Marimo terrarium - lucky you!

It's hard buying my Mom gifts. She constantly tells me she doesn't need anything, and she doesn't want anything. For years, I've purchased nice gifts (or what I thought were nice gifts), only to see them be returned. So, this year, I decided to embark on a little DIY project, something she couldn't return. All jokes aside, my Mom has a green thumb and has recently taken an interest in terrariums, so when I stumbled upon marimo balls, I was inspired. 

Marimos are live moss balls found in lakes in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. Lake currents swirl the little plants around so that they grow naturally into petite pom-pom shapes. The name, "marimo," originates from two Japanese words--"mari" meaning "bouncy ball," and "mo," a term for plants that grow underwater. 

I was struck by the marimo's simplicity and cuteness, and decided to create a marimo terrarium for my Mom for Christmas. The sweet, sphere-shaped creature is adored around the globe: the Japanese believe that it brings good luck, and in Iceland it is believed that a well-loved marimo makes wishes come true! How could she not love it?

The required supplies are short and simple:

-tiny glass rocks from a local flower nursery
-a small vase from CB2 
-a grab bag assortment of sea fan pieces from Etsy seller seashells11035
-marimo balls (I purchased mine from eBay)

I placed the glass rocks and a few sea fan pieces into the tiny vase, using a knife to situate the sea fans where I wanted them. You may have to wash the glass rocks prior to placing them in the vase since they can be dusty or dirty and will cloud the water. 

Then, I waited anxiously for my marimo balls to come in the mail. Almost all marimo balls are shipped internationally, so factor in two weeks to receive them. 

Then, place the marimos in the vase filled with water. They will float for about a day, but will eventually sink to the bottom of the vase and begin "playing." 

I added a gift tag with care instructions and included a card that explains the origin and meaning behind marimo balls. My non-returnable gift is complete!