In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between work, family, and social commitments, it often feels like there’s no time to just breathe. I’ve always been someone who struggles to find moments of peace amidst the hustle. So, when a friend recommended I try a terrarium-making workshop at Terrarium Art School, I was a little skeptical. How could creating tiny glass gardens possibly help me unwind?
I had no idea just how much I needed it.
I’ve always admired nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors, but I’d never really considered bringing nature into my everyday life—especially not in the form of a terrarium. I signed up for a beginner’s class, curious but uncertain. From the moment I walked into the studio, everything changed.
The first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. The studio was filled with the comforting scent of earth and plants, and soft, ambient music played in the background. It felt like stepping into a different world—one where time slowed down, and the usual distractions of daily life melted away. There was no rush, no deadlines, just an invitation to be present and focus on the task at hand.
Sarah, the instructor, greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel immediately at ease. She explained the basics of terrarium-making and talked us through the materials we’d be using—succulents, moss, stones, and soil. It was all so simple, but there was something incredibly soothing about the process. The glass containers we’d be working with were like tiny windows to another world, and I felt myself becoming fully immersed in the act of creation.
As I began arranging the plants, stones, and moss, I noticed something unexpected. I was focused. My mind, which is usually racing with thoughts, was completely absorbed in the delicate process of building this miniature ecosystem. Every small movement felt deliberate and intentional. I wasn’t thinking about work or my to-do list; I was simply focused on making something beautiful, something living. It felt like a form of active meditation, where I could be in the moment, free from the usual noise and distractions.
The more I worked on my terrarium, the more relaxed I became. There was something deeply grounding about working with my hands, connecting with the plants, and taking the time to arrange everything just right. As I added each layer of soil, moss, and stone, I could feel the tension in my body melting away. It was almost like I was creating a little pocket of peace—both inside the glass container and inside myself.
By the end of the workshop, I had a completed terrarium: a small, lush world contained in a glass dome. But what I took away from that experience wasn’t just a beautiful piece of art—it was a sense of calm, a feeling of balance that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe deeply and truly relax.
Terrarium-making became my escape—a way to find stillness and reconnect with my inner calm amidst the chaos of daily life. Since that first workshop, I’ve continued to attend classes at Terrarium Art School, exploring new techniques and creating more complex designs. But each time I make a terrarium, it’s not just about the end result. It’s about the journey. The peaceful, mindful process of bringing nature into a glass container has become my sanctuary.
What I’ve learned is that we often think of relaxation as something we can only find when we’re doing nothing. But for me, true calm comes from engaging in something creative—something that allows me to focus, to slow down, and to reconnect with myself. Terrarium-making is that perfect outlet for me.
If you’re someone who struggles to find time to relax or just needs a break from the chaos, I highly recommend giving terrarium-making a try. It’s a simple, beautiful way to center yourself and find peace in the process. Trust me—you’ll walk away feeling more grounded, more mindful, and more connected to nature than you ever thought possible.