Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am still getting settled in my new place, but soon I will be out on the beach and boat finding new things to share on my blog.
For now, enjoy these photos from the public domain. Find them all at the Pixabay site. Each one has a link to the photographer who shared them.
Credit: Wokandapix
Learn about sea glass so you’ll know which colors are most rare and how some people sell it as real, but it’s been hand tumbled.
Credit: HalfpintohoneyCredit: Pixabay
What kind of seashell is this next to the baby? My guess is a Queen Helmet (Cassis madagascariensis), as they can be as big as 12 inches.
I’m sure as a seashell collector you’ve seen the typical crafts being made with collected shells. Frame a mirror, or make a wind chime, or cover a little trinket box. But if you find something really special on your beach-combing ventures, why not wear it around your neck so it gets some nice visibility? A pretty, or rare, seashell or piece of beach glass would make a lovely and unique pendant. Something like that needs to be used in a special and creative way.
I know that jewelry making is popular, and I’ve never made any type of jewelry myself, but it’s something most people can easily learn to do. Buy some wire, in silver, bronze or copper, and watch the Youtube video below – it moves right along, and has pop up text with useful information as you watch the woman create her sea glass pendant. I think you’ll agree that any of us could handle making something like this. You’ll need pliers, quality wire, and wire cutters, and of course the special item to be wrapped.
Often we are told to drill shells with a hole to create jewelry, which seems much more difficult. This wire wrapping video is done with a piece of green beach glass, but it could also be used as an example of how to wrap a pretty seashell. A small, spotted junonia hanging around your neck would be such a conversation piece! If you do it, please let me show off a picture of your handiwork here to inspire other readers. Have fun!
Collecting your own sea glass assures you it’s real, but buying on line may give you pause. Is that necklace (with the hefty price tag) made of the real thing?
I may have come across sea glass during my treks to the ocean, but I never paid much attention to it. The kids and I collected seashells only. Jelly fish and horseshoe crabs that had washed up on the beach were interesting, but I don’t recall finding any pretty, worn glass. But there are collectors of sea glass, and they know what to look for. Just like seashells, certain ones (colors) are rare, and therefore demand a higher price. Continue reading Collecting and Buying Real Sea Glass→
