Cardboard Sandcastle for a Unique Beach Party!

Learn how to make a cardboard sandcastle out of recycled boxes! This is such a great tutorial for a party or anywhere besides the beach you need a castle.

I’m not a heat person (hot weather), yet I love sandcastles. I think it’s because I made them as a child on the cold beaches of Washington State.

There’s something so fun about building a sandcastle, and it can be all day affair that I can completely get absorbed in. Speaking of sand and castles, the lovely ladies of One Charming Party sent me this delightful sandcastle activity to share with you.

I think it would be lovely as a centerpiece for a summer birthday party; it’s actually part of a larger Mermaid Party plan that you can view (and then purchase supplies for) here. This is one of those party crafts that really makes an impact because it’s super cool and unique. It features flags and beach glass and seashells!

So here are the instructions for the sandcastle. You are going to love what the structure is made out of. It’s all recycled!

How to Make a Cardboard Sandcastle

Supplies: a variety of cardboard boxes in various sizes, berry baskets and/or cardboard egg cartons, masking tape, Mod Podge Matte, 2 inch paint brush, dry sand, skewers, acrylic paint, flags (available in the printables section), hot glue gun, sea glass, seashells

Instructions:

1. Tape boxes together with masking tape to form a sandcastle shape. Use berry baskets or egg cartons to add some variety.
2. If you have dark writing on your boxes, paint the boxes a sandy color with acrylic paint.
3. Paint the boxes with Mod Podge, in small sections at a time. Press handfuls of dry sand onto the wet glue.
4. Repeat until the whole castle is covered with sand.
5. Cut out the flags from the printables section and tape or glue to a painted skewer and poke into the sandcastle.
6. Once the glue and sand is dry and hardened, hot glue sea glass and seashells onto the castle.
7. Sprinkle the entire castle generously with extra sand

*Note: make sure the sand is completely dry and only use masking tape—wet sand won’t stick to the glue and glue won’t stick very well to clear packing tape.

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If you like this cardboard sandcastle, I’d love for you to check out these other perfect summer party projects!

• DIY Party Lanterns
• Inexpensive DIY Party Favors
• Pineapple Centerpiece
• Decorate a Cooler