Sand dollars, with their distinctive disc shape and intricate patterns, are cherished finds for beachcombers. These flattened sea urchins leave behind a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton, known as a test, after death, which often washes ashore. Preserving these delicate natural treasures allows individuals to keep a piece of the ocean’s beauty, creating a lasting memento.
Ethical Collection and Initial Cleaning
Collect only dead sand dollars to protect marine ecosystems. Live sand dollars are typically dark in color, ranging from brown to purple, and are covered in tiny, moving spines or cilia that give them a fuzzy or velvety appearance. If a sand dollar is moist, retains its natural color, or its spines move when gently touched, it is likely alive and should be carefully returned to the ocean. Dead sand dollars, by contrast, are typically bleached white or gray, smooth to the touch, and lack any discernible movement.
Once collected, initial cleaning removes sand, debris, or residual organic material. Begin by gently rinsing the sand dollar under fresh water to dislodge loose particles. For more thorough cleaning, submerge the sand dollar in fresh water, changing the water periodically as it becomes discolored and murky. This soaking process helps to draw out any remaining organic matter and can also contribute to hardening the shell. Continue soaking and changing the water until it remains clear.
Drying and Hardening Techniques
After the initial fresh water soak, the sand dollar needs to be thoroughly dried and, optionally, whitened. Place the cleaned sand dollars on a towel or a baking rack, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for proper air circulation. Air drying in a cool, shaded area is suitable, as direct heat sources can cause the delicate tests to warp or crack. Allowing them to dry completely before proceeding.
For those desiring a whiter appearance, a gentle bleaching process can be employed. Prepare a solution of one part household bleach to one to four parts water. Submerge the sand dollars in this diluted bleach solution for a very short period, no more than 10 minutes, as prolonged exposure can cause the shell to disintegrate. Immediately after the brief soak, remove the sand dollars using gloves or tongs and rinse them thoroughly under fresh, running water to remove all bleach residue. This thorough rinsing helps prevent further degradation and avoids a yellowish tint.
To reinforce the fragile structure of the dried sand dollar, a hardening treatment is recommended. A solution of equal parts white school glue and water. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and runny, resembling a thin liquid rather than thick glue. Using a soft paintbrush, carefully apply a thin, even coat of this glue mixture to one side of the sand dollar. Place the coated sand dollar on wax paper or a cooling rack to dry completely before flipping it to coat the other side. Multiple thin coats, allowing for drying between applications, can further strengthen the sand dollar.
Display and Care
Once fully dried and hardened, preserved sand dollars make appealing decorative elements. Display them in shadow boxes, on shelves, or in decorative bowls with other natural elements like sea glass or shells. For a more artistic touch, they can be painted with acrylics to create intricate designs or used as unique ornaments.
Proper long-term care is important to maintain the integrity and appearance of preserved sand dollars. Even after hardening, they remain somewhat delicate and should be handled with care to prevent chipping or breakage. To prevent discoloration or fading, keep them away from direct sunlight, which can bleach their natural white. Additionally, extreme temperatures and high humidity should be avoided, as these conditions can compromise the integrity of the preserved shell and any applied hardening agents.