Ingredients:

• 1 cup clean sand
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. alum (find in spice section of your grocery store)
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

• Pour the sand into an old cooking pot.

• Add cornstarch, water and alum. Stir.

• Set the concoction on the stove over medium heat and stir. As it gets warm it begins to liquefy. In 2-3 minutes it will get thicker.

• As the goop stiffens and clumps like stiff cookie dough, remove from the heat and keep stirring for a few more seconds as it cools down.

• Plop it onto a cutting board or tough surface, spread it slightly for further cooling. When comfortable to touch begin molding and/or adhering to chosen frames.

To make a sand frame:
Arrange and glue a few seashells on a wooden frame with a 1-inch or larger edge. Use a paintbrush to apply household glue directly onto the frame around the shells. With your fingers, press a thin layer of sand goop on the glue. Let dry for 1-2 days. Brush off any loose sand.

To make a "fossil:"
Form a ball of sand goop (the size of a tennis ball) around a small rubber toy or whimsical plastic trinket. Let dry for a few days until the ball is hard. Then, tap the ball with a hammer. It will crack open to reveal the surprise!

Important note: Adult supervision and participation is required for this activity.

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