Terrarium Craft Book Giveaway

I have always, always wanted one of those fancy terrariums. 

You know the ones...clear glass with the decorative, metal framed exterior. The problem is that they are so darned expensive! (The one pictured here is from Pottery Barn.)

Then while shopping for Christmas gifts, I came across a book called Terrarium Craft. As I flipped through the pages, I saw lots of creative alternatives to that the pricy glass terrarium that I had always wanted, but could never seem to afford. The book ended up going onto my Christmas wish list and luckily hubby surprised me with a copy on Christmas Day.

I thought that you might enjoy the book too and so I contacted the book's publisher. Not only do I have a preview of some of Terrarium Craft's fun projects today, I also have persuaded them to send a copy of the book to one lucky reader (more about that at the end of the post).

What did I like about the book? It was filled with great ideas. 

Terrarium Craft is not necessarily a book you have to read cover to cover to get going. There is a general introduction to terrariums at the front of the book, as well as information on all the practical aspects of making terrariums. Building materials, plant selection and care are presented in a light informative way in this capter. This is followed by a step by step series of pictures and instructions demonstrating how to make your terrarium.

Then you are right into the projects and there are lots of good ones. One of my favourites has to be the bell terrarium at the opening of the post.

Each of the book's 50 project has its own picture/s, along with the list of materials required to make it, all clearly laid out in the same way that most cookbooks list the ingredients. Each recipe has helpful suggestions, and tips on plant care. At the end of the book, a handy resource guide is included. 

The projects included forest terrariums, beach terrariums, desert terrariums, and fantasy terrariums.

There is just something magical about these little miniature worlds, isn't there?

For years, I have collected shells from walks along the beach, so I thought that I might make use of some of them for my first terrarium.

For my project, I used a colored glass jar that I got on clearance for $5.99. I found the sand and pebbles at the local craft store. For plant material, I selected a jade plant that I knew could put up with a good deal of neglect (embarrassingly enough, I am terrible with indoor plants!).

I put my new terrarium on the windowsill by my art table.

If you would like to be included in the draw for a copy of Terrarium Craft, please leave a comment below. If you are too shy to leave a comment, but would still like to be included, please feel free to drop me a line by email and I will be glad to include your name in the draw. 

The winner will be drawn this Sunday at 10am (my time). Look for an announcement of the winner early in the week. Many thanks to Timber Press for providing a book for this giveaway. Good luck everyone!

More Information and Links:

19 reviews of Terrarium Craft. 

About the Authors: 
Amy Bryant (on the left) owns a popular boutique (ww.artemisiaonon28th.com) specializing in terrariums,indoor gardens, and fine art. 
Kate Byrant (centre) is a writer who has contributed to a wide range of publications. She has a gardening column in the Portland Monthly and a garden blog, Plantwise. 
Kate Baldwin (right) is a food and lifestyle photographer living in Seattle. Find more of her beautiful photography on her website: www.katebaldwinphotography.com

Photo credits this post: All photographs marked with a copyright are by Kate Baldwin and have been used with kind permission from Timber Press.