The word terrarium may conjure grade-school memories of empty peanut butter jars and dead plants, but Terrarium Craft will dispel that notion at a glance. Artist and boutique owner Amy Bryant Aiello and garden writer Kate Bryant redefine the terrarium as art form, gardening complement and undeniable “eye candy.” They present 50 step-by-step projects adaptable to any mood or style and incorporating tiny treasures like found objects, trinkets and special shells or rocks. Plants are optional, believe it or not, but most projects recommend specific varieties selected for size, shape, color and habitat, and are easy to maintain. Terrariums can be almost any size—even wee glass baubles on a string—and can have a lid or remain open. After an introduction that takes readers through the basics—containers, foundations, materials and plants—the book divides the projects into Forest, Beach, Desert and Fantasy landscapes. The photographs throughout are simply gorgeous. Readers will be inspired to look for potential containers everywhere, to try and match the creativity and charm on display.
Valiant Women is a vital and engrossing attempt to correct the record and rightfully celebrate the achievements of female veterans of World War II.
