Succulent Terrarium Workshop at EcoMonster

A couple months ago, I met up with my friend Kristina and we briefly discussed wanting to make succulent terrariums. Then BOOM, literally two days later EcoMonster in San Jose posted the details of their upcoming workshop. Too perfect. My mom wanted in as well, and this past Saturday we three along with several other crafty ladies had the pleasure of making our very own! Leandra from Licorice Landscapes was a great teacher and all the succulents were from her garden. I've never seen so many varieties. Thoey kept us fed with chocolate cupcakes and wine + nectar drinks. Not a bad way to spend one's Saturday afternoon.

That's my mom in pink. Why so serious, mom!?

My mom's terrarium. She was pretty excited about her trophy medusa.

Kristina and her new garden.

I made this one!

I don't know who made this one but it cracks me up. I love it.

They plan on hosting another in December, but in the meantime, there are a ton of other workshops and events you can partake in if you find yourself in or around San Jose. Thoey's shop is located above Black Cat Collective, and though small, it's filled with handmade gifts and goodies (including my cards) so you probably won't leave empty handed.

Photos by EcoMonster/Thoey Ng

Calendar Giveaway: How Does Your Garden Grow?

Happy November! We're two months away from the new year and even closer to the first day of winter, but let's think green for a moment. 

When Victoria of Paper & Type and I were brainstorming themes for our 3rd collaborative calendar, many delightful ideas came to mind but one stood out in particular: growth. Victoria has a greener thumb than I do-I don't grow anything in my garden-but one of my favorite childhood memories was Community Garden Day in Kindergarten. Everyone was assigned to bring flower bulbs, seeds, gardening tools and supplies and for one whole day, we got our hands dirty in soil and seedlings. Did I love gardening because it was a respite from forming simple sentences in class? Probably. But growing up, I was also obsessed with "The Secret Garden" and loved the idea of having a secret haven to explore all to myself. Even the gang of Community took the idea and made it their own:

I digress! I thought about what my secret garden would be like, and I imagined it as a mix between Willy Wonka's chocolate factory garden (but substitute chocolate with ice cream & cookies), a Japanese zen garden, & Gaudi's Park Güell in Barcelona. And I kind of like the idea of a trampoline:

Now it's giveaway time: What you would grow in your garden?

*Email/tweet/blog comment/fb your answer for an opportunity to win the 2013 Calendar by Genevieve Santos + Paper & Type. I'll be giving away two calendars: one winner will be chosen randomly, & the second winner will have my favorite answer. Contest ends Sunday, November 11th at 11:59pm PST, & winners will be announced November 12.

You can be as silly and goofy as you wish. In fact, I welcome it. And get creative! Write a haiku, a short description, or draw a picture. Good luck!

*email: hello@genevievesantos.com
PS: Victoria is also hosting the giveaway so please only reply once.