Sand Castles - How did I build a sand castle?

Creating amazing sculptures isn't as complicated as it looks. Become a master builder with these easy-to-follow tips.

1. Gather the right tools for job - they include: a bucket, plastic silverware, cups, spray bottle, sun tan lotion & creativity!

2. The most important element is wet sand. Fill a five-gallon bucket with seawater. Pour in sand for a soupy mixture.

3. Master two basic shapes and you can build a veritable fortress:

a.	The Wall - scoop wet sand from your pail and form it into a brick. Set each brick end to end for the length of your wall. Layer bricks on top of one another for desired height.
b.	The Tower - flatten handfuls of wet sand into round pancakes, layering them to ideal height. Make pancakes successively smaller so the tower tapers towards the top.

Once you have achieved the basic shape, add realistic finishing touches. Carve details from the top down so falling sand doesn't mar your work. Ideal carving supplies are plastic silverware. Break the tip off the knife for the perfect, square edged tool. A small paintbrush, ideal for smoothing surfaces and brushing loose sand, aids with subtle designs and texture. To prevent crumbling and breaking, shave sand away in thin layers and work from the outside toward the center.

Carve small windows into your walls and tower. Use a tiny pinch of sand for a windowsill. larger pinches have the effect of balconies. For a staircase, carve a descending ramp into the wall, cutting individual steps from the top down. Fill a plastic spray bottle with sea water, and saturate your castle every 30 minutes to keep it moist and intact.

Now stand back and admire your handiwork in amazement before the tide reclaims it!

Or call:

Cathey Bazel
615-646-1800

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