How to Make a Zen Board

The Zen Board is known by many different names including Buddha Board, Mystic Art Painting and Aquadoodle. While used primarily for practicing Japanese writing brush strokes, it has become popular as a means to enhance creativity and relaxation. Based on the Zen concept of living in the moment, one is able to allow imagination to flow freely and clear the mind as the image disappears.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Magic Water Painting Paper
• Plastic or Waterproof Frame
• Bamboo brush or finer tipped artist brush
• Water Dish

1. Magic Painting Paper available at Amazon Magic Paper is essential for this project. This paper is specially made by one Japanese company, but sold in many places. Specifically, this paper allows a person to paint with water using any brush and produces a dark image. As the water evaporates, the paper becomes blank and can be reused.
2. A plastic or waterproof frame is necessary to hold the paper. Simply place the Magic Paper in the frame using the cardboard backing provided, without any glass or plastic covering it. The frame is simply the holder for the paper.
3. Magic Paper in use (picture from Amazon) Fill a small dish with tap water, wet the brush, and allow your imagination to run wild!

Tips & Warnings

• It is very important not to over-saturate the paper. This can cause the paper to “wear out”.
• Truthfully, with the time and cost in creating my own board, I feel the ones available online for purchase, especially the kits, were a much better value.