Sand Cast Ornaments
Plaster of Paris mixed with shells and sand = cheap beach fun! I'm always looking for crafts that unique and unusual but also easy to do at the beach. I did this for hours one day, instead of reading books like everyone else. I surprisingly attracted quite a bit of attention as everyone wanted to see what I was doing. These make fabulous souveniers and also they are great to sell at craft shows. But seriously, combing the beach for treasures and then making them into these Christmas ornaments with children - money just can't buy that kind of fun. So put away those credit cards, forget about cheap boardwalk souvenirs and get out and make some memories with your family!
Materials: Cookie cutters, sand, Plaster of Paris, shells and beach glass, twine (optional) and paper clips
Materials: Cookie cutters, sand, Plaster of Paris, shells and beach glass, twine (optional) and paper clips
Use a variety of cookie cutters and shells for the best results.
Place the cookie cutter on a hard surface OR smooth out the sand underneath.
Put sand inside the cookie cutter and press down to make firm. Press in with a pencil or tool, the areas that need more definition (like the toes pictured here).
Place the cookie cutter on a hard surface OR smooth out the sand underneath.
Put sand inside the cookie cutter and press down to make firm. Press in with a pencil or tool, the areas that need more definition (like the toes pictured here).
Mix the Plaster according to the instructions on the package and pour into the mold. Usually it takes 30 minutes to set up the plaster. Add a paper clip for a hanger.
This ornament will have shells and sea glass added to it. But first, press in the sand to the mold.
Firmly but gently press the shells into the sand. Shells will be placed RIGHT SIDE DOWN.
Pour in the prepared Plaster of Paris and add a paper clip or wire so you can hang it later. It is virtually impossible to glue it on later so do it now.
After your ornament has set, gently press it out of the mold and brush off the excess sand. Now add a thick, tacky glue to the sides. Hot glue does NOT work for this craft, as the sand makes it useless. Now, wrap twine around the sides for a finished, beachy look.
Tacky or Elmer's glue dries clear so don't worry about a little excess. Here I added beach glass to the top as I thought it was looking a little dull without it.
The finished ornament. Give these as gifts for Christmas and attach tags as to what location they were made. People LOVE handmade gifts like this. These are also a great item to sell to beach shops. Shoppers love local artisan crafts and will seek them out over Chinese produced junk.
Already for the wall, plaque or Christmas tree!