Its always fun to look through a nursery overseas. I discovered a great one.
I saw these glass orchid vases in Kaiserslautern,Germany. I was fascinated with the rock crystal and determined to make some for myself.
Supply list:
glass containers of your choice (Marshalls, Michaels, Goodwill..etc...) I got one of mine for 4 bucks but they generally aren't over 15.00
bags of smooth river rock ( I chose a variegated and a black
package for 5 bucks each at Lowes)
marbles, glass rock or crystal ( I got my glass at the florist in
Germany)
a bag of tiny pebbles or large grain sand
moss ( different kinds and colors at Michaels)
interesting objects from nature; twigs,seed pods,dried fungus,cones ...even
shells...the flatter the better towards the top
a small plastic plant pot that fits inside the container but allows
1/2 inch of room all the way around
bubble wrap to fit in the space in the middle of the pot and help stretch the
use of the rock (and help control the weight).
creativity, patience and imagination!.........and you are ready to
assemble
I wont bore you with the step by step ..You get the idea and it may take you three times to get it right..keep in mind this plastic pot is just there to hold your orchid plant which you still keep in its clay pot..This way it is removable for living outside and/or watering.
After working this project a few times, I recommend using the coarse sand or pebbles in the bottom to begin.Then add you tall items against the side. Place you rocks at the edge of the glass. Stack 5 or 6 of the same color or kind. Then add some moss working on a diagonal in between. You will need the bubble wrap to shore up the rocks against the side. When you get high enough place the plastic pot in the glass container and keep working with the flatter thinner rocks. Use a kitchen knife to poke in the moss. Now you can add some of the coarse sand or tiny pebbles. They will filter down so use sparingly. Now you container is ready. I use an orchid that is blooming. I do not keep my orchids inside. So this is an easy way to display them temporarily. When I have no blooming orchids, I can add a candle,fruit, Christmas balls, Easter eggs.......even cut flowers.......whatever I have for each season or just a wad of moss!
This one I made for the Living room
I made this one for the bathroom
And when I put them all together, they make quite a display on the dining room table
