DIY: Sand Beads

Beads can be made from glass. Beads can be made from wood. Beads can be made from metal. Virtually any object can become a bead as long as it can be strung. But did you know that beads can also be made from sand? Craft stores carry small bags of colored all purpose sand that can be used for this project. The sand comes in a rainbow of colors and with just a few simple household items; anyone can create beautiful sand bead jewelry.

Version One: (child friendly)

Materials: (a) 1 cup sand; (b) ¼ cup white glue [such as Elmer's Glue]; (c) thin nails; (d) corkboard or Styrofoam; and (3) plastic tub for mixing.

To make a bead: (1) Mix sand and glue in plastic tub until stiff dough is formed. If using colored sand, make sure that the bucket is cleaned between each mixing. (2) Pinch of a small piece of dough and roll between palms until desired shape is obtained. (3) Pierce center of sand bead with nail. Note, if the bead hole collapses, your dough is too soft and you will need to add a bit more sand until the hole will stay formed. (4) Push end of nail through corkboard or Styrofoam while the bead is still attached. (5) Continue until all beads are made. (6) Allow to dry for several hours or overnight. It is helpful to gently rotate the bead on the nail while it is drying so the bead will not adhere to the nail. (6) Carefully pull out nail. The bead is complete.

To make a necklace from the beads: (a) Cut a piece of yarn that will fit your child's neck and can be taken on and off easily, tape each end. (b) Thread the beads together on the yarn being careful not to go all the way to the other end of the piece of yarn or the bead will come off while you are still stringing beads. Note: you can also add "pony" beads between the sand beads to give a different appearance. (c) Tie ends together after the beads have been strung and it is ready to wear.

Version Two:

Materials: (a) 2 cups white or natural sand; (b) 2 cups paper machẽ

To make a bead: (1) Mix sand, paper mache and glue in tub or on plastic lid until stiff dough is formed. At this point, you can add the acrylic paint to achieve the color desired. (2) Pinch off a small piece of the sand/mache dough and roll between hands until desired shape and size is achieved. Water and olive oil on your hands will help keep the sand from sticking. (3) Set the bead aside and allow to dry for several hours or overnight until you can lightly squeeze the bead and it shape holds. (4) Pierce with needle through center of bead, making sure it goes all the way through [do not used a beading needle as it too thin]. (5) Coat with clear paint or varnish if desired. (6) String as desired.