Terrariums
or, how I’ve spent the last 40 days and 40 nights!
Posted by: Kate Bryant on Aug 31, 2010 at 01:21PM
11 Comments
Followers of this blog have heard me referring here and there to an enthralling project I’ve been working on recently.
And what’s the project, you may ask? It’s a lushly-illustrated book on how to make captivating, contemporary terrariums from a combination of beautiful, organic materials and found objects. The book will be published in the spring of 2011 by my favorite publisher, Portland’s own Timber Press.
The terrariums I’m writing about were designed and created by Amy Bryant-Aiello of Artemisia Garden Nursery and photographed by Kate Baldwin, a Seattle photographer who has artfully captured the essence of Amy’s dreamy terrarium creations.
I’ve spent a fair bit of time at Artemisia, gazing at these fanciful hand-made terrariums and contemplating how to distill the essence of each delicious confection into an inspiring description – then provide instructions on how to make and care for them.
The shop is always brimming with the most beautiful materials… garnet, apricot, snowy white and shimmery black sand… crystal chunks, aragonite clusters, raw carnelian, smooth river rock from Japan, shards of clear and milky white stone… seashells, from tiny creamy clams to smooth, ruffled conch shells with pearly-pink and blue insides, scrubbed clean or encrusted with barnacles… native lichen on alder branches… clumps of reindeer moss… silk flowers… tiny mirrors… antique bottles… vintage jewelry… bones and feathers… printed/folded paper art… and of course, the plants themselves: air plants (Tillandsia sp.), native “Spanish” moss, funny little houseplants in Japanese moss-balls (kokedama) and dramatic succulent plants.
Visit the shop some time if you’re looking for inspiration. It’s a dreamy place to while away some time. And if Amy’s there, ask her to teach you how to make your own terrarium. Give yourself a bit of time to play with materials and make yourself something magical to take home. And keep an eye out in the spring for our little book. I think it’s going to be a good one!
Her shop is a real jewel. I cannot wait to get a copy of the book!!!
Oh, Kate- this might be the thing that gets me to garden! The dollhouse version of a backyard.
Cannot wait to see the book!
Ah, I love terrariums… I’ve been meaning to pick up some charcoal to make my own.
I am so excited to see the finished product, congrats!
…some of my fondest memories of my Grandmother were he sporadically placed [around her house] terrariums, in large old-school glass water bottles.
I remember getting in trouble when I was young dropping my little plastic army men in them.
I’ll have to buy your book! Great stuff!
I have been eying those terrariums (or terraniums, as I’m wont to call them ;-) every time I walk by Artemisia. I am totally going to make one one of these days w/ a glass centerpiece from a friend’s wedding. I’ve been lusting after the final product, but I like how you describe the production process as an experience too!
Oh you are wicked! Just when I thought I might get some free time from gardening during the winter months, you entice me with this glorious indoor garden creation.
Shame on you. :)
so lovely and exciting — looking forward to checking out the beautiful book!
Thanks, all, for your sweet comments. Now, can someone just tie me to my desk for the next 2 weeks?
You had mentioned writing a book. How exciting. I have never created a terrarium, and I am very excited about getting your book and working on one with my daughter Emily….Best wishes
We have a greenhouse window in our kitchen that is sadly in need of new life. A terrarium is just the thing. I’m excited to see the book and be inspired, Kate!