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Little Zen Garden by ChrysN on October 19, 2008

Table of Contents Little Zen Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Intro: Little Zen Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Step 1: Materials: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Step 2: The Saucer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Step 3: The Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Step 4: Zen Garden; putting it together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Step 5: Zen Beach Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Step 6: Zen Beach Umbrella and Blanket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Step 7: Zen Beach; putting it together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Author:ChrysN I like sewing and crafts, I also like challenging myself by trying new things. I'm vegetarian and always looking for new recipes. My cat's name is Mirko and likes to be in the centre of things, so you will see him in several of my instructables.

Intro: Little Zen Garden Zen Gardens or dry gardens "kare-sansui" are large outdoor gardens found near temples or monasteries in Japan and are thought to encourage inner contemplation. The sand represents the ocean and the rocks, mountains or islands; the rake is used create ripples in this ocean. In this instructable I will show you how to make little indoor Zen Gardens that can be kept on your desk at work or in your home to relieve stress and help create a calm and clear mind. I have also included an unorthodox version more suited to the daydreamer than the meditator which I call the Zen Beach. It is good for remembrance of summers past or tropical getaways we dream of taking(but can't afford). In this version there is no symbolic meaning to each of the elements -the sand is just the sand and the beach ball is merely a beach ball. Drinking a few margaritas or mojitos may enhance the experience.

Image Notes 1. Zen Garden

Image Notes 1. Zen Beach.

Step 1: Materials: What you need: Saucer -I used a 12cm diameter (and 1cm deep) terracotta saucer from a terracotta plant pot ~50cents each Bamboo skewers Craft paint and paintbrush Sand and pebbles -you can get these at a craft store, gardening store, pet store, or a beach or playground Glue Knife or scissors Beach version Cocktail drink umbrellas (I got mine at the dollar store) Fabric - not very much, just about 2X3 cm square a bead blue and white paint, brushes and felt pens

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Paint. 2. Sand from craft store. 3. Glue. 4. Pebbles from pet store (by the aquariums). 5. Paintbrush. 6. Bamboo skewers. 7. Sharp knife. 8. Saucer.

Image Notes 1. Cocktail drink umbrellas. 2. Blue paint. 3. A bit of fabric. 4. A bead. 5. For the beach version.

Image Notes 1. 1cm deep on the inside. 2. 12cm diameter.

Step 2: The Saucer Paint your saucer the desired colour. I choose a deep forest green for the Zen garden to create the feel of tranquility as only green can do. For the Zen Beach I choose a light blue, giving it the impression of sky or water. Apply one or more coats as necessary to cover the inside and outside of the saucer.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Start painting. This saucer had a glazed inside surface and required more then one coat of paint. Image Notes 1. Nice tranquil green.

Image Notes 1. Pretty blue.

Step 3: The Rake With a sharp knife or scissors cut the bamboo skewer the following lengths: 6cm -the handle 2cm -the base of the fork 4X 1cm of the pointed part of the skewers -for the prongs Once the prongs are cut, take another 1/4cm off the pointy end (we are making a rake not a weapon). Now; glue all four prongs to the 2cm long base of the fork. When glue dries, glue the handle to the base of the fork; such that it runs perpendicular to the prongs (see images below).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. 6cm 2. The Handle.

Image Notes 1. 2cm 2. The base of the fork.

Image Notes 1. 1cm 2. Skewer point. Cut four of these. 3. The prongs of the fork.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Remove the really pointy bit on all four prongs.

Image Notes 1. All the pieces cut.

Image Notes 1. Dab glue on the base of the prong.

Image Notes 1. Attach to base of fork. Repeat with the 3 remaining prongs.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Fork.

Image Notes 1. Handle attached to fork. The rake is ready!

Step 4: Zen Garden; putting it together Pour sand into the saucer, about 3/4 full. Select the 3 pebbles that you would like to use, they can vary in size and shape, pick which ones are aesthetically pleasing to you. Using 3 pebbles creates asymmetry which implies that there is no perfection in the world, which is important in Buddhist thought. Rake your sand and place the pebbles. You can rake straight lines or draw circles around the pebbles to create the appearance of ripples caused by dropping a pebble into water.

Image Notes 1. Don't fill completely to prevent spillage.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Choose pebbles that appeal to you.

Image Notes 1. Zen Garden.

Step 5: Zen Beach Ball Fill in the two holes of the bead with glue, dab the glue over the holes and once it dried a bit press it into the holes so that it was flush with the surface. Once the glue is completely dry, paint the bead with white craft paint, do one side at a time. When the paint is dry, with felt pens, draw in stripes on the bead to make it look like a beach ball, I used red, blue, green, and yellow.

Image Notes 1. Place glue over holes to fill them in.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Paint the bead white.

Image Notes 1. Draw in beach ball stripes.

Image Notes 1. Cute little beach ball.

Step 6: Zen Beach Umbrella and Blanket Beach blanket With scissors cut a piece of fabric, 2X3cm square. Try to avoid getting frayed edges. Beach umbrella The drink umbrellas are a bit too tall to stand properly in this sand, so cut about three centimeters off the handle.

Image Notes 1. Cut a 2X3cm piece for the beach blanket.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Image Notes 1. Three centimeters. 2. This is what I mean by the umbrella handle.

Step 7: Zen Beach; putting it together Make the same rake used in the Zen Garden -see step 3. Pour sand into the saucer about 3/4 full, and rake it. Place your umbrella and beach blanket so that you are protected from the sun and keep your beach ball close, for when you would like play in the water.

Image Notes 1. Zen Beach.

Related Instructables

Picture Frame Zen Garden by Skwalin

How to Meditate by ChrysN

Zen Garden Keyboard (Go Team Keyboard) by splazem

How to build your own desktop zen garden by obbitz

Make a Zen Garden Rake for your Ashtray by oll1ebaba

Amigurumi Zen Frog (Photos) by sassygeckko

Comments 47 comments Add Comment

anibioman says:

Jan 19, 2011. 9:32 AM REPLY

in the first picture they look black and purple instead of green and blue

ChrysN says:

Jan 19, 2011. 3:56 PM REPLY

The pictures were taken under different lighting, it's a light blue and a dark green.

Whales says:

Aug 29, 2010. 9:49 AM REPLY

Would non-white sand work? I have a massive amount of brown-ish sand.

ChrysN says:

Aug 29, 2010. 11:53 AM REPLY

Yes, that would work too!

aglaranna says: This is really cute! I love the Zen Beach :)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Oct 23, 2008. 12:37 PM REPLY

ChrysN says:

Oct 23, 2008. 4:02 PM REPLY

Thanks, I live in Canada, so in the winter, it's nice to daydream of a nice sunny beach.

survivalman says:

Jun 4, 2010. 11:45 AM REPLY

Nice hope you can visit the Jersey shore some time

blodefood says:

Mar 1, 2010. 8:15 PM REPLY I did one like this in a small jar with some fine white sand from a beach I frequent. I added some small shells, a feather, some small stones and a drink umbrella. Nice instructable on miniatures.

ChrysN says:

Mar 1, 2010. 9:22 PM REPLY

Thanks!

soulcalibur says:

Jul 13, 2009. 9:19 PM REPLY

lol just looks like an ash tray filled with sand and rocks to me :P

DennyTom says:

Jul 4, 2009. 3:03 PM REPLY I made something similar few years ago. I is really nice decoration, but has one big disadvantage - it is nearly impossible to dust off without damaging the scenery. I also recommend to not trying to blow the dust off, you will only end with sand all over your place.

ChrysN says:

Jul 4, 2009. 6:46 PM REPLY

Yes, unfortunately, that's true.

itisjustmelorrie says:

Jul 3, 2009. 8:33 AM REPLY Awesome! (Maybe I should go throw the toys out of the grandkids sandbox out back when they are not here,but would have keep my kitties of of the new "litter box" lol. )

ChrysN says:

Jul 3, 2009. 4:07 PM REPLY

Yes better keep the kitties out, lol!

Creativeman says:

Jul 2, 2009. 9:22 AM REPLY

Inspirational! Thanks. Cman

cwhelan74 says:

Apr 27, 2009. 2:40 PM REPLY

The sand must be as fine as possible for smooth flow and elegance. Onegaishimasu.

headlessbubble says:

Mar 11, 2009. 7:30 PM REPLY

Good idea. I want one!

addictinganimal says:

Jan 1, 2009. 9:53 AM REPLY

Great idea! I just made one and put in a plastic hermit crab toy.

daniel! says:

Jan 25, 2009. 9:15 AM REPLY Why not take some chicken wire with tiny holes in it and make a fence around it and use something for the top and then put a real hermit crab in it? You could call the crab zen master or think up some buddhist monk name for it.

