How to Make a Family Terrarium

Terrariums are one of the easiest ways to keep plants alive in your home. Make one with a tiny family inside using miniature train display figures.
Kids' Craft: Terrarium With Miniature Figures

Family Terrarium

Terrariums are one of the easiest ways to keep plants alive in your home. Make one with a tiny family inside using miniature train display figures.

Photo by: Jessika Creedon ©Jessika Creedon 2013

Jessika Creedon, Jessika Creedon 2013

Materials Needed:

  • a clear glass vessel
  • potting soil
  • small pebbles and rocks
  • activated charcoal (in fish section of a pet store)
  • small bowl
  • moss
  • waterproof glue
  • spoon
  • tweezers
  • miniature figures (n scale railroad figures)
  • squirt bottle

Add Layers

Start with a 1-2-inch layer of any color decorative rock to ensure proper drainage (image 1). Next, add a 1/2-inch layer of charcoal to keep mold from growing (image 2). Add as many inches of soil as your vessel allows. The soil should not reach higher than 3 inches from the top edge of the vessel. Create mountains and valleys with the soil using a spoon (image 3).

Moisten the Moss

Soak the moss in a water filled bowl (image 1), and give the soil a few squirts of water to moisten (image 2). Squeeze out the extra water (image 3).

Add Moss

Add the moss to the terrarium, and use a spoon to create hills and valleys.

Adding Moss to Terrarium

Adding Moss to Terrarium

Add the moss to the terrarium, and use a spoon to create hills and valleys.

Photo by: Jessika Creedon ©Jessika Creedon 2013

Jessika Creedon, Jessika Creedon 2013

Attach Figures to a Rock

Pick out a flat rock for your figures to stand on — look for small rocks in your yard. Dip the feet of your first figure in waterproof glue (image 1), and attach to the flat rock (image 2). Dip the second figure into the glue, and attach to the rock. Let dry.

Add Figures and Display

Place the rock with the figures into the terrarium (image 1). Place more rocks into the top of the terrarium to create paths and walking trails (image 2). Display the terrarium in a shady spot in your home, and keep moist by spraying with water once a week (images 3 and 4).

Next Up

How to Make Clay Trays

Make these easy trays to help organize jewelry and other household items.

How to Make Crepe Paper Flowers

Crepe paper is easy to work with and creates realistic flowers that are perfect for gift toppers or placed in a vase during spring. Make three different types — peonies, daisies and tulips.

How to Make a Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed

Give your four-footed friend a custom, one-of-a-kind pet bed by repurposing a vintage suitcase in just a few simple steps.

Make a Tie-Dye Shower Curtain

It only takes 24 hours to brighten up a basic bathroom.

How to Make a Paper Flower Easter Basket

Make a 3D flower Easter basket using paper and our free printable patterns.

Make an Easy-to-Sew Lined Tote Bag

Custom tote bags can add to a fun personal fashion statement. Learn how to make a lined fabric tote bag that's perfect for work and play in this straightforward home sewing project for tweens, teens or anyone new to sewing.

How to Care for a ZZ Plant

Weren't gifted with a green thumb? Then this houseplant is for you. ZZ plants provide high-impact looks with little maintenance.

Ice Tie-Dye Napkins Four Ways

A tie-dye DIY so simple it only takes three ingredients: powder fabric dye, cotton napkins and ice.

How to Make Custom Dog Clothing

Learn how to make simple and stylish custom pet clothing for all sizes.

How to Hang Plants from the Ceiling

Learn the correct steps to securely and safely hang plants from the ceiling.

What's New in Handmade

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.