Tips for Making Your Sand Sculpture

1. The key to making a sculpture stand is compaction. All too often, folks build sculptures that start to dry out and blow away before the judges get there.
2. Dig a hole close to the high tide mark; dig until you hit water. Prepare your medium by mixing the sand and water, really dig deep, pulling the compact sand up and thoroughly mixing it with water. Big, wet, soupy handfuls of sand are what you need.
3. To build towers, simply scoop up a handful of wet sand and plop it down gently, making a patty on the pile of sand you dug out of your hole. With gentle pressure, jiggle (do not pound) the sand to disperse the water so that it binds to the patty below. Continue adding patties of wet sand, jiggling - not pounding - until you get the height you desire.
4. Use some tools. You can carve your sand using a variety of tools. A pastry knife works for carving windows, doors, faces, etc. A soft bristled brush can erase knife strokes, and plastic tubing or a drinking straw can be used to gently blow away loose sand.
5. Most importantly, have fun and don't be afraid to try something new. You'll have hundreds of appreciative spectators not only admiring your work, but also your enthusiasm for enjoying and appreciating our beautiful coast.