Aug 23, 2007 5:55 pm US/Eastern
Atlantic City's Sand-Man
If you've ever helped your children make a sand castle you know how much fun it can be, even if it doesn't exactly come out looking like one.
But there are professional sand sculptors who are true beach artists. Meteorologist Kathy Orr introduces us to Matt Deibert, the sand-man.
Building castles in the sand! It's just part of a day at the beach. Some construction efforts are better than others. But not many people can top the creations of sand-master Matt Diebert who said sand sculpting is a passion for him.
"I create something that is beautiful to me and hopefully beautiful to many people who get to see it," Diebert said.
Matt grew up on the beach in Atlantic City where his sand sculpting interest began. His works have been featured around the country and even in Europe.
In 2004 Matt went to France as part of the American team to create the "Sands of Remembrance". The sculpture commemorated the 60th anniversary of D-Day. It was a life-sized recreation of the Allied effort on the beaches of France to liberate Europe from the Nazis.
Matt said it was an emotional experience.
"To carve the sand and carve soldiers coming out of the sand was almost like bringing them back."
Matt's real life profession is reporting to duty as a captain in the Atlantic City Fire Department. He has been a firefighter since 1992.
As Matt worked on his latest sand castle for the Atlantic City Firefighters Family picnic he told CBS 3, "Anyone can transform grains of sand with their imagination."
Matt has shared five simple steps for making sand castles, so you can do the same.
Sand Castle 101:By Matt Deibert, Atlantic City Sand Sculptor
1) Planning your sand castle involves a weather watch and a tide schedule check.
2) Choosing the exact spot will be determined by the tide. If it is an outgoing tide then get as close to the water's edge. If it is an incoming tide then find the high tide mark and choose a spot just above it. Otherwise waves will erode your castle at high tide.
3) Mixing water with the sand is a must. Make sure to bring a few buckets just for retrieving water. A shovel for moving sand is essential. Other tools that may be helpful in creating your masterpiece: melon baller, popsicle sticks, palette knife, a level, spreader, 4" & 6" pvc pipe about 10" long, buckets with the bottoms cut out, paint brushes and a straw.
4) After the location is determined, make a pile of sand with your shovel, wetting the sand during this process. You should be able to stand on top of your pile. A high pile foundation helps achieve impressive height to your castle.
5) The last step in preparing the sand for your castle is determined by your final design. Using the bottomless buckets, place on top of the pile and fill with sand and water (plenty of water). Using the 6" and the 4" pvc pipes on top will create wonderful towers. Finally it is time to decorate and create your personal sandcastle. Fine details such as windows, doors, steps, arches, rocks and landscaping define your sculpture from others. Take your time and be creative, use multiple textures and don't forget to bring your camera!
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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