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The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Make This: Cross Base Succulent Terrariums

September 2, 2016 by Bethany Sy

Sometimes when I’m wandering about on social media, I’ll find something that inspires me and I’ll save it or screenshot it and put it in my ‘inspiration’ folder on my computer. This particular image was one I snagged from West Elm on their Instagram feed. I loved these succulent terrarium globes!

Cross-Base Terrariums by West Elm*This post contains affiliate links*

Aren’t those gorgeous?!

Upon further thought, I decided I could TOTALLY make these for a fraction of the cost. And cost isn’t really an object here, because they’re discontinued now! HAHA! So you have to make them now.

But don’t worry… I’m gonna show ya. (as usual)

Cross-Base Succulent Terrariums

  • 1/4” plywood
  • Scroll Saw or Jigsaw
  • Gold Spray Paint
  • Clear glass globes (could be fish bowls, or globes from light fixtures… anything!)
  • Cloth tape measure
  • Fake Succulents

 

I started out by measuring the circumference of my globe with the fabric measuring tape. I used found my formula the cheater way, then measured out the radius, and drew out my half circle accordingly using a compass. Notice my white-trash compass is actually two shop pencils screwed together. LOL! I started the edge of my half circle about a half inch from the edge (a little more for the large globe, and a little less for the tiny globe)

globe terrarium

Then, using the table saw, I sliced off the excess of the board, and cut two duplicate rectangles. At this point, only one of them has a the half-circle penciled on, because I trace the first one onto the second one after the circle has been cut out.

Make your own cross base succulant terrarium! {Reality Daydream}

Globe terrariums DIY {Reality Daydream}

Then I found the center and marked out a notch to be cut out.

globe terrarium-001

Using my trusty scroll saw, I cut out the half circle. Then traced that exact shape onto the second board, and cut it as well! This is the scroll saw I use and it’s A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. But if you’re looking for a more mid-range (read: less expensive) then this one is also great quality and handles well! Whatever you do, don’t buy a scroll saw in the $100-$200 range. You’ll regret it for sure.

Make a globe terarrium with face succulents! {Reality Daydream}

Notice how I cut those notches out on opposite sides? That’s so they can fit together like so:

Making the Cross Base for these DIY Globe Terarriums! {Reality Daydream}

How to make the Cross Base for these Globe Terrariums! {Reality Daydream}

Now it’s time to spray paint them with that metallic spray paint! This stuff is the bomb dot com.

20160823_104340

The notches allow the two pieces to fit together snug enough that I don’t need to glue it… but I can also take them apart for ease of storage!

DIY Glass Globe Terrariums... with fake succulents! {Reality Daydream}

Next, I got out my FAKE succulents! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve heard me lament about how I can keep just about any plant alive… except for a succulent. What gives?!

So for this project, I decided to cut corners and just use fake. I’m pretty confident about it, so go ahead and look down on me.

Faux Succulents for these DIY Cross Base Terrariums! {Reality Daydream}

So pretty right?! I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but I noticed you can also get them on Amazon (here) for much cheaper… soooo.

I started snipping of the long stems, and placing them into the globes… moving them around as the spirit leads. I big one here,  a little one there. Booya.

Make a Cross Base Terrarium with FAKE Succulents! {Reality Daydream}

Then I used some rocks and shells that I had in my crafting stash. You could get something in the aquarium department too.

Make your own Cross Base Succulent Terrarium {Reality Daydream}

I just nestled the stones in around the sides, rearranging things accordingly… until it looked just right!

Learn how to make these Cross-Base Terrariums... with FAKE Succulents! {Reality Daydream}

Step-by-step tutorial to make these darling Cross Base Terrariums with Faux Succulents!! {Reality Daydream}

Nick really wants to fill them with water and put fish in amongst all the faux greenery… which isn’t a half bad idea.

Make these darling Cross Base Terrariums with this simple tutorial! {Reality Daydream}

I would venture to say that I like my version of these Cross-Base Terrariums even better than West Elms version. But I do thank them for the inspiration. Of course.

Do you think this is one you’ll try?! I hope so! And as always, tag us on social media and hashtag #realitydaydream if you give any of our tutorials a whirl.

Happy weekend friends!

~Bethany

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Despite having a black thumb when it comes to succulents, I have these other fun tutorials for my fellow succulent-lovers out there. You can TOTALLY use fake succulents instead. I’m glad we had this talk.

Make-this-rustic-centerpieces-with-Birch-Logs-and-Succulents-Reality-Daydream-313x1024

You might also enjoy these other projects that I’ve used my Scroll Saw for!

12 Creative Scroll Saw Projects {Reality Daydream}

Thanks for pinning!

Step-by-Step tutorial for these darling Cross-Base Terrariums... with faux succulents (or real, if you're fancy) - Reality Daydream

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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 7

    Hilda says

    September 4, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Your project are so great!!! What I’ve done so far so I don’t know this site? Your project are soo great and unique. They are so original and fresh. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. 8

    Ash says

    September 16, 2016 at 11:12 am

    I love the succulents, but those bowls are WAY too teeny for fish. Even a single betta needs at least a gallon of water, and they do better with a filter and heater.

    Reply
    • 9

      Beth @ Reality Daydream says

      September 17, 2016 at 1:14 am

      Ooo good point! I forget that even teeny fish need more water. Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  3. 10

    mercury says

    September 6, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    definitely doing this!

    Reply
  4. 11

    Lisa says

    September 6, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    Yours look just like the original! You did a great job.

    Reply
  5. 12

    Julie@followyourheart says

    September 4, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    That is super cool!

    Reply
  6. 13

    dana dashoop says

    September 2, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    GREAT JOB!!! SOO COOL! Love the gold paint!

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!

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