How to Make a Sand Sculpture

Summer time is for swimming in the oceans, viewing beautiful sunsets and feeling the sand between your toes. It's also time for building sand sculptures. Also known to many as sand castles, these sand sculptures come in all sizes and shapes from the simple one tower castle to a behemoth rendition of an Irish castle complete with a moat. Here's how to make your own sand sculpture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Design the sand sculpture on paper before you start building with real sand. Many people start out with great ambition, but don't have a clue about what they're going to build. If you want to create a work of art, plan ahead.
2. Find the right tools for building a sand sculpture. For beginners, buy a plastic bucket and shovel. Create a more elaborate design with sculpting tools such as chisels, spatulas and even dowel rods. Use a paintbrush to sweep off any excess sand as needed.
3. Start with a plastic mold or bucket. Fill the mold or bucket with wet sand, the consistency of dough.
4. Keep adding sand to the sculpture. The more elaborate the design is, the more time it'll take to create the sculpture. Some sand sculptures may take days to complete. Give yourself plenty of time to finish the sculpture.
5. Use everyday items to decorate your sand sculpture. Seashells and decorative rocks add to the beauty of the sand sculpture.
6. Stand beside your creation and get someone to take a picture of you and your sand sculpture. Eventually the sand sculpture will wash away, but you'll have the picture of your sculpture.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the whole family involved in building the sand sculpture.
• Find a sand sculpture contest once you've built up your skills enough. Enter the contest to win recognition and possibly money.
• Avoid building the sand sculpture too close to the ocean. Consider tides if you're building a sand sculpture at an ocean beach. The waves could come in and knock down the sculpture before you've finished.