| | | |  | |  | | | | | Plaster Molds
Supplies: sand (purchased or From the beach), 11/2 cups plaster of Paris (the least expensive brand at the hardware store), 2 cups water, disposable plastic bowl or coffee can, stir
stick shells, plastic animals, paint brushes
Making molds in the sand is a great beach activity. If you don’t live close to the ocean, it’s easy to make your own portable “beach in a bucket.” Simply purchase playground sand from a hardware store and pour it into a large plastic dishpan or bucket. Instant beach!
Collect a variety of shells, plastic dinosaurs, or other items with distinct shapes. Set them aside as you prepare the sand. It needs to be damp, but not too runny. A spray bottle with water helps gently moisten the sand. Pack the sand firmly. For best results, spray the item you want to imprint with a light coating of spray cooking oil. This helps release the item from the sand. Firmly press the item into the sand. Lift it up to reveal a distinct impression. Repeat as often as you like with different items.
It’s also fun to get a person with big feet to step firmly on the dampened sand, especially with their toes. To make an extra-big footprint, have the person keep their toes in one spot but slide their foot from side, and gently lift up on the toes and push the foot back, lengthening the heel area. You should now have a fat, long footprint in the sand.
Mix together the water with the plaster of Paris in a disposable container. Stir well until it has the consistency of a milkshake. Gently pour the plaster into the sand molds. Let set for several hours. Remove the hardened plaster shapes and brush off the sand. Paint your shells or animals with acrylic paint.
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