Craft of (last) week: Sandwriting

At the New Years Eve party we attended in Florida, the hostess had a beautiful picture frame hanging in her kitchen with the family name written in sand. 

You've seen it on Etsy.  You may have seen it on our wedding "Save the Dates".  You even may have done it yourself during your last trip to the beach! 

But sitting on the beach the next day, my friend Kelly and I couldn't resist the opportunity to make one with our new last names.  This time, with some of the beautiful white sea shells we collected on the beach!  We thought, what great gifts these would make!  And they did indeed, as I gave my first one to Nate's grandparent's this past weekend in Cape May (which is why this post is coming to you a little late)!

Supplies Needed:

• A beach location
• Sea shells
• Camera 
• Picture Frame
• Printer & Paper (or print at CVS)

Directions:

1. Head to the nearest beach for a day of relaxation, sun and fun!

2. Go for a walk and collect sea shells along the way!  For my last name, 5 letters long, I needed about 50 shells.

3. Head down to the water's edge, right where the sand changes from dry to wet.  I prefer a nice flat surface, but not too close to be washed away by the incoming tide.

4. Arrange your shells into letters, each about 1 ft. tall.  Keep the letters close together, as small gaps between letters appear much larger once printed.

5. Take a variety of photos at different angles and closeness.  This will help you when you decide how large (5x7, 8x10, etc) you want to print.

6. Print desired photo and pop into a frame!

So there ya go...just because you're traveling does not mean you can't be crafting!  Even if its a simple one!