DIY Zen Garden

Updated: Jul 20

Mini Zen Gardens are a great way to relax the stress away but sometimes your stress level is bigger than those tiny little desktop kits can handle. At one of the most stressful periods of my life, I was seriously tempted to convert my entire sunroom floor into a giant sand-filled garden, but my husband kept me grounded in reality, so I opted to go with something that could fit in my Zen Den. Here's the play-by-play of how I worked my magic.

Supplies:

Antique chest
Sealant (caulk or masking/duct tape) if needed
Styrofoam if needed
Fine Sand
Zen Garden Tools
Stones / Dried Flowers
*Vacuum...for the toy excavator that ends up playing in your sandbox when you aren't looking

Steps

1. The Perfect Chest

You can find the ultimate treasure trove for your zen garden at places like Hobby Lobby or even Amazon. I snagged mine on sale at Hobby Lobby. Just be wary of the size if you order online - you don't want a chest bigger than your garden gnome! Personally, I recommend a chest with a lid and latch to keep the little rascals and furry friends from snooping around.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

It's important to seal any cracks that sneaky grains of sand could crawl through. I used a trusty tube of silicone sealant caulk (left over from another project) to seal along the inside bottom edge of my chest, and let it dry. But if you're feeling extra crafty, you could go for the duct tape or masking tape route - just make sure your chest is squeaky clean for maximum stickiness. No sand shall pass, my friends! 🚫

3. Lighten the Load with Styrofoam

Ever tried lifting a sand-filled chest? If you aren't up for a good workout (I'm a weakling), here's a crafty little tip: swap some sand for Styrofoam. I scavenged some old packaging materials to find the perfect specimen, sliced it up to match my chest dimensions (with a handy box cutter), and voilà! My sand now sits on a fancy Styrofoam throne. No Styrofoam lying around? No worries, you can grab a craft foam block from your local craft store. Just remember, snug fit is key – unless you want your sand making a run for it along the edges!

4. Add Sand

Now you are ready to add the magical ingredient - sand! I opted for 5 lbs of fine white craft sand, which has a nice silky and soft powdery feel. If you're going for a smaller chest, 1 or 2 lbs should suffice - unless you're aiming for the "sandcastle" look! For the love of cleanliness, I suggest taking this sandy operation outdoors to avoid turning your room into a dusty beach. But if you do end up with a sandpocalypse, fear not - a quick wipe or vacuum will save the day. Sand-tastic, right? 🏖️

5. Get Your Zen On

Alright, it's time to transform that sand into your own little piece of zen paradise! Behold the zen garden starter tool set - the ultimate weapon of mass relaxation. With the rake, you'll be leveling sand like a pro, creating the perfect canvas for your masterpiece. With the stamps, you can create flawless designs and patterns - simply press and lift. And then you can top it off with mini statues, plants, dried flowers, rocks, and whatever other items you can scavenge from the depths of your home that will bring you peace.