ChrysN says: Zen master crab, what a cute idea.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Jan 25, 2009. 10:09 AM REPLY

daniel! says:

Jan 25, 2009. 4:03 PM REPLY

Yeah I should try that some time

FaqMan says:

Jan 13, 2009. 6:39 PM REPLY

This is classy and yet peaceful thank you for making this.

ChrysN says:

Jan 13, 2009. 10:26 PM REPLY

Thanks!

TheMoonMaster says:

Oct 25, 2008. 11:03 AM REPLY

I have the same awesome fish ruler.

ChrysN says:

Oct 25, 2008. 4:07 PM REPLY

Yah it's a cute ruler and it was free, bonus!

halo99 says:

Oct 23, 2008. 5:37 PM REPLY

nice instructable! i'll make one for christmas for my friend!!!!

Yakeyglee says:

Oct 23, 2008. 2:19 PM REPLY

Wouldn't it be better to use a finer sand? The scale is smaller so the sand should to to better create good lines...

ChrysN says:

Oct 23, 2008. 4:00 PM REPLY

True, it would look nicer, but I just used what I had on hand.

jdtwelve12 says:

Oct 21, 2008. 5:04 PM REPLY desktop paradox: a mind assuaged and calmed through peaceful ripples invoking summer, a whimsical craft begets desktop vacations

NinjaSloth says:

Oct 22, 2008. 9:23 PM REPLY

nice

jdtwelve12 says:

Oct 23, 2008. 11:10 AM REPLY

Thanks!

ChrysN says:

Oct 21, 2008. 10:09 PM REPLY

Nice haiku!

jdtwelve12 says:

Oct 23, 2008. 11:10 AM REPLY

Thanks!

hcold says:

Oct 21, 2008. 9:45 PM REPLY

"Sand from the craft store" "Pebbles from the aquarium" Haha, Capitalism is lovely. What next? "Water from the supermarket"

NinjaSloth says:

Oct 22, 2008. 9:24 PM REPLY

clever

ChrysN says: Lol, it does seem silly to buy this stuff.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Oct 21, 2008. 10:05 PM REPLY

toekneebullard says:

Oct 22, 2008. 8:49 AM REPLY My wife thinks I'm weird cause at the end of the day I almost always use my son's sand box as a little garden. I use his sandbox toys as stones. It really is quite relaxing.

ChrysN says:

Oct 22, 2008. 7:17 PM REPLY

That makes a nice size zen garden.

wilsonater says:

Oct 22, 2008. 12:25 PM REPLY I really like this idea but I think it would be even better if you got one of those little air plants that you just spray with a little water once in a while, it'd make it look really natural but still minimalistic.

ChrysN says:

Oct 22, 2008. 4:04 PM REPLY

That's a good idea, I think a lot of the large outdoor zen gardens have plants in them.

dchall8 says:

Oct 21, 2008. 11:42 AM REPLY I really like Zen gardens. Thanks for posting this. I wonder how the coarse sand from the bottom of a fish bowl would work? If you want to see an inspirational Zen garden in real life, here is a picture of the one at Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California near Pasadena.

ChrysN says:

Oct 21, 2008. 4:18 PM REPLY That full size zen garden looks amazing, thanks for posting a picture. The sand I used was a bit courser then I'd prefer, but it still works. I think the store bought zen garden kits use a finer, whiter sand.

canida says:

Oct 21, 2008. 2:42 PM REPLY

The Huntington gardens are gorgeous! I particularly loved their enormous cactus section.

Kiteman says:

Oct 20, 2008. 1:18 PM REPLY

Ommmmmmmmm....

Lithium Rain says:

Oct 20, 2008. 1:53 PM REPLY

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM...

bumpus says:

Oct 20, 2008. 3:50 PM REPLY

Buahahahha

ChrysN says: Cool mantras

http://www.instructables.com/id/Little-Zen-Garden/

Oct 21, 2008. 6:39 AM REPLY