Never dig sand dollars from the ocean floor. Sand dollars burrow beneath the sand of the sea floor to protect themselves from predators and debris. If you dig up a sand dollar underwater, there’s a good chance that it’s alive. Check them before you take them. Gently turn the sand dollar over and look for tiny, centipede-like feet or hairs on its bottom side. Brush the hairs with your hand. If the hairs move, the sand dollar is alive. Place it gently back into the ocean. If the hairs don’t move, feel free to take the sand dollar home. [2] X Research source If a sand dollar is moist or solid in your hand, there’s a good chance that it’s alive or recently deceased, even if you found it washed up on the beach. Exercise your best judgment, and consider returning a sand dollar to the sea if you aren’t sure. [3] X Research source
In many states, it’s illegal to collect living sand dollars, and you may face a fine if you’re caught in the act. [4] X Research source If you’re not sure about the law, or if you care about preserving fragile littoral ecosystems, don’t take sand dollars directly from the ocean. Many beaches and coastal authorities restrict the number of sand dollars that you can collect in one day. Research local beach-combing rules and restrictions before you set out for the day. Before you take a shell from the ocean, make sure no organism is still living inside it. The ocean is a delicate ecosystem and can be dramatically disturbed by over picking, even if you only take “a few” shells. [5] X Research source
The water in the bucket may become discolored or start to smell bad. If this happens, retrieve your shells from the bucket, dump out the water and fill the bucket with clean fresh water. Replace your shells and soak them again. Continue to soak the shells until they no longer cause the water to discolor. Soaking your shells in fresh water after collecting them helps to prevent decay.
Avoid brushing the shells aggressively. These shells are very delicate and vigorous brushing can cause them to crack. You can also use a toothpick to gently pick at spots of debris. Soaking your shell for a longer period will help loosen pieces of debris.
If you’re cleaning a number of sand dollars, fill a baking tray with the bleach-and-water solution. This will allow you to spread a number of sand dollars evenly over a broad surface. Make sure that there’s enough solution in the tray to cover the entire sand dollar. You can also use a bowl, a bucket, or a Tupperware container. If you’re only cleaning one sand dollar, find a small bowl, lid, or another container. You won’t need much bleach to get the intended effect.
For the best results, lay your shells in the sun. This allows them to easily air dry.
Mix as much solution as you think you’ll need depending on the size and amount of sand dollar shells you have.
Using wax paper allows for an easy clean up.
Painting your shells with this glue mixture will harden the shells, which will help them last longer. Maintain a clean work area to ensure dirt and debris don’t get stuck to the sand dollars. This method will create a dull natural finish for your sand dollars.
Take care when decorating sand dollars with children’s. Even though the shells have hardened with the glue finish, they can still be very brittle and delicate. Use a permanent marker to write the year the ornament was made and the name of the creator for future reference.
Dazzle up a small sand dollar shell and glue it to the edge of a picture frame. Frame a picture of your friends and family together on your beach vacation.
Display your shells with an assortment of your other favorite shells and stones. Use a brush and watercolor paint to make them pop with color. Put your favorite seashells in a large glass mason jar and display it in your home. Loop a strong through the holes in the sand dollars and create a wind chime or tie them into a dream catcher. Find your own fun ways to decorate and display your precious treasure.
