DIY Network

Tabletop Zen Garden Build — and play in — this grown-up sandbox. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-412

Make this easy tabletop zen garden.

Most of us never really outgrow playing in the sand, and Michele Beschen is no exception: The B. Original host thinks everyone should have a tabletop zen garden or other sandbox in their home or office.

Don't be limited by the zen gardens in specialty stores – B. Original and create your own with common containers, fine sand and miniatures that reflect your own creativity. Scroll down for how-to tips from Michele Beschen, then get ready to play in some sand.

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Tabletop Zen Garden

Materials:

shallow container
clear caulk
natural sand
play sand
fine sand
small rocks, miniatures, other decorative elements

	Figure A
	Figure B

• Choose a shallow container to house the zen garden. Michele Beschen finds drawer organizers and serving trays work well.

• Seal up all seams and joints inside the container with clear caulk (figure A). Don't forget to caulk the vertical joints as well.

• After the caulk dries, add a layer of natural sand.

• Add a layer of play sand. This is available at home improvement stores and larger toy stores.

• Top this off with a layer of fine white or colored sand, available at hobby shops (figure B).

• Personalize the garden. You could create a traditional desktop zen garden with a few decorative rocks, a tiny rake and even a votive candle (figure C). Or, use miniatures to create a themed garden. Michele Beschen made a miniature campground from natural materials (figure D).
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Place your zen garden where it's easy to enjoy. Eventually, you may want one in every room!
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Sand Sifters
  	Wall File Sand Art
  	Tabletop Zen Garden
  	Sand Clay