The last month or so, I’ve been one giant ball of stress. My kids have been sick for a month straight {passing different strains of the cold to each other, repeatedly}, we’ve had a lot going on and we have a lot coming up. I saw a zen garden while I was out shopping but the price was crazy for a tiny box and some sand- and I knew I could DIY it- using recycled materials- for way less money.
I made it for about $5 and it did double duty- not only did it give me a way to chill out for a minute, but it gave Justin something new to fidget with! He’s a major fidgeter and I get easily distracted- not always a great combo, especially when I’m cooking dinner and he’s in the kitchen touching everything. This was the perfect solution!
Whether you have a fidgeter or just need a moment to zen out, check out this easy and affordable DIY!
Supplies:
Wood Sample {Find this at your local craft store- mine was $1 but some stores have them for free!}
Shoebox lid
Decorative sand {$2, craft store}
Chopsticks {I owned some but you can also use extras from getting takeout}
Acrylic paint in the calming color of your choice {$1, craft store}
Decorative stones {$1, craft stores or Target}
Paintbrush
Hot glue gun and glue stick OR superglue
Directions:
1. Paint your shoebox lid completely the color of your choice. Allow to dry completely.
2. Add the wood sample in a corner. Secure with a few dots of either hot glue or superglue.
3. Coat with sand- fill enough that there’s a solid layer across the whole thing, but not so full that it spills over the top or gets too heavy.
4. Add decorative rocks however you like them.
5. Get zen! Use the chopsticks to create patterns and move the sand, or even rearrange the stones.
I love that this craft reuses things that would otherwise be garbage- like the shoebox lid and the chopsticks- and that I was able to add a fun and pretty piece to our countertop for Justin to use instead of fidgeting with everything else and driving me crazy! It’s also a nice way to take a moment to relax when dinner prep or homework time or anything else has me stressed out!
