THE SHORT SET: SAND-CASTING CALL

Before the weather really warms up and throngs of beachgoers overrun the shoreline like so many elephant seals, savor the waning moments of the off-season with a little sand-casting. All you’ll need is a sweatshirt, a bucket, a paint stirrer, some plaster of Paris and a patch of sand. Ignore the instructions that say you need fresh water to mix with the plaster because salt water works just fine (and there’s plenty of it!). Find a spot where the sand is hard and damp but not too gloppy -- if it holds your footprint, it’s perfect. Nipper was delighted to discover the extra-large space between his big and second toes. “I can get my whole fist in there!” he shouted before making an impression that resembled the mark of some sort of pre-historic first-grader. Your mold will dry enough to remove in about half an hour. While you wait, build a sandman. Use seaweed for a necktie and shells for buttons. When the plaster has set, dig away the sand and gently flip the casting over and admire your handy- (or footy-) work. And as an added bonus, a plaster casting of a child’s feet or hands makes for a great (and practically free) grandparent gift.

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-- YoMama@latimes.com