I found this guide to building sand-castles/sculptures both clear and practical, and have no hesitation in recommending it for anyone whether 8 or 58, beginner or old-hand at sand carving (though not expert). It's pretty too :)

As to what it is that this book does right, I have to first explain that I'm a complete amateur at this (unlike the author) - I've entered a few sandcastle competitions but mostly I just make them for fun on holiday. And like others who dabble, while I have enjoyed carving the sand with a variety of equipment from the kitchen and shed, I've wondered whether there were better ways of preparing the sand than making a big pile and then squashing it down.

Well, that's one of the major ideas that this book gets across with plenty of pictures and simple directions: how let water and gravity pack your sand much more solidly than any stomping ever could, starting small and working up to how to create huge masterpieces similar to that pictured on the cover.

Other practical advice includes common design features, what tools to use, how to construct gravity-defying effects like arches, and how best to let kids get involved without destroying the more delicate bits.

And it works! I finally found the time to get out and try some of the techniques suggested, and it really is a revelation how much more details you can carve with hard-packed sand.

Good sloppy, sandy, sore-kneed fun.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all customer reviews...

.jsOffDisplayBlock { display: block; } .jsOffDisplayInline { display: inline; } .jsOffVisibility { visibility: visible; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jsOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; }

Customer Discussions

Beta (What's this?)

This product's forum (0 discussions)

	Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
	No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight

Start a new discussion

Topic:

First post:

Prompts for sign-in

[Cancel]

Guidelines

Listmania!

STOCKING FILLERS CHRISTMAS 2008: A list by cddixie
Essential wii for a 20something fem :D: A list by Ms. Liza E. Brooks
Parents guide to buying Wii games for thier kids: A list by M. Smee

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by subject

Feedback

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.

Fun for Everyone

Achieve over 15,000 RPM with our great range of Powerballs.

›Shop the Powerball store

Beauty without the Beast

Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream

From au naturel to party glam, we have all the best names in cosmetics and skincare.

›Discover Beauty at Amazon.co.uk

Up to 53% off Braun Series Shavers

Braun Series 3 390cc Clean & Renew System Rechargeable Foil Electric Shaver

Get in touch with your smooth side with Braun Series shavers, now with Gillette blade technology.

›Discover Braun Series at Amazon.co.uk

Treat Someone

With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

Where's My Stuff?

track your recent orders
view or change your orders in Your Account

Delivery and Returns

see our delivery rates and policies
thinking of returning an item? (See our Returns Policy)

Need Help?

Forgot your password?
Buy Gift Certificates.
still have questions? Visit our Help Pages

Your Recent History

(What's this?)

You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.

Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

4.1 out of 5 stars (452)�6.49

Eclipse (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

4.4 out of 5 stars (208)�3.84

New Moon (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

4.2 out of 5 stars (216)�3.49

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

4.1 out of 5 stars (156)�3.99


Amazon Home

International Sites: United States \| Germany \| France \| Japan \| Canada \| China

Business Programs: Sell on Amazon \| Fulfilment by Amazon \| Join Associates \| Join Advantage

Customer Service \| Help \| View Basket \| Your Account

About Amazon.co.uk \| Careers at Amazon


Amazon Home

International Sites: United States \| Germany \| France \| Japan \| Canada \| China

Business Programs: Sell on Amazon \| Fulfilment by Amazon \| Join Associates \| Join Advantage

Customer Service \| Help \| View Basket \| Your Account

About Amazon.co.uk \| Careers at Amazon