The gazing ball stands amid the barren branches of trees in a garden with hardened soil. Winter is hardest on beach lovers. To liven a dreary corner of a room or relive happy times spent at the beach, with minimal effort, it's possible to create an "Indoor Beach.
Bring the Beach Home
To create an "Indoor Beach" requires little planning, lots of creativity and a love for the seashore. The size of the "Indoor Beach" will depend on how large an area is available in a room. For a larger display, purchase a small plastic tub of the type used for a child's outdoor pool or if space is limited, a small plastic footbath. Approximately a yard to a yard and half of material with a nautical pattern will also be needed for a cover. The material should have an hang over the edge at least 4 to 6 inches, enough to be tucked neatly beneath the bottom of the tub. Secure with sewing tape or glue. Fill with clean sand, available at lumber and hardware stores, to about 3/4 inches from rim.
The Fun Begins
Before creating the "Indoor Beach", plan a theme such as a tropical beach, an authentic local beach or some other representation of a memorable vacation. Then, make a list of the types of things the Indoor Beach will contain. Aquarium stores have a large supply of shrubber to plant in the sand around the edges of the beachscape. Other items, such as sand dollars, star fish, artificial seaweed and driftwood can also be found wherever aquarium items are sold. Or, gather seashells from a local beach if nearby. To give the display height, use an old model sailing vessel to create a "shipwreck" appearance at the back of the display. Add a boardwalk and breakwater at the sides. Add beach fencing or a lifeguard tower for a different effect. These can easily be found in toy stores or wherever model train displays are sold.
Low Maintenance, High Enjoyment
Locate the Indoor beach where it will generate the most interest. Unlike knick-knacks that are dust magnets or indoor plants that require a good deal of care, an indoor beach is virtually maintenance-free. It's a great conversation piece and for those who love meditational corners, an indoor beach is perfect. It's non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-polluting. For those with kids, just remove the beach figures and it becomes an indoor sandbox to keep little ones occupied in the long days of winter.
An Indoor Beach?
Invite a friend to an "Indoor Beach" party on a snowy day and it's bound to cause curiousity. An Indoor Beach is unique, fun and enjoyable.
