In the aftermath of a coastal storm, the skeletons of sand dollars will wash up on the beach. It is a familiar form in white, with a five-pointed figure on the back. The sand dollar is a popular item with beachcombers of all ages. They are kept as souvenirs in and of themselves or put to use in crafts such as ornaments, picture frames and jewelry.
What is a Sand Dollar?
The sand dollar (Dendraster excentricus) is a marine animal that prefers living in shallow coastal waters. A close relative of the star fish, when alive the sand dollar appears to be covered with a fine layer of hair. These are the spines that help it move. By the time a sand dollar washes up on the beach, the tiny spines are gone, leaving only the skeleton behind. It is often slightly bleached by exposure to the sun. The nickname sand dollar refers to the shape of the skeleton, which is round and flat, similar to a large coin.
How Can You Find Them?
The best time to search for sand dollars is after a storm, or after a day when the sea has been particularly active. The increased motion of the waves tends to dredge up many of the buried shells.
If you're having perfect weather, check the local tide charts. Comb the beach at low tide, as sand dollars live just below the surface in sandy areas that are covered by water when the tide is high.
Once you have found a sand dollar, make sure it is not alive. Live sand dollars look like fuzzy brown cookies. Dead ones look like flat white coins.
If you don't live close to a beach or don't have any luck locating sand dollars on your own, you can always buy some from your local craft supply store.
Preparing A Sand Dollar
Once you have found a sand dollar, you'll need to clean and harden it. Begin by placing your sand dollar into a bowl of fresh water. The water will turn brown and begin to give off an unpleasant aroma. When this occurs, change the water. Repeat each time the water changes color. Continue until the water stays clear.
Once the water remains clear, replace half the water with chlorine bleach. Soak the sand dollar in bleach water for 15 minutes. Rinse it well and allow it to dry in the sun. Once the sand dollar is dry, mix white glue and water together (about 50/50) and brush the mixture over the sand dollar, completely covering it. Allow the glue to dry completely.
Now that the sand dollar is cleaned and hardened, it is ready to use.
Sand Dollar Jewelry- Earrings
To make a simple pair of sand dollar earrings, choose two small sand dollars--as close to the same size as possible. After cleaning and hardening, attach earring posts to the back with super glue.
To make dangling earrings, drill a small hole in the top of the sand dollars, #xBC; inch from the edge of the shell. Best results are achieved with a 1/16 inch drill bit. Place jump rings into the holes and attach earring wires to the jump rings.
Sand Dollar Necklace
A necklace can be made by simply running a bit of string through the hole that occurs naturally in the sand dollar. Jazz it up a bit by adding a few beads and knotting the cord to form a macrame design. If you feel like getting a bit fancier buy a necklace making kit from your local craft supply store. Then drill a hole in the sand dollar, #xBC; inch from the edge. Once the drilling is complete, situate a jump ring in the hole. Attach a bail to the jump ring, and run a chain through the bail.
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