Want to know how it’s done? It’s simple!
But really…
It all starts with The ‘Pound-up’
How are they made?
Each sand sculpture begins with a pound-up (see above). Layer by layer, sand is shoveled into a bottomless wood or plastic form, mixed with a lot of water and then compacted with feet or a tamper. A smaller form is placed on top of the filled one and the process is repeated until the desired height is reached. We then use the stack of forms as a platform to start carving the blocks of sand from top to bottom removing the forms as we go down. Hand tools such as trowels, small shovels, knives, spoons and forks are used to create some of the intricate designs.
Once done, we spray the final result with a windscreen which provides protection from the elements.
Visit Sand Sculpting 101 for the overall details.
How long will a sand sculpture last?
There are many factors that determine the life span of these pieces of art.
If built outside, we often seal them with a protective coating that allow them to last for weeks to several months, depending on the kind of sand, security and extreme weather conditions.
Indoor sand sculptures can last years.
We see some wedding sculptures lasting longer than actual marriages…
Do you need special sand?
Sand sculptures are made from all kinds of sands from either a beach or a quarry, though varying types of sand will allow you to make a sculpture which is taller, more detailed and will last longer.
The most impressive sculptures are made with imported sand from a local quarry. Angular grains mixed with silt and clay found in quarry sand are factors that enable the sand to bond better. It allows for stronger compaction and a more intricate design that will also last longer.
Beach sand has very little silt or clay. Each grain is typically rounded due to tidal wash and wind, thus making for a weak compaction. Compacting these rounded grains of sand is comparable to stacking marbles on top each other. Because of this, most beach sand sculptures needs to be created in a lower pyramidal shape.
How do you create the design?
Each sand sculpture is unique. We can start designing from a picture, a theme or just an idea. We then create drawings beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
The sketch is just a guide as the sculpture is three dimensional and will be more intricate than the drawing.
Contact us now to start your design.
How much does it cost?
Each project is different, so it’s hard to give an exact price before knowing better the different factors involved. The cost of having a sculpture made is a question of size, detail, location, time involved and the number of sculptors it will take to create. The larger and more complex the sculpture, the greater the cost.
Please contact us for an indicative price list.
What happens when it rains?
We usually put a rain jacket on..
Keep in mind that water is what keeps the sand together.
For most types of sand, a light rain will do nothing to the sculpture, even if it rains all day.
A heavy rain may speckle the sculpture and damage some fine details.
Only very heavy and prolonged downpours can eventually damage sand sculptures.
We also protect the sculptures from wind and rain by a biodegradable windscreen which is sprayed onto the surface of the sculpture after carving is complete.
What can be sculpted out of sand?
If you can think it, we can carve it.
Figures, animals, cars, buildings and company logos are just a few ideas. Anything is possible. Contact us and we’ll design with you the perfect sand sculpture to attract the attention you need.
Do you add anything to the sand?
We only add water to the sand. The compaction and the type of sand makes all the difference.
How long does it take to make one?
Every project is different. The time needed depends on the size, complexity, detail of the sculpture and number of sculptors involved. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. But a small 7-ton sculpture made by one sculptor can be created usually in 2 days.
The amount of time used to create a sculpture can be managed by using more or less sculptors. We can carve it fast prior to your event for the surprise effect or make it last during your event so the sculpting is part of the event.
What keeps the sculpture together?
Water and compaction is what keeps the sand together.
The action of forcing the grains of sand to bond together when compacting it in forms helps make the sculpture hold together. The finer the sand and the more angular the grains; the stronger the bond.
After the sculptures are completed, they are sprayed with a diluted mixture of 10 percent environmentally-friendly wood glue and 90 percent water. This forms a protective barrier on the outside of the sculpture that prevents the wind from blowing away the fine detail and the rain from damaging the sculptures. This ‘wind-screen’ is not mixed with the sand. It is not intended to hold the sculpture together, only to prevent erosion.
What tools do you use?
We use a variety of different tools – including shovels, trowels, levels, pottery tools, forks, spoons, cake decorating knives, straws, brushes and other personalized hand made tools.
Visit Sand Sculpting 101 to know how to make your own sand sculpture.