twice,and it looks great. Not bad for someone who can't even grow basil!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I'm calling it a "fairy/bear" garden. What a fun project to do. I'm thinking my Grandgirl would love to make one too!
Deb

Debby said...

So sweet of you to do this project with her. You two did well. I love it. She looks so proud. Yep, you better stay out of that little world.

Julie Harward said...

What a darling she is...and I do remember those, loved them! (You need to leave me your email) ;D

Sue said...

Diana, Terrariums are so back in vogue these days! What many people don't realize is that they have to remove the top every so often so the plants can breathe. Not doing that is why they end up killing their plants.
Your Lulu did a great job creating this little home for the bears. Just so fun a project to do with you! hugs, Sue

Maureen Stevens said...

terrariums are just so in these days! I have about 4 in the house. Lulu's is sooo lovely!

Heaven's Walk said...

lol! You crazy, squashed headed girl, you! I do remember, however, making many of these as a child. I loved to stick my face in the bowl and just inhale the sweet, earthy fragrance! Lulu did a great job! She'll have a ball taking care of it!

xoxo laurie

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Love your little garden under glass. I could see the look of pride in Lulu's eyes. Yes, I remember when terrariums were a big thing. Coming back around!
Hugs,
Jann

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Great Job, Lulu ~ you sure can tell from her Smile that she is a very proud Gardener~
Have a wonderful week,
Cheryl

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh goodness yes I remember them LOL, a walk down memory lane, maybe you have brought back the craze! What a great project for you and Lulu

Carol

Sweet Tea said...

Haven't seen a terrarium in ages, but used to have one, as did most way-back-when. Perhaps LuLu will be a trendsetter and begin the fad all over again. Great project for kids and it turned out very nicely!! Way to go, LuLu!!

Sandy said...

Yes, I do remember the terrarium craze of the 70's. I made one and layered the sand with different colors. Your granddaughter is adorable and she did a fantastic job making her terrarium! I think the cloches are the new (sort of) terrarium. I love your fun writing style. I have seen so many of your comments on other blogs that I thought I better pop on over to check out your space. I love it! I have 3 grandchildren but don't see them very often because they live out of state. I get my kid fix with my best friend's granddaughter. I'll be back for more visits!

~Sandy

Donna said...

Little Miss Lulu,

You did a fantastic job!! Wow, and from reading a book to a job well done!! From another Grandma, congratulations on a job well done, my new little friend! I love the way you place the little bears in the bowl with the rocks, they look as though they are in a real forest!

And, Diana, very good of you to get the kids into crafting and creating so early! Great job! Your right, your computer wouldn't do well in there, as well as your hair. And that's all I'm sayin' bout that!

Hugs,
Donna

Janet said...

WOW! Look at all these comments! :)

Lulu you did a great job. Your terrarium looks wonderful.

Diana I am so glad I found you and your blog. You always have blog titles that make one want to read them right away. And you just crack me up every time. I love your style. :)

As much as I would love to be in that cozy terrarium setting I don't think I could fit either. :(

Cute little bears. Did you know I will have a selling blog up and running soon called Bear Country Primitives? I can't remember if I mentioned that. It's at

http://bearcountryprimitives.blogspot.com

There will be lots of bears there of course. :) Just not sure how soon we will be in business.

Well, I gotta run. Have a great Tuesday my friend.

Take care, Janet W

Miss Kitty said...

Yeah! I'm so very glad that you and Lulu enjoyed making a terrarium with the instructions in the book. Aren't the pictures just inspiring? Thanks so much for the "shout out" in your post.
I enjoyed reading the comments of how folks remembered the terrariums of the 1970's...that was fun. Lulu is adorable and YOU are a very good grandmother for taking the time to search for the items you needed for the project.

Sue said...

I've been seeing them everywhere...and some places call them mini gardens or fairy gardens. We got a gorgeous stained glass one for a wedding gift (70's) and it is long gone. I wish I had it back now. Yours turned out beautifully! Love it!

Pam Kessler said...

Terreriums (or however the heck you spell them) are very hot right now. I saw a really cute one made out of a glass cake plate and cake dome and they wanted - wait for it - $65.00 for the stupid thing! Too fancy for my blood, but I may have to make one.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It really turned out great! And now you have the joy of watching is grow and thrive! What a wonderful learning experience! Way to go, Nana Diana! ♥ (I'm a Nana, too!)

outjunking said...

Oh yes how could I forget the 70's and all that was cool. Your grand daughter did a great job brings back a lot of memories. Science project being one of them.