Thrift Store Terrarium Ideas and Creative Planter Makeovers

I had to start with Denise’s clock because… well, just look at it! She took a dated thrift store clock, kept its deep wooden frame, and filled it with succulents to create a little piece of living art. Her tutorial also explains why the plants need time to root before the frame goes up on the wall. 

Jennifer sees possibility everywhere in a thrift store, and I think you will love looking through the five vessels she brought home. Her covered apothecary jar becomes a tiny green world, while other finds become planters. It is such a good reminder to look at the shape of a piece before deciding what it was made to hold. 

Oh, Pam, this one is delightful! She turned a secondhand glass coffee pot into a miniature scene with little plants, sand, shells, and the sweetest pink bicycle. I especially appreciate that she explains why a coffee pot with openings in its lid will still need an occasional spritz of water.

Denise’s sister found this small wood terrarium for $7.99, and Denise gave it a beautiful new look with paint and paint sticks. It was destined for kitchen herbs or plant cuttings, with a little protection from the curious cats in the house. Such a charming example of improving a thrift find you already love. 

Renée used a large former cookie jar to make a living fairy garden, leaving room to change the tiny decorations as the seasons pass. I can just picture a little autumn scene now and a few snowy touches later. This one has such a sweet story behind it, too. 

Pam’s larger woodland terrarium feels like a tiny patch of forest brought indoors. She walks readers through the glass container, layers, and moisture-loving plants, so it is a lovely place to start if you find a big lidded jar while thrifting. I would be tempted to add one little woodland creature among the greenery! 

Ananda shows how an ordinary glass jar can become a lush little garden without buying a special terrarium kit. I particularly like her advice to choose plants that enjoy the same conditions… that one small decision gives your miniature garden a much better start. 

If keeping plants alive is not your favorite pastime, Emy has an idea for you! She filled thrifted glass containers with faux succulents and stones, creating that pretty terrarium look with no watering at all. Her canister and decanter also show how much the shape of the glass changes the finished display. 

Jane and Sonja turned a wine glass upside down over a little arrangement of dried flowers and moss. It is delicate, inexpensive, and especially nice if you have flowers you want to enjoy a bit longer. I think a few of these would be lovely grouped together on a shelf. 

And what if your little garden has outgrown its container? Stephanie shows how to take apart an older terrarium, move plants that need more room, and arrange a fresh miniature landscape. I love ending with this idea because even our past projects can have another beautiful chapter.