The big sandcastle is one of the things you can do to celebrate your beach day.A big sandcastle built with your family or friends will make your beach day unforgettable.To build a big sandcastle, start with a strong base and use fine sand.To create height, pile mounds of sand onto the base.The carving and decorating process will begin once you reach your desired height.
Step 1: An overcast day is a good choice.
An overcast day will keep the sand cool.It is ideal for building large sandcastles because it is more stable than dry sand.
Step 2: The beach has fine sand.
Coarse sand is larger than fine sand.There is more structure and stability in compact sand.A bike ride on the beach is a way to test the compactness of the sand.The sand is perfect if it is easy to ride the bike.Press a ball of sand in your hand if you don't have a bike.The ball should be rolled around.It is perfect if the sand sticks together after being rolled around.
Step 3: If the sand is too dry, add equal parts water.
Add water to a bucket of sand.Adding water to the sand can turn it into usable sand.If the sand is wet, add more water.Roll the sand around with a ball in your hand.It is ready to use if the sand holds it's shape.
Step 4: Pick a spot 1 foot above the water line.
A spot close to the water is ideal.It will be easier to retrieve water from the ocean.You can protect your sandcastle from waves by choosing a spot above the high-tide.The high-tide line is marked by seaweed.
Step 5: You want your sandcastle to be large.
If you want your sandcastle to be 5 by 5 feet, you have to outline it.To mark the outside perimeters, use a stick or shovel.
Step 6: Sand is spread evenly over the entire area.
To pile the sand over the entire area, use large buckets, shovels, and garden spades.If you want the best results, use sand that is below the tide line.The sand is compact and wet.You can mix sand and water in a bucket.The sand can be used to create a base.
Step 7: Water should be poured into the sand to make it smaller.
You can poke a grid of holes with a stick.Slowly pour buckets of water over the base.The water should be drained all the way through the sand.One bucket of water is poured for every foot of sand.Add more water if the sand still feels dry.
Step 8: To pack the sand, use your hands and feet.
Pack it down by pressing on the sand with your hands.The sand can be packed down with your feet.Put the sand down until it feels like a block.The bucket can be rolled over the sand to pack it down.
Step 9: You can add another 6 inches of sand.
You can pile more sand onto the base by using your shovels and buckets.Use a stick to poke holes in the sand.Put the water in the sand with your hands and feet.Keep adding sand and water until you have a solid base of sand that is at least 1 to 2 feet high.
Step 10: The bottom of the bucket needs to be removed.
The bottom of the bucket can be cut with a saber or a saw.Sand the edges with 40 to 60-grit sandpaper.It will be easier to remove the bucket from the sand if the bottom of it is removed.If you don't want to remove the bottom yourself, ask the hardware store if they can do it for you.If you don't have a 1 gallon bucket, use a regular bucket.You can buy 1 gallon buckets, saws, and sandpaper at your local hardware store.
Step 11: Put the bucket upside down to build layers.
The bucket should be filled with sand.Add water to the sand.Put the sand down with your hands.Continue until the bucket is full of sand.The bucket needs to be removed.The sand is compact once it feels solid.
Step 12: The base should be covered with a layer of sand.
Put the bucketfuls of sand close together.There are gaps between the sand and water.Pack the sand with your hands.
Step 13: To create more height, add a second layer.
Continue adding layers of sand until you reach your desired height.If you want to smooth the surface of the sand flat, use a sand wedge hoe or a plastic knife.Large sandcastles are usually 5 by 5 feet.If you want to build a sandcastle taller than you, you should bring a step ladder to the beach.
Step 14: Start by carving the castle.
The sand at the top will fall onto the bottom structures if you work up.You can prevent this from happening if you start at the top.Work on sections at a time.Before moving onto the next section, make sure to finish each section.
Step 15: Basic shapes can be created with a putty knife.
The rounded towers and pillars can be carved with the putty knife.Carve out towers at the corners of your pile of sand.Remove 2 or 4 towers.To create the basic shapes of your castle, you can use an offset spatula, paint scraper, or icing spatula.
Step 16: A funnel can be used to create a peak.
The funnel should be filled with sand.On top of the tower, place the funnel upside down.Remove the funnel by wiggling it from side to side.
Step 17: Place a car on a wall.
A wall can be formed by removing 1 inch of sand between two towers.To flatten the sand, use a paint scraper or knife.To make a castle wall, drag the bottom of a knife across the top of the wall.
Step 18: The sand wedge hoe can be used to make steps.
There are ramps in front of a tower and behind a wall.The ramp should be 3 to 4 inches wide.The sand hoe can be placed against the tower or wall.To create each step, drag the sand hoe across the ramp.You can create steps all the way down the ramp.
Step 19: A brick pattern can be created with a toothpick.
The toothpick can be used to draw thick horizontal lines across the wall.The first horizontal row is 1 inch (25 cm) apart.Place vertical lines between the lines in the first row on the second horizontal row.An off-set brick pattern can be created by repeating this pattern throughout.You can use the toothpick to make other designs on your sandcastle, like a flower pattern or a diamond pattern.There are ridges on the outside of your castle.
Step 20: You can make arched doorways with a spoon.
The spoon's tip should be placed on the sand at the bottom-center section of the wall.Depending on the size of your castle, the arched doorway is 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) tall.The sand should be removed from the inside of the doorway.The end of the spoon can be used to create small slit for windows on the tower.
Step 21: Shells and seaweed can be used to decorate your castle.
Seashells can be pressed around the towers.seaweed or beach wood can be placed around the castle.There are buckets and shovels around your sand castle.There are small flags or windmills in your castle.Light up your castle with candle lights.You can find more decoration inspiration at your local crafts store.