DIY Network

Wall File Sand Art Make this unique dry arrangement. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-412

Wall files never looked this good.

Sand art can be a lot more than layers of colored sand in a jar or fishbowl – and it can include a lot more than just sand. In this project, Michele Beschen takes sand out of the jar and puts it on the wall with a fun arrangement housed in a clear acrylic wall file.

The B. Original host shows how to combine sand and rocks with flowers and other elements for a fun dried arrangement that hangs on the wall. Scroll down for her how-to, and start putting your own off-the-wall designs on the wall today.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Wall File Sand Art

Materials:

clear acrylic wall file
thin plywood or luan
drill with 1/8" wood bit
#8 machine screws with nuts, 1/2" long
caulk
sand (different colors)
flowers, rocks and other elements

Note: Acrylic wall files are available at office supply and discount stores. Make sure the wall file you choose doesn't have any slots or other openings in the bottom.

• Many acrylic wall files are open at the back. If so, measure and cut a thin piece of wood such as luan to fit inside the wall file and cover the back opening (figure A).

• Slip the wood inside the wall file and mark the position of the file's mounting holes (figure B). Remove the wood and drill holes at these locations. Also drill a hole in the center of the wood, about 1/2" from the top.

• Slide the wood back into the file and attach it with machine screws and nuts. Orient the screws so the screw heads are on the outside of the file; this will help the file lay flat against the wall.

• On the back of the wall file, seal the seam between the wood and plastic with caulk to keep the sand from leaking out (figure C). Let the caulk dry completely.

• Hang the file on the wall before creating the arrangement. Drive a drywall screw through the hole in the top of the wood and into the wall.

• Clean the inside of the acrylic wall file.

• Use a small cup to pour the sands and rocks into the acrylic pocket (figure D). The layers don't have to be even – peaks and valleys add interest. You can add some layers of colored sand, which is available at hobby shops and art stores (figure E).

• Use a skewer or a pencil to poke down through the layers at a few points to create interesting effects.

• Begin the floral arrangement before filling the sand up to the top. Elements can include dried flowers, pods, sticks, greenery, rocks, glass gems and even small figurines. Use stems that are fairly short; avoid inserting them too far into the same. You also can embellish some of the rocks with paint or rubber stamps (figure F).

• Try to get elements where you want them on the first try. Rearranging elements can disturb the sand art.

• Top off the arrangement with a few small, shiny elements for a final touch.

You've just created a fun sand art arrangement for the wall – and found a beautiful way to keep people from overloading your in-box!