There are so many art projects that use this DIY colored sand, it’s a great base for many many projects. You won’t believe how easy it is to color your own sand… either buy it or just get from your sandbox, you will love this easy project.
When my kids want to get crafty with me, the first thing I often think about is the mess afterwards… we do a 10 min. project, but then I spend 20 cleaning it all up {ha!} So.. when we tried this perfect summer project with DIY colored sand and and the clean up was super fast and easy I was so excited. This quick tutorial will walk you through coloring sand and what we did with it.
Let’s start this project off by coloring some sand!! I just used sand straight from the sandbox and added normal liquid food coloring. NOT the gel kind… Here’s a quick video to show you the DIY coloring process. Add as much dye as you want to get the color desired. After you dye the sand, spread out on a paper plate and let sit overnight to dry. You can also buy fine sand here.
Ok, now that you have beautiful colored sand, let’s get crafty! You will need the sand, glue, paintbrushes, and poster board. I also found a few paper plates, cups and a bowl for the glue to be helpful. 
Give each kid a piece of poster board and a paint brush. Start by painting the design you want for your first sand color.
Then pour sand over the wet glue.
Use your fingers to spread out the sand so it covers all the glue. 
After a few seconds tip the poster board over a paper plate and pour off the excess sand. Pour this back in the cup and then use again.
The sand sticks to the glue and the extra just pours off. Paint the glue for another color and repeat until your masterpiece is finished!
What project can you think of with colored sand? I want to try those fun sand jars like I made at summer camp MANY years ago.. I think my boys would have fun with those too!
Check out my other fun ideas for kids projects and activities here.
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
This is awesome!! I am SO doing this with Littlest!
Amy Renea, Looksi Curator says
So fun for he kids — what a great idea!
Emily says
yep! it was super fun! I wanted to make one too, but I was too busy helping the kiddos ;o)
Ashlee says
My kids would LOVE this! what a fun project!
Tara says
Wow! My girls would go crazy for this craft! Thanks for the great inspiration!
Kelly says
How cute is that project? Love the sand — aaand easy cleanup? SCORE!
reesa says
I love using wet naps for projects like these! How fun!
jamie says
Wet naps are so handy!
Cathy @ Our Mini Family says
I think the idea of colored sand is so unique! I am sure my cousins would enjoy playing with the sand for a fun summer project for sure–and we’d definitely use those Wet-Naps after we’d be done playing!
Amy Anderson says
My niece would love this!
Lucy says
This looks like so much fun! I’ll have to try it with my kids! And we love Wet-Naps for clean up!
Diana Rambles says
What a great project. So much fun!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
My daughter and her friends are going to LOVE THIS.
Becky @ lovetobeinthekitchen says
Love this idea! My boys would have a blast doing this!
Miranda @ Cookie Dough & Oven Mitt says
This craft looks like a good time! I can see my son getting into it!
Camila says
Love this idea, and I’m pretty sure my girl will love this too!!!
XOXO
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
What a neat idea! I can’t wait to share this with my grandson! thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty