Hydro Dipped Sand Dollar Craft {with nail polish}
Hydro dipping, also known as water transfer printing or immersion printing, is a fun technique to try with kids or adults.
This process involves submerging an item into a water bath that holds a floating ink design, in this case made using nail polish.
Sand dollars make a perfect canvas for hydro dipping. Hydro dipping sand dollars makes a great summer craft or beach craft!
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Supplies
- Sand dollars (Amazon/Etsy)
- Nail polish
- Large container for dipping. Something with a somewhat narrow top works best.
- Water
- Wax paper
- String or Twine
- Scissors
You can also sometimes find sand dollars at the dollar store.
How to hydro dip a sand dollar
1 – Prepare the sand dollars by threading a piece of string or twine through one of the openings in the sand dollar and then tying it to create a long handle to use when hydro dipping it.
2 – Fill the container about 3/4 of the way full of water. It needs to be deeper than the sand dollar but not so full that it will splash out when you dip.
The nail polish may stain the container so don’t use something that’s your favorite.
3 – Carefully pour nail polish into the container, one color at a time. You want to thoroughly cover the top of the water.
4 – Holding onto the string gently dip the sand dollar into the liquid. Slowly, pull it back up and hold it there for a moment so any excess can drip off.
5 – Gently place it on the wax paper to dry. Repeat for the rest of your sand dollars. You will need to add more nail polish every 2-3 items.
6 – Give the sand dollars 24 hours to dry completely.
No, you can use any nail polish so it’s a great way to use up old ones that have been hanging around your house.
