Do not underestimate the importance of this step. Many hours of hard work will be lost if the sand is not packed properly. Start with damp sand (work as close to the tide line as possible) pile the sand in a mound working with a large spade shovel. Pour buckets of water on the pile and continue adding sand. Once the pile is at the desired height, begin packing the sand from the bottom up working alternate sides of the mound. I use a plaster trowl but you could use your hands, feet, or any flat tool with a handle. When you are ready to carve, the mound should be very firm to the touch, barely leaving a hand print on the surface when leaning on it. 
Ok, now here comes the fun part. If you need to take a break now is the time to do it. Trust me, once you start carving you won't want to stop until you've completed your work of art. Working with the palms of your hands, begin removing small amounts of sand by rubbing in a circular motion and applying small amounts of pressure. Use your fingertips and nails to add crisp edges. Remember to always work with two hands, one carving, the other supporting. Use smaller tools such as paint brushes and picks to add fine details. All these steps take practice but with time you will master them all. |  | | | 
This next step requires some vision. Once you've decided on your subject, start by working from the very top down. You'll need a large bucket of water and some damp sand. With both hands grab as much sand as you can and quickly submerse the sand in the bucket of water.(don't let go) Squeeze the air out of the sand . Working quickly, pull the sand out of the bucket and add it to your mound. Repeat this process to develop the basic shape of the sculpture. 
Now we're at a crucial point of the sculpture, detailing the base. Removing too much sand can have disasterous results. On the other hand, not removing enough sand will leave the sclpture looking unfinished. Depending on the sand, temperature and wind conditions, the sand may have started to dry out. Before attempting to carve the base, make sure it is moist and firmly packed. Using your bucket, pour small amounts of water around the base. Carefully repack the base until firm. Remember, the lower sculpture is like the foundation of a house. If it's too weak the whole thing will come crashing down. If the shape of your sculpture demands you defy the laws of gravity, then carve other supporting objects that will add to the structure but not detract from the sculpture. Once you've completed your masterpiece, gently mist with a spray bottle or garden sprayer to keep moist. |
