"Build-your-own" Graveyard Zen Garden

Customize your own morbidly peaceful faux garden!

There are infinite possibilities. Doesn't even have to be a cemetery.

NOTE:

I designed and printed this model AFTER Halloween 2023, so I'm posting it for free in time for Halloween 2024!

Most of the description was written before I owned a Bambu Lab printer, when I was using a Creality Ender-3 and Polymaker Polylite PLA exclusively (see last photo above). Since then, I've made some updates and also reprinted most of the parts on my Bambu Lab P1S with Bambu PLA Basic and Bambu PLA Matte filaments (default 0.4mm nozzle & textured PEI plate).

I can't think of any place more calm and serene than a cemetery. I visited quite a few last Autumn. There is something about those places where people are laid to eternal rest that soothes the soul. Maybe you can relate to this? Either way there is a calmness you can't deny, based at the very least on the respect people have toward those grounds. So I figured, why not make a “zen garden” modeled after such a place?

I quite enjoy the styles of stones you can find in older cemeteries. I've modeled the stones included here off of some of the classics that are easily recognized by their shape. I kept things simple, so as to evoke a clear idea of the objects being represented without losing the “zen” aspect of simplicity. I've also included extra-smooth versions of the stones for anyone who especially wants their arrangement to be stylized and soft.

I hope this set gives you peaceful enjoyment. Constructing your own version can be a fun, open-ended creative activity. There are no wrong choices. YOU are the groundskeeper. And you get to decide what constitutes the perfect miniature cemetery (or just regular garden). And after it's made, you will have a peaceful zone to retreat to atop your desk (or wherever it lives). If you get enjoyment out of changing and maintaining your space, print out the tools provided! Be very careful with them when using kinetic sand though. If you opt for kinetic sand, it is recommended to scale up the tools for more strength!

How To Use:

1. Play around virtually with the models to decide what you want.
2. Print Base as-is or scaled as needed.
3. Add Sand of choice (see recommendation below).
4. Print and add parts as desired! Helpful tips below!
5. Optional - Print tools included and/or use tools other users have uploaded!
6. Enjoy!

Virtual Playground

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using something like 3D Builder to open the included “Canvas” file and import the models to play around with and construct something virtually before going to print (see my color renders). That way you don't end up printing anything you don't actually use in your garden! And it helps with scaling things too!

Here's my example I created IRL (in the photos at the top):

And another example of what you could design and make!

Base

The Base I included can be resized, but measures 214mm*214mm. This allows it to easily fit within the build space of the Ender-3 and similar printers that have a build length/width of 220mm*220mm.

Sand

You will need to provide the sand. For results like my photos, use Kinetic Sand (which is basically like gooey sand… or like sand that stays somewhat wet and sticky). I find it more valuable than plain sand for soothing sensory play. I used this 2.5lb bag of Green Kinetic Sand (pictured below) to better simulate dirt/grass, and I'm very pleased with the results! If you're looking for a more traditional zen garden experience, you will need dry sand. You can use normal play sand, or specialized fine sand for zen gardens. There are lots of colors to choose from too!

Summary of what can be found in this package (dozens of models!)

• Wrought Iron Fence Panels (in large/small sections)
• Gravestones/Grave Markers/Monuments
• Tree (with or without leaves), and Tree Stump
• Various Path/Stepping Stones
• Various Leaves
• Rocks
• Bones (you can display them or bury them!)
• A Ghost (also posted separately as a standalone model)
• Tools (a shovel, rake, and tamper…. for both display and function)
• And of course a base to hold it all!

Possible future additions (no guarantees):

• more gravestone types (possibly some modern ones?)
• casket
• fresh grave
• flowers
• more naturals
• urn(s)
• steps/ramp/bridge
• critters

*If you have any suggestions for things you'd like to see added to the collection, let me know! I may just add it for you!

Tools

The tools included consist of a rake, shovel, and tamper tool. You can use them to sculpt the sand to your liking, or as part of your display! The shovel is particularly good for, well, digging! Also for padding around items to better keep them in place. I really like the lines the tip of the shovel makes in the kinetic sand I used!

Helpful Tips / Info:

• My photos only show one possible setup, and doesn't come close to using all of the models.
• Resize/reorient/stretch/mirror pieces to get even more variety!
• Don't forget the wealth of other designs out there you can print and incorporate as well!
• You can also use real pebbles, sticks, etc. if you're so inclined.
• Printing:
  • Pretty much everything can be printed without support on their flatmost sides… Even “Cross 3”, I tested it (although, you probably should either use supports for that one, OR drop it lower on the build plate to avoid the suspended ring). Do take note of which files I've labeled as “untested" though.
  • Printing the fence pieces hotter than usual can cause intentional stringing… which can be PERFECT to make them look like they have cobwebs on them!
  • You can use a textured build plate to your advantage for the flat gravestones and stepping stones so that the visible side is more realistic.
  • I still have yet to finish printing out the leaves, but I've included “print optimized” versions of them that allow for most 0.4mm nozzles to print out the stem part when sliced, due to their small size. When I'm done, they will be a bit big for the scale of the scene. But any smaller and they don't come out good for me.
  • I don't recommend using the V1 fence pieces! I've only included them because some of my pieces I printed in my included photos are V1 until I replace them and take more.
  • I was having major printer troubles during this project, but printed everything out in Polymaker Polylite PLA. Mainly 0.16mm layer height for small stuff, but larger for the base and leaves.

I went a bit over-the-top with mine to the extent that it's a lot more cemetery than Zen Garden. But it's up to you what you want to prioritize in your garden!

Enjoy and HAVE FUN!

UPDATE 1 - November 15, 2023:
I've added the following:

• NEW Water Features category (4 fountain variants and a pond)
• NEW Seating category (2 benches and 2 more “zen” versions)
• 3 additional basic headstone types and zen versions to go with them (i.e. “Graves 4-6”)
• an obelisk (also found in gravestones folder) and accompanying zen version

There is a total of 17 new STLs added in this update, and more I'm still working on. See the image below for a reference of all the additions.

The parts in blue are suggestions as to what you can do with sand added to represent water!

UPDATE 2 - September 10, 2024:

I've added the following:

• NEW tool - tamper tool (for display as well as flattening sand)!
• NEW versions of most of the gravestones updated (that include pegs for better sticking in the sand)!
• Posted on MakerWorld for FREE personal use!
• Posted Bambu Studio print profiles on MakerWorld, including resized Bases for A1 Mini and Larger Base for X1/P1 series. Also added multicolor variants to some models (like tools, stump….)!
• Updated photos/video!