Terrariums are a simple way to contain and curate tabletop collections of petite plant life, and with a little upcycling ingenuity, it’s easy to create and customize your own using something as simple as an old flush-mount light fixture. Aged brass faceted fixtures such as the one used for this project can be affordably found at thrifty resale locations such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and they make the perfect base to create your own chic indoor DIY garden.

Estimated Time
2 Hours

Challenge Level
Easy

Tools & Supplies
Universal Metallic Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum Specialty Mirror Effect
Krud Kutter Gloss Off Prepaint Surface Preparation
Flush-mount glass light fixture
Scissors or wire cutters
Rocks and pebbles
Air plants and moss
Drop Cloth
Painter's Tape
Gloves
Lint Free Rag

Step 1
To begin, remove any loose wires from the back of the fixture with scissors or wire snips so it will sit flat on a table surface.

Step 2
Move the glass light fixture to a well-ventilated place and cover the work surface and surrounding area with drop cloths to protect them from over-spray when painting.

Step 3
While wearing disposable gloves, wipe the metal of the glass light fixture with a lint-free rag and Krud Kutter Gloss-Off to prep the surface for paint. No rinsing required.

Step 4
Once completely dry, use low-tack painter’s tape to cover the glass parts of the light fixture and coat the metal base with Universal Metallic Spray Paint in the colour of your choice. Hold the can 25-30 cm (10-12″) from the surface and spray with a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Repeat if necessary and allow to dry thoroughly as recommended on the can.

Step 5
While the light fixture base is drying, coat the large decorative rocks with Rust-Oleum Specialty Mirror Effect Spray Paint in Gold. Apply two or more light coats a few minutes apart. For best results, apply multiple light coats versus one heavy coat. Once your top coat is dry, flip the rock and paint the other side.

Step 6
Once everything is dry and the painter’s tape has been removed, fill your terrarium with pebbles, the painted rocks, moss and air plants… and enjoy!