Group 1 – Mum and Daughters (9 – 13 yr) – Whimsical Land
Medium: Hanging Glass Terrarium (Succulents, figurines, gum nuts, pebbles)
Kate (Mother of Katija and Lucyja)
“This piece reflects the calm and ease I feel in nature. The frogs rest peacefully, reminding us to slow down and enjoy our surroundings. The mushroom symbolises whimsy—a nudge to embrace joy and freely explore what you love. Growing up, I found this difficult, so now in my 40s, I am learning to give myself permission to do so.”
✨What helps you feel relaxed and free to enjoy your own interests?
Lucija (9 – 13 yr)
“In my terrarium, the Happy Feet penguins rest together under the plants. I added mushrooms and heart-shaped glitter to make it playful and full of love.”
✨ What little touches would you add to make your own space feel joyful?
Katija (9 – 12 yr)
“My terrarium is a magical forest that glows in the dark. Since I love animals, I filled it with many of them. Hidden deep inside, there’s also a little treasure in a bottle waiting to be found!”
✨ If you discovered a hidden treasure in a magical forest, what would you hope it to be?
Group 2 Mum and Daughters – Magical Forest
Medium: Hanging Glass Terrarium (Succulents, figurines, gum nuts, pebbles)
Vanessa (Mother of Anna and Isobel)
“My design was inspired by a wild, spiky succulent—hardy, grumpy, and resilient. I contrasted it with a little dinosaur figure, a nod to Jurassic Park. Resisting the urge to water the soil was challenging, but it reminded me how life always finds a way.”
✨ What reminds you of resilience and life’s ability to adapt?
Anna (14 – 18 yr)
“My terrarium captures the feeling of being in a forest. I added silver succulents for a whimsical, ethereal touch, and a stone pathway to draw you into a magical world I long to explore.”
✨ What elements would you add to create your own enchanted forest?
Isobel (9 – 13 yr)
“My terrarium tells the story of a deep, magical forest, sprinkled with gumdrops and trinkets along the way. In the distance, a tiny cottage hides among the plants, waiting to be discovered.”
✨ If you could explore a magical forest, what hidden treasure would you hope to find?
Group 3 – Beach and Critters
Medium: Hanging Glass Terrarium (Succulents, figurines, gum nuts, pebbles)
Somerset (18 – 25 yr)
This terrarium is inspired by one of my favourite places, Nelson Bay. I love collecting shells on beach walks, so I included a little collection of shells and blue pebbles. The beauty of the beach always brings me joy, and creating my own beach inside this terrarium was such a fun way to capture that feeling.”
✨ What special place would you bring into your own terrarium?
Talia (18 – 25 yr)
“My terrarium Critters brought me so much joy to create. Garden critters are often seen as gross or unwanted, but I wanted to highlight their existence and celebrate their beauty and importance in nature. They are the unsung heroes of the garden!”
✨ Which overlooked creature or detail in nature do you find beautiful?
Group 4 – The Power of Music
(both Sophia and Joanna are musicians)
Medium: Hanging Glass Terrarium (Succulents, figurines, gum nuts, pebbles)
Sophia (14 – 18 yr)
“In creating my terrarium, I used different techniques to bring out its beauty. The piano keyboard symbolises the power of music and how it makes life more wonderful.”
✨ What symbol would you choose to show what makes your life beautiful and why?
Joanna (18 – 25 yr)
“What began as a treasure box transformed into a little fairy garden. I’ve always loved the idea of fairies hiding secrets in the garden, so they naturally find their way into my creations. A tiny purple path leads to a jar of fairy dust, ensuring the little creatures can always find the magic in this terrarium.”
✨ If you could hide a touch of magic in your own garden, what would it be?
Group 5 – Sand Play
Medium: Colour sand, wine glass (colour sand, succulents, figurines, pebbles)
Andrew (14 – 18 yr)
This terrarium features a Christmas theme, with a decorated tree, ornaments, a candy cane, and a snowy backdrop. Inspired by the upcoming festive season, it captures the joyful spirit of Christmas and the happiness it brings.” (Andrew)
✨What reminds you most of the joy and magic of Christmas – and why?
Bibi (55 + yr)
I’ve loved going to the beach since I was a kid growing up in Hong Kong. Watching seagulls rest on the sand or fly across the sky—and listening to the waves—always feels therapeutic. I also love collecting things with a smiley face and asking ‘RUOK?’—a simple question that can save a life.”
✨What small things bring you comfort or help you feel connected to others?
Henry (14 – 18 yr)
My design, depicting a Snowy Mountain, was inspired by the Christmas season. I imagine this kind of scene when I think about being on holiday, surrounded by peace and joy.”
What colours or scenes remind you of the holiday season?
If you would like to send your feedback or reflections to a particular artist, please start your sentence with the name of the artist. For example, ‘Hi Kate, ….) Thank you.
Leave a Reply