Sand Castle building requires loads of patience, more than anything else. With some sand castle builders creating masterpieces that are photographed by the world, sand castle building has turned into the ideal hobby for people who like to create things with their hands. Due to the lack of boundaries, the only thing limiting you is your imagination, which means you don't have to be a certain age or have certain qualifications to enjoy sand castle building.

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Before you begin assembling a sand castle you will need a shovel and a beach, if available, or even a sandy playground, or just a sandbox. If you are on the seashore, choose the location for your sand sculpture in such way that you are not close enough to the sea to have it washed away, or too far off to hit dry sand. Now it is time to mix the sand and water, so that the sand becomes stickier, you can do this either in a pail, or within a hole. When using absolutely dry sand, the ratio of water & sand should be nearly about 1:8.

To shape the blocks of your castle with your pail, don't ever forget to jiggle and tap the bucket a number of times before you bundle down the sand. It helps in releasing the trapped air which can spoil the mold. Building of our fantasy castle has just started, an easy goal for beginners.

The first and most important thing is to construct the base of the castle. For this dump a pail packed with sand into a circular, square or any other shape that is needed. If you wish to include a tower in the plan, then the best technique is to make chunky pancakes and make heaps over each other, with the largest pancake at the bottom, followed by the smaller ones. Keep shaking it evenly with your hands. This helps the sand to settle down. When the height requisite is attained, pour water gently over it to seal the tower. Fine carvings can also be made on the tower with the help of some pointed stick or a tiny trowel.

To craft the wall of castle, squeeze the extra water out of the sand and place the sand cluster wherever u need it. If high walls are needed for the structure, keep the base of the walls thicker and thin while moving upwards. Keep piling these clusters till you get the required elevation. So now go ahead and explore your creativity by adding windows or some sea shells to make your sand castle building experience a roaring success.

Information from:
http://www.hobby.net.au/flex/arts-and-crafts/734/sand-castle-building.cfm