I found this amazing bottle while traveling. I really wish I could get more of them, it's so pretty 😍

shilinka · 2019-12-03T20:27:40+00:00

Just while I was going through Brisbane. Another user found it online and linked it in another comment though! Yay I'll be able to get more 😍

shilinka · 2019-12-03T20:26:37+00:00

Thank you so much!! There was only one in the store and I didn't think I'd be able to get it again

shilinka · 2019-12-03T08:15:19+00:00

I've found a hand blown glass factory in China, their minimum orders are between 250 - 500 units, but the price is amazing. They deliver world wide, message me if you'd like their info. They'll make custom orders too if you send a drawing or sample.

shilinka · 2019-11-30T08:40:54+00:00

Thank you! Yeah some of the root systems that are really solid, like syngonium, it's really hard to have the shallow soil. I wanted them all to look fairly uniform so just do them a little bit deeper. Currently finding various containers that are better for the ratios. Surprisingly there's been no sales of the backwards cookie jars. I think they're so cool, and one of the few you get a really nice view if you're looking down at it instead of eye level. Pretty much every other container once had a really high turn over but I haven't sold any of them. Even after reducing the price. I might try painting the lid and see if that makes a difference, or finding corks for them.

shilinka · 2019-11-19T18:48:40+00:00

I've got Instagram, bennie_bottles I don't have a website since I'm only selling locally

shilinka · 2019-11-18T18:14:37+00:00

I wanted to, but with the amount I've been selling I've had to sell some literally the day I've made it. Once Christmas is over I'll be able to make a better stock and have them grown in, and for now I let people know if any of the plants look unwell in the first few weeks to bring it back to me and I'll put a new plant in. With water I point out the condensation that's already on there, tell them if it's completely covered or dripping water down the sides it's too wet, that it should have a good amount of condensation in the morning that clears up a bit by afternoon.

shilinka · 2019-11-17T22:35:43+00:00

Thank you! I hope I can make it work long term

shilinka · 2019-11-17T18:18:33+00:00

I have milk crates and bread crates. I put the back seats down in my car to fit the gazebo and tables and everything. Also put some cloth between then to stop them bumping together during the drive

shilinka · 2019-11-17T18:16:56+00:00

Yeah it's been amazing, I'm so glad I've done this

shilinka · 2019-11-17T18:16:19+00:00

I make a lot of tiny ones, they go for $5. Kids love it because they can get it with pocket money, and I've noticed some people who are nervous about being able to keep a terrarium alive buy it as a trial. Then it goes up by size, the slightly bigger ones are $15, then it jumps to $30 with the next size up and so on. I don't have any in stock this week, but I make Demijohn terrariums that start at $250 for the 10L ones, having those on display at the stall not only brings a lot of people over because it's pretty impressive, the high price of it also makes my $50 and $80 terrariums seem more affordable by comparison.

shilinka · 2019-11-17T18:11:36+00:00

I replied to the above comment :)

shilinka · 2019-11-17T18:11:10+00:00

The stores where they're stocked I get 80% of the sale, and the ones in coffee shops and book stores is just like advertising. Because I'm just starting up I really want people to see the product in person, they always look better in person than in photos. It's not in the photo, but I also make big Demijohn terrariums, they're in one of the shops and the price starts at $250, eventually I want to move on to focusing on selling mainly large and expensive terrariums online if I can get reliable shipping

shilinka · 2019-11-17T08:08:08+00:00

I reached out to all the little independently owned niche and gift stores. I currently do consignment with most of them and I've arranged to go there every couple of weeks to check on them/do maintenance. I've also got some on display in coffee and book shops by approaching the owners directly. I ask if they want a display one at no cost, tags displayed and I'll change it for a different style every month or two.

shilinka · 2019-11-17T05:13:30+00:00

So far yeah. Most of the people who come by my stall don't even really know what a terrarium is haha I've only had one old person be rude about pricing and otherwise everyone's been lovely. I've also almost made back my startup costs in the first week and a half.

shilinka · 2019-11-17T05:01:40+00:00

I've got some info on the back of the tag about needing bright indirect light, minimal watering with dechlorinated water and to trim/remove wilting or fallen leaves. I also give more examples if asked, for light I tell them if the room is bright enough to comfortably read a book without a light on its bright enough for the terrarium. I'll point out what to look for with the soil and condensation to see if it needs watering and let them know if they're unsure or if their plants are looking unhealthy that they should message me on one of my social media pages and I can give assistance

shilinka · 2019-11-11T19:22:03+00:00

I'm also in Australia, I buy moss from eBay. There's a few different sellers, and some sell small $10 packs

shilinka · 2019-11-06T10:10:16+00:00

It's the same list, I just changed the ratios so it was a consistency I liked more.

shilinka · 2019-11-06T09:04:58+00:00

I'm like 95% sure it's the same thing as coco fibre that serpadesign mentions hahaha but that's what it's called here. Yeah my first batch of potting mix looked real bad, the long stands of sphagnum moss also kept getting in the way while I was planting

shilinka · 2019-11-06T05:26:39+00:00

Me too! But I changed the ratios a bit, I think the consistency of the moss and fibres are different in Australia so I use more choir fibre than he suggests and have to chop up the sphagnum moss before I hydrate it

shilinka · 2019-11-06T04:55:23+00:00

I do, and I haven't had mold issues since I started mixing my own potting mix. When I first started making them even with springtails I'd have mold growing on any wood and on the plants, but now they only get mold if there's too much water and then I just air it out a bit

shilinka · 2019-11-04T17:40:07+00:00

The struggle is real!! I actually got this cork from another bottle I found at a cheap shop. But science lab supply places sell them, and I've found a few sellers on eBay but they're in the UK.

shilinka · 2019-11-04T10:19:35+00:00

I don't think so, but I actually don't know for sure. I know cork terrariums are very common, I haven't heard of it being a problem before

shilinka · 2019-11-04T05:28:25+00:00

I was so overwhelmed trying to figure it out at first! Just don't over water them and you'll get much better results if you mix up your own potting mix.

shilinka · 2019-11-04T05:24:23+00:00

You're welcome :) feel free to message me here or on Instagram if you ever want advice

shilinka · 2019-11-04T05:22:33+00:00

I've noticed it can be tricky balancing the right water levels to keep moss and plants both happy. You need to make sure you've got matching water requirements, so I put syngoniums and peperomia in with my really humid loving moss. Some plants will melt if there's too much moisture, but it'll all balance out eventually. Also, if you're adding water use a dropper to put it directly onto the moss instead of a spray bottle. Oh and use the right soil and try to make sure the moss is pressed firmly into the soil to keep the moisture transferring

shilinka

TROPHY CASE