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Craft Tutorials | Adult Crafts | Beach Crafts | Giant Sand Dollar

Giant Sand Dollar

Author by Amanda Davis on July 16, 2011 Updated on May 29, 2020

5 from 1 vote
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I am growing very fond of beach themed decor. My bathroom is a very slow growing project, but I’m always looking for something to jazz it up. I ran across an oversized sand dollar in the April 2011 Pottery Barn catalog with a $99.00 price tag. I loved the idea and the look, but decided I wanted to try to make my own.

The Pottery Barn version is no longer available on their site, but I did save the catalog so you could see where my inspiration came from.

I’m also a designer for DecoArt, so when they asked me to create some projects using their new Magikote product this was the first thing I thought of. Magikote is formulated for Styrofoam. You paint it on, let it dry, then sand it smooth. I creates a great paintable surface. Check out this amazing starfish over at DecoArt, I love it!

Originally I thought I would make it from wood, but Styrofoam is so much easier to cut, not to mention lightweight! Considering the size of this sand dollar, the weight is actually quite important, especially if you plan to hang it on the wall. Also, because it is so light, you can spare your wall a hole and use wall putty to hang this.

It’s important to note that while I drew my inspiration from the Pottery Barn sand dollar, I wasn’t looking to copy it exactly. Instead I googled several sand dollar images and went from there. The first thing I did was sketch out my idea.

Then I chose my colors. I used Americana Sand, Sable Brown, and Mississippi Mud. While not pictured here, I also used Bleached Sand.

I started with a Styrofoam 15/16 in x 15 7/8 inch Disc I found at Michael’s.

Using a craft knife I cut around the edges of the Styrofoam disc to create a sand dollar shape. Next I used a craft knife to carve the design of the sand dollar into the Styrofoam disc.

I made the carved indents a bit deeper and wider using the handle end of a paintbrush.

Now you apply 3 coats of MagiKote to the top, sides and inside the indents of the Styrofoam disc, allowing 2-3 hours dry time between each coat.

Apply 1-2 coats to the back as well.

Sand the entire surface to remove any rough edges.

Paint inside of each indentation with Sable Brown.

Paint the entire top and side surfaces with Sand.

Make a white wash by mixing 1 part Bleached Sand with 2 parts water. Use paintbrush to apply white wash over the entire surface. Gently wipe off excess with a dry cloth. Continue applying and wiping until you reach the desired affect.

Use paintbrush and Mississippi Mud to add small lines around all of the star’s arms.

Apply a coat of DuraClear Satin Varnish.

I did have to ship this to DecoArt so now I need to make another one for me! I think the second time around I will use a lighter brown so that the star itself is more subtle. Other than that I’m pretty happy with the results!

Print Project
5 from 1 vote

Giant Sand Dollar

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

  • styrofoam
  • craft knife
  • paintbrush
  • MagiKote
  • sandpaper
  • dry cloth
  • DuraClear Satin Varnish

Paint (all Americana)

  • Sand
  • Sable Brown
  • Mississippi Mud
  • Bleached Sand

Instructions

  • The first thing I did was sketch out my idea.
  • Then I chose my colors. I used Americana Sand, Sable Brown, and Mississippi Mud. While not pictured here, I also used Bleached Sand.
  • I started with a Styrofoam 15/16 in x 15 7/8 inch Disc I found at Michael’s.
  • Using a craft knife I cut around the edges of the Styrofoam disc to create a sand dollar shape. Next I used a craft knife to carve the design of the sand dollar into the Styrofoam disc.
  • I made the carved indents a bit deeper and wider using the handle end of a paintbrush.
  • Now you apply 3 coats of MagiKote to the top, sides and inside the indents of the Styrofoam disc, allowing 2-3 hours dry time between each coat.
  • Apply 1-2 coats to the back as well.
  • Sand the entire surface to remove any rough edges.
  • Paint inside of each indentation with Sable Brown.
  • Paint the entire top and side surfaces with Sand.
  • Make a white wash by mixing 1 part Bleached Sand with 2 parts water. Use paintbrush to apply white wash over the entire surface. Gently wipe off excess with a dry cloth. Continue applying and wiping until you reach the desired affect.
  • Use paintbrush and Mississippi Mud to add small lines around all of the star’s arms.
  • Apply a coat of DuraClear Satin Varnish.


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Amanda Davis
Amanda Davis is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. She loves to bake, cook, make kid's crafts and create decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years.
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Filed Under: Beach Crafts, Home Decor Projects Tagged With: adult, adult craft ideas, adult crafts, adults, beach, crafts for adults, ocean, styrofoam, wall art

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Comments

  1. Teri @ The Freshman Cook says

    July 5, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Very cute! I have not tried Magikote, but I am looking forward to picking some up and experimenting! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!

