Mason Jar Terrariums

I must be one crazy Librarian to do a project like this, but it was so much fun.  The teens loved it!  It's a bit on the messy side, but the end results are adorable.  For these terrariums I used mason jars and small Cacti.

I was able to purchase the mason jars for about $0.75 each, the Cacti were $2.99 each, and the figurines I had on hand at the library.  Everything else was purchased from a garden store.  

What you will need:

• Charcoal (for drainage/mold)
• Soil
• Small rocks (for drainage)
• Small plant (I used Cactus)
• Small figures to place in jar
• Tongs
• A lot of patience!

Place a small amount of charcoal at the bottom of the mason jar.  Place a scoop of soil on top of that.  Take a handful of small rocks and put them in next, cover with another scoop of soil.  Remove your plant from any containers and break the roots up.  Using your tongs, place the plant inside the mason jar.  Work it down into the dirt so that the plant can stand up.  Using the tongs again place any figures or other objects (stones,shells, beads, etc.) 

Here is what the teens came up with today.  We made a couple to decorate the library with too!

As you can see, some of us had a a lot of fun with the figures that went inside the jars.  :-)  

We used gofers, gnomes, and lizards to add to our terrariums.  

Enjoy!

No-sew fleece pillow

These pillows are quick and easy to make (with a bit of prep work ahead of time).  

Here is what you will need:

• Fleece
• Poly-fil
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Rotary cutter and mats (optional)

These are the tools I used to measure and cut my fabric.  You can do this process with just scissors and a ruler if that is what you have handy.

First you will need to cut 2 squared out of your fleece.  I made mine 15" squares.

(for the library program I will pre-cut all the 15" squares and let the teens do the rest)

Next cut 3" squares out of each corner

Once all corners are cut out of both squares, layer them one on top of the other good sides facing out.  

Cut all sides into 1"wide strips.  You do not need to measure these exactly.  

They will just be used to tie the pillow shut.

Almost there!

Double check that your fabric is facing the correct way (good side facing out).  Begin to tie a simple knot matching the strips together.  Do this to three sides, leaving one side open for the poly-fil.

Three sides tied together!

Stuff your pillow with poly-fil.  I used two large handfuls in mine.  

If you want it to be fluffier just add more poly-fil.

Tie the last side shut and now you have a cute little pillow.  The finished pillow 12"x12" with 3" fringe.  

You can make these bigger or smaller if you desire.

Enjoy!