Photograph of sand art activity

The artist Alfred Wallis lived in Cornwall. He was also a fisherman and the sea was very important to him. You can see the seaside in a lot of his paintings.

We're going to make some art using sand from the beach! You can create all sorts of patterns and pictures without using paint.

Take a look at some of Alfred's art. What do you want to include in your picture? How about a boat, a fish or even your favourite ice-cream?

Ready to create a sand art picture?

Photograph of materials needed

You will need:

  • PVA glue
  • Sand
  • Pencil
  • x2 Pieces of coloured paper (one bigger than the other)
  • Spoon

Let's get started

photograph of sand art activity

1. Draw your picture on the smaller piece of paper

Photograph of sand art activity

2. Go over your drawing with glue

Photograph of sand art activity

3. Cover the glue with sand and leave to dry for 10 minutes

Photograph of sand art activity

4. Gently shake the extra sand off the paper

Photograph of sand art activity

5. Use the glue to create a pattern on the border of the big piece of paper. This makes a frame for your picture!

photograph of sand art activity

6. Cover the pattern with sand and leave to dry for 10 minutes

Photograph of sand art activity

7. Shake the sand off to reveal your pattern

photograph of sand art activity

8. Stick the small piece of paper in the middle of the big piece of paper. Ta-da! You've made a sand art picture

Next time ...

photograph of sand art activity

You could try using different coloured paper to create your picture. Don't they look good on the beach?!