Create a summertime souvenir from sand

I love this tutorial from Sarah Rivka of Creative Jewish Mom for making sand beads. This craft is so simple and fun that's it's perfect for not only the older kids but also toddlers---did someone say fine motor skills? Sarah has done a nice job putting together a how-to complete with pictures, clear directions and tips for what can be made out of the sandy clay. With a lot of white glue, some sand collected from that special trip to Maui (or by dumping out a few trusty sneakers) and some markers your kids will be stirring up batches and making some cool keepsakes from their summer '09 vacation.

(via One Pretty Thing)