Collect sand from a beach for a free craft project material.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) sand casting projects utilize the potential firmness of sand as a molding method. Collecting sand found at the beach or purchasing it in specialty stores allows the crafter a chance to wet the material to firmness, place it in a molding receptacle, dig a formed recess, and pour a material such as candle wax in it to create a craft treasure. Sand cast candles provide the easiest introduction to this method.
Instructions
1. Place the sand in a bowl and add water until the sand moistens to a darker color. If the sand is at the proper consistency, it will clump together when picked up without sticking to the hand. If the consistency becomes too wet and muddy, add more sand.
2. Put the glass jar in the empty plastic dishpan to provide a form for the candle. Add the sand around the jar, packing it tightly against the edges of the jar while still allowing enough flexibility for the jar to be removed. Gently remove the jar and pack back any sand that falls into the new void.
3. Cut the candle wax into cubes and place the cubes into a sturdy pot. Heat the wax slowly over low heat until the temperature of the wax reaches at least 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Pour the wax into the hole in the sand by pouring it first onto a spoon and letting the wax drip into the hole. This slows down the speed of the wax and prevents it from melting the sand around the hole. Fill the hole to its top and place the excess wax in the pan in a safe place.
5. Wait for the wax to cool until a thick film forms on top. After the film has formed, use a small sharp object such as an icepick to poke a wick hole into the top of the wax. The hole should go deep into the candle but not to the bottom. Insert the wire core wick into the hole.
6. Dig the candle out of the sand, after the wax cools even more. Be careful, because a sand shell is supposed to come with the candle, attached around the sides. Gently brush away excess sand again using caution to protect the shell.
7. Set the candle on a flat surface. Use a sharp knife to level out the top and bottom of the candle. Pull the wick straight. Your candle is now ready to light.
