Here are some tips for how to build and decorate a unique sand sculpture

What You Need

• Shovel (a garden shovel works best)
• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Watering can
• Sticks, spoons, and other carving “tools”
• Shells or other decorations

What You Do

 

1. Choose Your Spot
   It’s best to build as close to the water as you can. That makes it easier to get at wet sand. (But don’t get so close that the incoming tide washes away your creation.) Or, you could carry buckets of water to your sculpture. But that’s hard work!
2. Draw an Outline
   Use a stick or your foot to draw an outline of your sculpture in the sand.
3. Pile It Up
   Dump damp sand into a pile that’s a little bigger than you think you’ll need. Plop down handfuls of sand where needed for smaller parts of your sculpture.
4. Get Packing
   Pound the sand down well so it holds together as you shape it.
5. Touch It Up
   • Use sticks or other tools to sculpt the details, such as a turtle’s face (above. Use a watering can or spray bottle to keep the sand wet. Add decorations, such as shells for a sun’s eyes (above).
   • Now get someone to take a picture before your beautiful work of art disappears underwater—or gets stepped on!