DIY Moss Terrarium

We're Twig Terrariums, a verdant venture created by two old friends, Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow. In our little studio in Brooklyn, NY, we create moss terrariums and other small worlds in antique, vintage, and new glass containers. Each terrarium is a miniature landscaped world with a unique scene and special inhabitants.
 
In this slide show, we'll put together a terrarium using a diy terrarium kit, you can easily use your own supplies and these instructions to create your own special terrarium.

Gather your materials

You will need:

- a glass (our kit uses a 10" vase that doubles as a candle holder, but any clean glass container will work)

- fresh moss (Moss Acres is a good source, if you are not using our kit)

- rocks

- soil

- dried moss

- terrarium figurines (check craft stores for miniature figurines)

- a poking stick (a long thin wooden dowel)

- a spray bottle with water

Set up a clean working area and unwrap all of your materials, so they're close at hand.

Start with a layer of rocks

Terrariums are made in layers.

First, take your rocks and put down your first layer. Put down just an inch of rocks, as after all the layers are complete you will want headspace for your little people!

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Wet the dried moss

Next, take the dried moss and put it in a bowl of water and soak for a minute.

Place the dry moss

Take a handful of the wet dry moss and squeeze out the excess water. Create a sort of pancake with this material and press it down over the rocks, covering your rocks as completely as possible.

Create a barrier

Use your poking stick to push the wet dried moss around so that it completely covers the rocks. This layer of dried moss forms a barrier so that your soil does not fall into your drainage area—the barrier prevents a funky terrarium!

Add the soil

Now put down a thin layer of soil. This is where you can get creative by adding a hill, a slope, or a valley by shaping your layer of soil. Use your poking stick to sculpt the soil.

Before adding the next layer of moss, give the soil a light misting with the spray bottle.

Add the live moss

Take your live moss and add it to the terrarium. Play around with it!

You can add different dimensions by tearing off bits and varying the types of moss used. Using your poking stick, push down the moss and move it around.

Decorate

Add twigs, pebbles, or acorns to your terrarium for landscaping details.

Add some people

Last but not least, you must populate your new little green world! Antique stores, Etsy.com, or craft and hobby stores are good soures for small animals, people, and other little figurines for your world.

Find a special spot for your terrarium dwellers and let them claim their new home!

How to take care of your terrarium

You're all done! You can enjoy your terrarium for years to come!

Moss terrariums are very easy to care for. You'll need to mist it with a spray bottle every 2 to 4 weeks and keep it out of direct sun. Moss terrariums dig filtered or indirect light, or even artificial light. Often, your terrarium will require less and less care as it ages.  
 

We love making terrariums using many different vessels—here's one of our recent creations using a covered glass cake stand.

The Twig ladies are happy to answer any questions via email about terrariums. Check out our site for more infomation and more kits!

Related: Tovah's Top 10 Terrarium Tips.