    Reply
  2. Courtney @Crafts by Courtney says

    November 14, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    I LOVE this idea!! I recently did a Beach home decor post. I live in Florida so something like this would work anytime of the year.

    This is just so clever and cute. I might have to make one next year when I decorate for a beach theme again!

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      November 15, 2013 at 6:06 am

      Thanks Courtney :) It was definitely a fun project!

      Reply
  3. Toqua's Crafts says

    July 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    This is WONDERFUL!
    I found you via CraftGossip.com on Facebook.
    I have a friend that LOVES the beach… and I'm thinking she may get my homemade version of this for Christmas!
    Thank you!

    (I signed up for your newsletter)

    Reply
  4. craftsncoffee says

    July 27, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Wow, wow, wow! This sand dollar is incredible! I've posted a link on the StyroCraft Facebook page. Thank you for sharing your tutorial! Sharon, http://www.craftsncoffee.com; http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com.

    Reply
  5. Melissa says

    July 27, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Thank you so much, my bestie is getting married in Sept w/ a beach theme, I am going to make one or 2 for her!!! :)

    Reply
  6. Kathryn says

    July 22, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I am not familiar with MagiKote – could you do a post about what it is, what its craft applications and successes and any failures of its use?

    Reply
  7. BigBearswife says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    I love sand dollars! this looks really good! and from styrofoam!! how cool!

    Reply
  8. Maya @ Completely Coastal says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    This is awesome!! I'd love to feature your project on my blog…, I might try this myself!

    Reply
  9. Abigail says

    July 21, 2011 at 5:36 am

    This is wonderful!

    Reply
  10. Megan says

    July 20, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Hello,
    I came across your blog and was very interested. I just had a couple of questions, so if you could e-mail me back that would be great! Thank you for your time.

    Reply
  11. Amanda says

    July 20, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    What a great idea, I amy trying to add a bit more color to my living room right now & this may just be something I have to put in there. Thanks for letting us in on how you did it! I become a follower.
    ~Amanda @ creatingamongstboys.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. Amanda says

    July 20, 2011 at 11:52 am

    @Lana – not sure if the cardboard would work, but if you try it I'd love to hear about your results!

    Reply
  13. btanders says

    July 19, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Very cool and fun! I like your thriftiness (if that's a word).

    Reply
  14. feelincrafty says

    July 19, 2011 at 4:16 am

    Love the idea and the fact that it's a sand dollar! I'm totally making one for our beach house!

    Reply
  15. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says

    July 19, 2011 at 2:39 am

    I love it!! I hope you will link up to the Tuesday Confessional link party going on now. I'm co-hosting with A Reason to Skip the Housework, so your post will be seen on BOTH blogs!
    http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/07/tuesday-confessional-and-tuesday-time.html
    I hope to see you soon!
    ~Macy

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    July 18, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Oh my! I have never heard of Magikote but can't wait to get some and try this. I have lots of styrofoam sheets in the workshop and just started looking at sites to figure out what to do with them. I hit the jackpot finding you! Just signed up for your newsletter. Thanks!

    Reply
  17. simone says

    July 17, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    Hi, new follower, love the idea, you are so crafty:) I saw the sand dollar in the catalog as well and wanted one. Might have to try this. cheers

    Reply
  18. Inspire Me Heather says

    July 17, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Too cool! Really, I think your sand dollar is just gorgeous – well done!

    Reply
  19. Emmy says

    July 17, 2011 at 1:11 am

    There is a story to the sand dollar. You might want to look for it.

    Reply
  20. Lana Bisson says

    July 16, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    This is amazing!!! I love beach art too. Gonna hafta try this too. I was wondering if you can use the thicker cardboard(corregated) and cover it with drywall mud and carve it out while its still damp? then paint an age it when dry? do you think that would work. The cardboard might curl but I could probably reinforce it till it drys.

    Reply
  21. Lucy Designs says

    July 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    this is just great, love it! I love all things oversized like this :)

    Reply
  22. Six Sisters says

    July 16, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    That looks awesome! Better than Pottery Barn! :) We would love for you to come share this at our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday" link party! http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/2011/07/strut-your-stuff-saturday-week-2.html

    Love,
    The Sisters @ sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com

    Reply
  23. Miss Charming says

    July 16, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    It turned out great! (Thanks for introducing me to the magikote. The creative wheels are turning.)

    Reply
  24. Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants says

    July 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    That is amazing! How smart you are!!!

    Reply
  25. Maria Filomena says

    July 16, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    E ficou magnífico….
    Congratulações…
    com abraços de Maria Filomena

    Reply
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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