Under Glass: Geometry-Inspired Terrariums by

Issue 20 · The Northern Light · May 18, 2012

Under Glass: Geometry-Inspired Terrariums

Issue 20 · The Northern Light · May 18, 2012

Here's a confession: I'm 25, and I do not own a terrarium. I didn't actively choose to live sans terrarium, I just haven't seen one in an appealing context—until now.

Matthew Cleland makes his one-of-a-kind terrariums by hand on Pender Island, off the West Coast of British Columbia, using lead-free solder with glass. In his recent look book, geometric terrariums (dodecahedrons, rhombuses, and icosidodes) hang in sun-filled windows and sit on dresser corners. Each terrarium kit includes rocks, sand, activated charcoal, and—for the spiritually inclined—a quartz crystal; prices start at $110 for a Small Cube Terrarium at Old Faithful Shop in Vancouver; the terrariums are also available directly from Score + Solder.

Mini Suspended Tetra Terrarium

Above: The Mini Suspended Tetra Terrarium measures 6 inches by 6 inches and hangs from a 44-inch metal chain; $140 from Old Faithful Shop.

Quartz Terrarium

Above: Shaped like the classic crystal, the Quartz Terrarium is $140.

Suspended Teardrop Planter

Above: The Suspended Teardrop Planter sits in the right corner of the window (sans chain); $180 from Score and Solder.

Dodecahedron Terrarium

Above: A tiny cactus with a colorful bloom inside the Dodecahedron Terrarium; $160 from Old Faithful Shop.

Above: Hanging terrariums can be displayed on a chain (L) or without (R).

Suspended Tetra Terrarium

Above: The larger version of the Suspended Tetra Terrarium measures about 10 by 10 inches; $240 from Score and Solder.



Contributions
Have an opinion? Care to comment? We'd love to hear what you have to say.