Printable Version

Inexpensive white play sand; bowls; food colors; rubbing alcohol; heavy paper; paint brushes; Elmer's glue.

1. Separate sand into open containers (bowls). Add food color (less or more depending upon desired vibrancy) and a few drops of rubbing alcohol, which helps mix the colors throughout the sand. Mix thoroughly and let air dry in open containers. This may take a few days so early preparation is important.
   
   
2. Have the students sketch onto the heavy paper. I had my students do a Native American design and I colored the sand accordingly: turquoise, sky blue, orange, tan, browns, yellows, etc.
   
   
3. Then at the "sand table" they painted their sketch, one section at a time with watered down Elmer's Glue. Then they spooned their desired color of sand onto the wet glue, tapping off the excess back into the container (making sure they spoon OVER the containers really helps!). They do section after section until their design is covered with the sand. My students were thrilled at how this works, and loved how their designs turned out! This idea is easily adapted from the younger to the older students.

E-Mail: Mary Lord

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