PHOTO GALLERY: Crystal Classic sand sculpting lessons

Lara Hines, a local sand sculptor, starts the second session of Crystal Classic sand sculpting Oct. 13, at Siesta Key beach.

Adam Rhodus asks sand sculpting instructor Libby Bennett for some tips during a free, hands-on lesson.

Mohit Gupta fills a bottomless bucket with sand to create the base of a sand castle.

Newlyweds Elizabeth and Adam Rhodus demonstrate the “mix-scoop-plop-flatten-jiggle” technique to create an arch for their sand castle.

Local sand sculptor Andy Daily helps Travis and Lisa McCreary create their castle.

Mohit Gupta takes a break during a 45-minute sand-sculpting lesson at Siesta Key beach.

Crystal Classic sand sculpting lesson attendees used this model as a guide for their own.

Navreet Kaur and Mohit Gupta add texture to their sand castle.

Adam and Elizabeth Rhodus use plastic sculpting tools to add details to their castle, while Libby Bennett coaches the couple.