Beach Stones = Zen Centerpiece

I love rocks and stones and I use them often in projects. I collect them when we travel and hopefully will have the right type when I want them - especially the beautiful smooth rocks sculpted by the sea. I was feeling the need for a sea stone centerpiece and pulled out my collection.  I love the Zen quality of stone stacks but the rocks in my collection created a stack that was too tiny in proportion to my table. I decided to add a long vertical board with little stone feet for separation. I gathered my suplies and started creating.

The results were artsy and much to my liking.  I sincerely wish I had a set of black onyx dinnerware to complete this tablescape!

This qualifies as one of those quick and easy projects.  Here are the steps I followed.

I looked in my collection to see what materials were on hand.  It is always rewarding to make something with leftovers. I assembled the following items:

• 1 pine board - relatively clear with few knots
• a collection of smooth beach stones in a variety of small sizes
• black spray paint- I used black primer for a flat black appearance
• 5 minute epoxy

Using the proportions of my table as a guide, I cut the pine board to be 30" long and 5" wide. If you are trying this, look at your own table and collection of rocks. I wanted the board to fill the center space adequately. I cut the board on the band saw and sanded it smooth. After wiping off the dust I started spray painting. As always, I worked outside and applied the spray paint in many light layers.

The biggest challenge in this project is finding four stones for the feet. They need to be the same height so the centerpiece won't wobble. I lined up the rocks and found the best grouping.  

In my mind I saw the centerpiece being balanced on 4 rocks that were taller - maybe 1 1/2" round, but I didn't have anthing like that in my collection never mind 4 matching ones. Next time I am at the shore I'll have to collect round rocks as well as flat. I balanced the painted board on top and chose the best four foot rocks.

For assembling both the tray and tower I used 5-minute epoxy. I am sure other types of glue would work with these materials as well.

First I glued the feet to the bottom of the board.

I then I glued the stones in the tower together. The tower did stand alone but it would topple any time the table was wiggled. I figured that would be annoying during a dinner party.

After the glue had dried I assembled the parts along with various runners on my table playing with different combinations of dark and light.

Simple, elegant, free! A great combination.

Previous Posts of Interest:

• Rebuilding Stone Stacks
• Tiny Stone Sculpture Solution
• Stone Inspiration • Woods Davey

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©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy