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Mason Jar – Woodland Terrarium

February 4, 2019 by Shellie Wilson

Dollar Store DIY: Woodland Creature Terrarium This Terrarium was created using a plastic Dollar store mason jar and some Dollar store trinkets. The tutorial is aimed at kids but this DIY craft is great for all ages. You can use recycled jars to cut down costs when making these for large groups like classes.

Supplies needed:
– plastic mason jar
– small woodland creature mini rabbit mini fawn
– foam moss rock
– sand or gravel
– twig or stick of your choice
– twine

We found all of the supplies we needed for this project at our local dollar store. The plastic mason jar makes it safe for little hands!


Directions:
1. Begin by adding a few tablespoons of sand or gravel into the jar. You may need to wipe out the inside of the jar after you pour to remove dust.
2. Let the sand settle and add in your foam moss rock. You can fit two if you wish.
3. Add in a small twig for embellishment. We simply went outside in search of the perfect stick. Break it to fit and insert into jar.

4. Choose a woodland creature you wish to add. Dollar Tree sells these in packs of three so you have a variety to pick from.

5. Add in your creature. Replace the lid.
6. Finish your woodland creature terrarium by adding some ribbon or twine around the top of the jar.

Your woodland creature terrarium is now ready to be displayed.

This Easter craft shows you how to make a decoration using supplies from the Dollar Tree or Dollar Store.  Most of these dollar items can be bought around the world in discount stores.  These Easter crafts are great for gifting to friends and loved ones at Easter time. Easter is a great time to “Craft” a handmade item to gift.

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Have you read?

The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals Review – The Best Book for Amigurumi Lovers Ready to Design Their Own Patterns

If you’ve ever found yourself whispering “just one more round” at 10:30pm while crocheting a tiny arm the size of your pinky finger, then you already understand the magic of amigurumi. And if you’re ready to move beyond simply following patterns and start designing your own crochet dolls and stuffed animals, then The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals from Knit Picks deserves your attention.

As someone who has crocheted more limbs than I care to count (and yes, occasionally attached them slightly unevenly), I genuinely appreciate a crochet book that teaches structure, not just cute finishes. This guide does exactly that.

What Is The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals About?

This isn’t just another collection of crochet doll patterns. It’s a comprehensive amigurumi construction guide focused on teaching you how crochet dolls and animals are built from the inside out.

If you’ve ever searched for:

  • How to design amigurumi dolls

  • How to crochet realistic stuffed animals

  • How to shape crochet doll heads properly

  • How to make crochet animals stand upright

  • How to adjust limb length without ruining proportions

This book directly addresses those skills.

Instead of simply handing you fixed patterns, it breaks down the fundamentals of shaping, balance, structure, and assembly. That knowledge gives you long-term confidence as a crochet doll maker.

What You’ll Learn Inside This Amigurumi Guide

The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals focuses on technique-driven instruction, making it ideal for crocheters who want to level up their skills.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Detailed amigurumi shaping techniques for heads and bodies

  • Guidance on crocheting proportionate arms and legs

  • Jointing options for movable crochet dolls

  • Facial feature placement and embroidery positioning

  • Proportion differences between crochet dolls and crochet animals

  • Customization techniques for designing original characters

This is the kind of crochet reference book that helps you understand how amigurumi works — not just how to follow instructions line by line.

Why This Crochet Dolls and Animals Book Stands Out

There are plenty of adorable amigurumi pattern books available. What makes this one different is its focus on the why behind the stitches.

You’re not just recreating someone else’s bunny pattern.
You’re learning how to build the bunny yourself.

Once you understand these shaping principles, you can:

  • Adjust doll height and body proportions

  • Modify head size and facial expressions

  • Change limb length without distortion

  • Create new crochet animals using foundational formulas

  • Design professional-looking crochet toys with balanced structure

If you sell handmade crochet dolls at markets or online, this structural understanding leads to more consistent results and better finished pieces. No more floppy neck surprises after stuffing.

Who Is This Amigurumi Book Best For?

This guide is perfect for:

  • Intermediate crocheters comfortable working in the round

  • Amigurumi enthusiasts wanting to improve shaping skills

  • Crochet designers developing original patterns

  • Grandmothers making heirloom stuffed animals

  • Craft fair sellers wanting polished, professional results

If you’re brand new to crochet and still mastering basic stitches, this might feel slightly advanced. But if you already understand increases, decreases, and shaping, you’ll get enormous value from it.

My Honest Review as a Long-Time Crochet Lover

I truly value crochet books that teach foundational technique. Trends come and go, but construction skills last.

There’s something empowering about knowing how to tweak proportions or reposition features without unraveling half your project in frustration. We’ve all stitched on eyes and thought, “Hmm… that’s not quite right.” This book helps prevent those moments.

It feels less like a quick pattern collection and more like a masterclass in crochet doll and animal construction.

Is The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals Worth It?

If you’re searching for:

  • The best book for crocheting dolls and stuffed animals

  • A guide to designing amigurumi patterns

  • Advanced crochet doll shaping techniques

  • A crochet reference book for amigurumi construction

Then yes, this book is absolutely worth adding to your crochet library.

It’s practical, educational, and confidence-building — the kind of resource you’ll return to again and again when starting a new crochet doll or animal project.

And let’s be honest… there’s always room for just one more handmade crochet animal.

 

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