Katy and Michelle of Twig Terrariums are giving away this fancy magnifying glass. They use it to create their own miniature moss worlds, but you can keep it in your purse and use it on that oh-so-pesky, tiny type. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Do you ever use a magnifying glass when you read?
Cool company alert! Terrariums are making a comeback, but we're not talking those dreadful aquarium-style science projects. Instead, two Brooklyn, N.Y.
FUFs have built their business building miniature worlds inside vintage apothecary jars. Here we chat with Katy and Michelle of
Twig Terrariums. Plus, their terrariums are now for sale in the
FOF Shop!
Is this a full-time gig for you guys?
Oh yes, for both of us.
What are your backgrounds?
Katy: We both were Brooklyn College students; Michelle was there for design and photography and I was there for creative writing.
How did you two meet?
Michelle: We've known each other since I was 15 and Katy was 12. We lost touch in our teen years when Katy moved away. We met up at my 31st birthday party. A friend brought her as a surprise guest. The friendship was rekindled, and we liked to get crafty together ever since.
When did you start getting interested in terrariums?
Michelle: I spoke with my college chemistry/biology teacher on how to make a terrarium, and we started experimenting with different vintage jars. They looked like little gardens, and we added people to them. Before we knew it they were all over our apartments. So we had a choice: Sell them or give them to our friends for Christmas.
So you started selling them! Fabulous. When was this?
Michelle: About 3 years ago.
Do you teach others how to make terrariums?
Katy: We have regular workshops all the time at our studio in Brooklyn and around town. We also do private workshops with people who want to work one-on-one with us.
How do you take care of a terrarium?
Katy: They're moss terrariums so it's very simple. You mist them with water every 2-4 weeks and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Very low maintenance!
Katy: That's our goal. We are busy urban dwellers without access to acreage, so our terrariums are our backyards.
What's your favorite scene you've seen someone make or made yourself?
Katy: In a workshop one woman did a medieval scene--with a knight slaying a dragon. That was cool. We have so much fun making custom pieces, like a skydiving couple we did recently. We also did wedding centerpieces and each terrarium represented a different memory in the couple's life--from one with them having dinner by a lake, to one with them riding on mopeds.
Your business was recently featured by the New York Times. Why the sudden interest in terrariums again?
Katy: They're so low maintenance, and we're all so busy. You don't have to hoe and rake and prune, and you have a petite little garden that you can potentially put your family in. Or enjoy your grandchildren in your little green world. There is a very peaceful aspect to them--yet they add a nice bit of life to any home.
—————————————————————————————————
Enter to win a fancy magnifying glass by Twig Terrariums by answering in the comments below: Do you ever use a magnifying glass when you read?
One FOF will win. (See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 9, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.
Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.
{Test this} Elave Age Delay Daily Cleanser, by Ayla 
{FOF Book Critic & Giveaway} Read like an author 
{FOF Homework} Then & Now 
{FOF Coach} Making her own rules
great for fine print!
Not usually, as I have my kindle. However, I know that there have been several times when I could have used one.
I do. I love fancy ones I will use all the time when I win
Absolutely, if I want to read the phone book or any other fine print.
Yes, I do use a glass sometimes! this is lovely and would be such a pretty accessory to have!
I have several magnifying glasses around the house ’cause you never know when you might need one. This one is very pretty!
i cannot read without one! and this one is just beautiful!
I use a magnifying 8×10 sheet for my work papers and even a magnifying ruler. Trust me – to magnify is to gratify!!!!
I think my next fun project is going to be a terrarium. I’ve been reading about “fairy gardens” and their popularity, but I think a terrarium would be better for me. I would definitely make great use of the magnifying glass. Not only for the terrarium but also when working with my jewelry collection or out buying new vintage jewelry.
I have a small magnifying glass that I sometimes use to read fine print. I wear “cheaters” to read most of the time. I have an expensive pair of bifocals that I have never become accustomed to but carry them around in my purse in case I need them.
I have not, but it’s funny that this is a giveaway right now cause I do alot of crafts including jewelry and I was just think I should get a magnifying class so I can see….
I would love to win this as I use one (not nearly as beautiful) frequently to read documents at work. Would love to have it!
I can’t read certain things WITH my glasses (ha!), like Rx bottles and other fine print…so I would love to have this.
I take off my no-line glasses to see better. But remember a time when making a Danish counted cross-stich with tiny stitches that it would have come in handy. I did get a Danish to English dictonary for translation.
I use a magnifying glass almost every day. This one is so stylish would love to win it.
I do using a magnifying glass, though not one as nice as this! Especially when I need to read the fine print on menus, seed packets, DVDs, etc. Love your work!
I did not use it yet, but I am getting to the point – I need it. Glasses is not enough enymore…
Blue is my fav color. Would love this as I need a magnifying glass.
I haven’t had to use a magnifying glass yet because I usually have my glasses on or nearby when I’m reading. But I used to play with my grandpas all the time though and loved it, though his definitely wasn’t as fancy.
Yes, I have a small turtle one that was my favorite until I saw this one! Would love!
I think I’ll need to start but what a pretty one to pull out of my bag & use.
i wear reading glasses but still need a magnifying glass to read prescription bottles and instructions .
I have not yet succumbed to reading glasses, but a magnifier is a different story…I would love to use a magnifying glass that is practical yet beautiful!
It Is a beauty. I could really use this!
How Pretty! Would love to win this! Started wearing glasses a couple of years ago and just switched to contact lens last week. The prescription isn’t right yet though. I am still having to wear readers for close up=magnification glass—yes!
Yes I do!I cannot read teeny print on cosmetics,ect..drives me crazy!This is so cute~thank you for the chance
Love it
Ah! Are you kidding???? My glasses are magnifying and I still can’t see the little stuff. I’ve been known to use a magnifying glass with my glasses. This would be wonderful and oh so pretty to carry in my purse. And I love your terrariums. I practically drool everytime I see one. What a great job you ladies do.
I keep a small magnifying “card” in my purse at all times, I use it to read ingredients and nutrition content all the time. It would be awesome to have a large one for my desk!
Would love to trade my old black magnifying glass that I use everyday for this one.
Yes, I do on certain things!
alholm.co at gmail dot com
Yes, I do. And my parents do as well!
I do! When I’m reading those tiny vitamin bottle or cosmetic ingredients on tiny tubes. My mom is always asking to borrow mine. This would be an awesome gift for her!
At my age a magnifying glass is a great thing to have!
not yet (I wear glasses), but my parents do