Sand Castle Construction Tips
September is a great time to visit the beach, because the worst of the summer heat is behind you. Now that it's a bit cooler, you can have fun with less worry about the sun and heat. No visit to the beach would be complete without a sand castle. You can build the best sand castle on the beach with these tips!
1. Use moist sand. Squeeze a ball of sand in your hand for a few seconds. If the sand stays together when you open your palm, it's right for a castle. If you're at the ocean, the best place to find this sand is below the tide line.
2. Start with a firmly packed mound of sand. Build up the mound gradually: add six inches of sand, pack down with your fists, and then pour half a bucket of water on top. Repeat until you're reached the desired height.
3. Shave away sand in thin layers. This way, you'll have more control when you're carving design details. It's easier to take sand away than it is to add it back.
4. Work from top to bottom. This lessens the chance that falling sand will ruin your work. As you create fine details like windows and stairs, blow the excess sand using a straw.
Published 08/26/09
