Have Fun at the beach making Sand Castings
Sand Castings can be made as a simple vacation souvenir by kids or made into a really beautiful piece of art by spending a little more time on the design and creation.
As you know kids are so creative and really get into their projects. When I did this with my Grandchildren at about ages 5 & 6, I was thinking natural sand-look. But my Granddaughters wanted color & lots of sparkles. They turned out delightful!
The Supplies
1 package Plaster of Paris (a quick-setting plaster for crafts)
Water
Container for a form (a pie or cake pan works good)
Whatever shells, beads, or other vacation treasures you want
Acrylic paint to tint the water, if desired
Wire hanger for back
Method
If doing this at the beach, just scoop out a form in the sand, for the shape of the hanging.
If using a mold (put a thin layer of sand in the bottom and add your design elements, arranging as you want. Remember: these will be in REVERSE so your items will need to be pretty side down.
Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris sets up pretty fast, so have all your design elements in place in your mold before mixing.
Mix the plaster according to directions. This is where you would add the tinted water, instead of clear.
Carefully pour the mixed plaster over the design items. Smooth off and insert wire hanger and allow to cure.
(When it is no longer cool to the touch, it will be dry)
Let the Kiddos take their vacation treasure home to enjoy!
The Adult Version
The process is the same for the casting itself, but you will probably want to spend a little more time on the designing.
If you pack the sand base until it is hard (add a bit of water), you can draw into it (remember to reverse) and use all sorts of instruments to create patterns.
All types of seed pods, beads, stones and other “found” objects can be embedded. A little glitter, pieces of metal or bits of metal leafing would probably look great. You could even add bits of paint or lacquer (think nail polish) after the casting has cured. Ribbon. yarn or leather lacing could be a interesting addition.
Then when completed, think about making a simple frame or show off your masterpiece on a tabletop easle.
Happy Creating !!!
Rita