How to Make Mason Jar Terrariums: DIY Tutorial

These mason jar terrariums make absolutely gorgeous decorations for a home or office, require very little care, and are fun and fairly easy to make for crafters of all skill levels.

Mason Jar Terrarium Materials:

1. Mason jar – I’ve used both antique mason jars and brand new canning jars.

2. Small river rocks

3. Dried moss and lichens – Michael’s sells really great bags of dried moss by Ashland. I especially like the multi bags.

4, Pine cones, twigs, bark pieces, or anything else you want to use in your terrarium

5. Tacky glue

6. Medium-sized old paintbrush with a large handle – I use a 1/2 inch brush

7. Old towel, etc. to cover your workspace

 

Make Your Mason Jar Terrarium:

Begin by covering your workspace and setting out everything you’ll need – this could get messy!

Next, take the top off of your mason jar, and unscrew the top to your tacky glue. Use your paint brush to paint a fairly thick layer of tacky glue into the bottom of the mason jar, going up the sides just a little bit. This will help to hold your rocks in place. The glue will appear white for a couple of hours, but will dry clear. Fill the bottom of your jar with a layer of river rocks. Then, take a little more glue on your paintbrush to dab some into the rocks. This will help hold them together and hold the moss down.

Now add a layer of moss to your terrarium, gently pressing down onto the rocks. I like to combine several colors and types for a more natural and interesting look.

Now for the fun part: Decorate your terrarium using whatever you like: twigs, pine cones, more rocks, acorns, bark… You could even use things like antique skeleton keys, small garden statues, birds’ nests, or antique architectural pieces. I’ve built several terrariums around large pieces of bark or pine cones, and I’ve also made “secret garden” terrariums with sticks from a rosebush and an antique skeleton key. If you have heavier items in your terrariums, you can use a little hot glue to hold them down.

Once you’ve cleaned up and replaced the lid of your terrarium, you’re finished! Caring for your mason jar terrarium is easy: After waiting a couple of days to be sure the glue is dry, simply spritz your terrarium with water, and continue to water lightly every few weeks. The glass jar turns the terrarium into its own tiny ecosystem. Or, you can leave your terrarium dry and nonliving, with no care needed at all.

Looking for more DIY mason jar craft posts? Try the tutorial section of my blog.