The term "sand art" can refer to several different types of artistic crafts created with sand, such as that found at the beach. One type of sand art refers to jars or bottles filled with colored sand, which can be layered to create a beautiful appearance. This is a fun and simple activity for children. If you have a jar of beach sand, you can use food coloring or special paint powder to change the color of the sand. You can create several piles of sand in different colors, which can then be layered in whatever manner you like. If you put the layered colored sand in a beautiful bottle, it can be a lovely keepsake or ornamental accessory.

Another type of sand art refers to the sand art paintings that are traditional in Native American culture. In this form of sand art, beach sand is separated into various piles and dyed in various colors. Then, you carefully place glue on a sheet of paper, and pour one color of sand over the paper. After a few seconds, flip the paper over and shake it to remove the excess sand: it should stick only where you previously placed the glue. Repeat the glue and sand process with the other colors, so that you will have the sand art design that you want. In Native American culture, these paintings can be very intricate and beautiful, though you will probably not be able to match that level without a lot of practice.

The final type of sand art refers to sand art that is created by making sculptures out of damp sand. The most primitive form of this variety of sand art would be the sand castles made by children at the beach, using molds to shape the sculpture. Sand art sculptures can be far more ornate than this, and can use tools and dyes to help complete the sculptures. Many sand art sculptures can be as large as a person, or even larger, and can feature beautiful designs. In many countries throughout the world, there are sand sculpture contests that will award a prize to the contestant who has created the best sand art sculpture.