'Memory Terrarium' DIY

Since moving to Southern California I have been fortunate enough to become friends with a handful of ladies whose husbands are in the military. While these friendships have not only allowed me to meet people from all walks of life but it has also permitted me an inside look at just how much these families sacrifice. 

One of the ladies that I felt very much connected to and had developed a friendship with, told me that when her husband came back from his most recent deployment they would be moving to Virginia. I knew that I would miss the puppy play dates and massive amounts of frozen yogurt we had been known to enjoy.  Even more than the laughs and days spent at the local dog beaches, I knew I would miss her company and her friendship.

As her farewell lunch date crept closer I began to think of some small token that she could take with her as she began this new chapter in her life. I wanted her to be able to reflect back on the years that she and her husband had lived here and remember the beauty of San Diego and to be reminded of the people she had befriended.

I decided to make a terrarium of sorts using elements that remind me of life in San Diego and would also represent memories that she and I have created with our pups. 

What was used to create my ‘Memory Terrarium’

*Glass Jar with stopper top (found at local Michael’s)

*Sand from local beach (Ocean Beach to be exact)

*Shells and Sand dollars

*White poster board

*Adhesive glass tiles (left over from past project)

How it was made

I filled roughly a quarter of the jar with sand found at my local beach.  I measured a strip cut from white poster board and placed it vertically in the center of the jar.  I wanted to be sure that the paper strip would be firm against the bottom of the jar and not quite long enough to reach the lid of the jar. 

Once I had the paper strip sized to my liking, I took a minute to write out a personal note to my friend and made sure that the lettering would not be covered with sand.  Next I placed the paper strip into the sand and ensured that it was firmly in place.

Then I randomly placed the shells and sand dollars into the sand around the paper strip. I anchored the sand dollar at an angle that would also support the paper strip.

I had a few adhesive glass tiles that I had used in a mosaic project  and I used them to decorate the glass stopper lid. 

I think this gift idea could easily be altered to reflect other occasions as a ‘Memory Terrarium’ can display various themed items.  It was simple, fast and not costly to create. 

Final Product

View from backside

View from standing position

View from the top