How to build your very own desktop Zen garden on the cheap!

Step 1: Supplies

First, gather the following supplies:
*Calcium Sand (commonly sold at pet stores in the Reptile section $8.99)
*Elmer's Wood Glue
*Cheap flimsy fork (or you can follow one of this guide www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Zen-Garden-Rake-for-your-Ashtray/)
*Cool looking rocks
*Deep picture frame ($2.99 at Ross)

Step 2: Glue

Glue around the edges of the picture frame, front and back.
This will prevent sand leaking through any cracks.

Be careful not to use to much glue, otherwise it will leak out as it is drying.

Let dry face up (so glue doesn't ruin the face of the frame, with paper towels underneath.

Step 3: Fill Your Garden

Once the glue has dried, fill the garden with sand.

Make sure to smooth out the sand between pouring to get it to reach your desired level.

Step 4: There Is No Fork!

Now it is time to make your rake.

Bend the fork using only your mind (or your hands if you haven't achieved inner zen yet).

If you want to make a wooden rake, this is an excellent tutorial: https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Zen-Garden-Rake-for-your-Ashtray/

Step 5: Using Your Zen Garden

You are now finished!

Use your zen garden by arranging the rocks how you like, and raking patterns into the sand.

For more about Japanese Zen Gardens, please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_rock_garden