Sand Orbs and Sea Glass

Decorate your home with the look of the sand and sea. These great crafts by Kathleen George are just beautiful. With only a few steps you can have a home full of gorgeousness.

Materials:

• STYROFOAM* Brand Products:
  • Balls, 4" and 5"
• Fine sand (optional)
• Small disposable container
• Sea glass
• Assorted small seashells
• Acrylic spackling compound
• Tan acrylic paint
• Natural raffia
• Soft cloth
• Jumbo craft stick
• Small natural sponge
• Water basin
• Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks

(NOTE: Acrylic spackling compound is available at home improvement stores.)

Steps:

1. Sort sea glass by color. Use complementary colors of glass or a single color for a monochromatic look.
    
2. Glue sea glass to foam balls with small shells randomly interspersed, allowing very little space between pieces. (Note: Glass pieces will appear farther apart after spackling is applied.)
    
3. Tint spackling compound with a small amount of tan paint, mixing until thoroughly blended. If desired, stir in small amounts of sand until the desired texture is achieved.
    
4. Apply spackling to each orb, using your fingers to press compound into small crevices. Gently wipe off excess spackling on sea glass and shells with a clean damp sponge, leaving a smooth, even coat between pieces. Rinse your sponge often.
    
5. Allow spackling to completely cure.
    
6. Wipe sea glass and shells with a damp sponge to remove haze left by spackling residue. Let dry thoroughly and then buff each orb with a soft cloth.
    
7. Tie raffia gift-wrap style around each orb and knot at center top. Trim raffia, gluing small seashells to random ends.

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