• Sand landscape.sand dunes image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Sand is great for playing. You can bury your feet, build sand castles and make muddy pies. You can also use sand for craft projects. Whether you buy it in a craft store or carry it home from the beach, sand can be used to create beautiful displays. It is an art medium that is enjoyed by every age and every ability.
  
  

Colored Sand in Glass Jar

• Sand art.creating sand art image by Rebecca Capell from Fotolia.com
  
  Create a beautiful paperweight or decorative piece by pouring colored sand into a glass jar. This is a simple project anyone can do. Clear a work space, and set out all needed items. Fill three to five cups about halfway with the sand. Add a tablespoon of powdered tempura paint to each cup to create different colors. Mix the sand/paint combo with the spoon, and pour it into a glass jar. Layer the colors for a unique look, and use a craft stick or toothpick to make designs in the sand. After the jar is full, put the lid on, and glue a decorative cover on the lid.
  
  

Sand Casts

• Foot in sand.kids foot in sandy beach fun image by Nicky Jacobs from Fotolia.com
  
  Making sand casts is easy and does not require expensive equipment. You can make casts of your children's feet, objects from nature or just about anything else that inspires you. Rake some dry sand so it is loose and not clumpy. Make your depression. If making footprint casts, have the person stand in the loose sand, and if making handprint casts, encourage the person to push down firmly into the sand. Carefully remove the object. Mix some plaster of Paris according to directions, and pour it into the depressed sand mold. Wait at least 30 minutes or until completely hardened before you remove the cast. Set it aside for at least a few hours to set and cure. You can then clean it, decorate it and label it if you like.
  
  

Sand Candle

• Orange candle with ocean motif.candle image by Olga Chernetskaya from Fotolia.com
  
  Make a sand candle. It is easy, quick and fun for all ages. Pour about a gallon of sand into a large bucket. Mix with enough water to make it damp and firm, but not wet. Dig a hole in the center of the sand. Make it the diameter and depth you want your candle. Cut the wick so it is at least 2 inches longer than the candle. Tie a pebble, shell or other non-flammable weight to one end. If you choose, you can line the hole with pebbles, shells or other small, decorative items. These will end up on the outside of the candle. Melt wax in a tin can or double boiler. Drop the weighted end of the wick down the sand mold, but do not let go of the top of the wick. Pour the melted wax into a mold while still holding the wick. You can let go after a minute or two, after the wax begins to set. Once the wax is cool and hard, remove the excess sand from the bucket until you can get your hands around the candle. Gently lift the candle out of the bucket. Brush any excess sand away, and trim your wick so it is 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Now it is ready to light.