Have I mentioned I love terrariums?

Something about the way they contain earth, air, light, water and plant life is so elemental.  As a microcosm of an ecosystem, the relationship between entities reads like a metaphor for an environmental theory of well being. When I observe them, it is like they are talking to me. And yes, I've come into the habit of naming my terrariums.

This terrarium, I made three years ago. It is one that unfortunately didn't make it .

Old friend- I wish we had more time together. Thank you for all that you have taught me. I wish I had been better able to fit your needs. I am grateful that I made this painting of you during your prime as a way to remember you and to share the story of your brilliance with others.

Hey! It's spring break here in my township so school is out... all week. Needless to say, my studio time has taken a hit but it's been replaced by some time with my kids where I have really had a chance to see how they've grown! 

Part of the secret to our success has admittedly been the amazing weather we have been having. This first painting is of our new favorite spot at Morris Arboretum...next to the stream and under the weeping cherry trees. We spent an hour there on Monday. The weather has also brought many customers to my son's lemonade and sweet tea stand that he has been managing everyday all week from about 4-5pm.

​Notably, I also got a new pen, a Pentel color brush, which I bought at the new art store in Chestnut Hill that I finally found last Saturday. It's pretty awesome, both the pen and the store. (And if you are looking for the store, it's called Artist & Craftsman Supply and it is on Germantown Ave, a bit south of Willow Grove Ave, down an alley and in a courtyard.) 

I've never posted two images in one week, but due to the split vote from my children I am including both paintings I finished today. 

This second painting features my daughter's terrarium, named Hobette, and three mini figures from my imagination. It is agreed among the kids that Caitlyn is the figure on the left, Dylan is hanging from the rope, and the third figure is Dylan's friend Barry who spent the day at our house today. I can't say that I consciously intended this connection to our day, but I do know that the idea of small people inhabiting these terrariums that I love has been floating in my mind for quite a while. Maybe it is the beginning of something...

Meet the tea cup terrarium that stole my heart.

For the second year, I assembled several terrariums for the cozy holiday sale that my artists group (MamaCITA) organizes in the house of one lucky Elkins Park (sometimes Melrose Park) resident. Once I set eyes on this succulent little Black Prince Echeveria contrasting and harmonizing with the fine lines of the tea cup, I knew. This one was never going to make it to the sale.

Is it wrong to gain so much joy from looking at a terrarium? If that's true, then I don't want to be right!

​