How to make a mini Zen Garden - Gift Idea

The purpose of a Zen garden is to bring a sense of serenity. The mini Zen garden can accomplish the same thing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Container such as a wooden box or decorative shallow tray
• white sand (find at craft store)
• rocks
• Wooden rake, or interesting forked stick

1. Pour the fine, white sand into a shallow container. Set a rock or two onto the sand. Use the rake or forked stick to rake the sand and make patterns.

2. Make it special: find or buy a very interesting rock or a Buddha figurine to include with the garden. Look at the utensils in a store like Pier 1 Imports for interesting "rakes" or in the utensil bin at a second hand store.

3. How to wrap it up: pour the sand into a jar. Put the shallow container, utensils, rock, Buddha and jar of sand in a box. Protect against breakage with bubble wrap or tissue paper. Cut and paste the following directions into a word processing program and print out. Include in the box.

4. This little Zen Garden will help you experience serenity and peace as you transform sand and stones into a personal landscape of simplicity and tranquility. Pour the sand into the container. Set the stones on the sand. Play with the sand using the tiny rake/stick making patterns.

[EntropicEmbryo]

on 11/8/2008 Lovely little article, and I love your picture.

[ursaminor]

on 11/8/2008 What a lovely idea! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy a Zen garden! 5 stars.