Sea glass ideas for sea glass fanatics

O.k., the following link not only has a list of great ideas (with awesome photos) for what to do with sea glass it also has a link for serious sea glass lovers to join a sea glass lovers community. Go here for details:

http://www.bytheseajewelry.com/theglass/seaglassideas.php

Today, I taught a class at a local Y and am again blown away by how one group of five or six people can come up with so many unique ideas. Many people brought their own sea glass or beads and others ideas of what they wanted to do.  We worked on “free style” pendants and earrings. Some people added shell bead embellisments, some made tiny hanging sets and others used the wire itself instead of a spacer bead between rounder beads. A few students brought ambitious projects home so they could keep working.

People respond to sea glass even when it is out on the table. Some like the brightly colored artificial pieces which I clearly differentiate from the “real” stuff.  While I prefer the sea glass I’ve beach combed when I’m making jewelry (and use it for all I sell and wear) I have come to respect the way others respond to the flat textures and bright colors available in the artificial sea glass. I’ve lost my judgement about fake sea glass.  For learning to wire wrap people should work with something that pleases them and that matches their clothes or skin tone. I know I’m passionate about hunting sea glass, finding gems and treasures and for me, though I love the transclucent tones of aqua and dark purple in the sea glass it’s nothing compared to a piece I find at the beach even if it is an awkward shape and only has the slightest hint of color. But, that’s my taste and preference.

What does irk me and we did talk about this in class today is when people sell sea glass jewelry and call it that when it is clearly manufactured glass. For those looking for a local gift or something coastal who are not familiar with the difference between real and fake sea glass they are being ripped off. They are buying something believing it is from the sea. Often, they are paying big money and not getting what they think they are paying for. I don’t care if people make and sell jewelry with anything they choose but it bothers me when it isn’t advertised with accuracy.  I used to think stores were pulling one over on customers but store owners are often assuming a product that says sea glass is made of sea glass. It isn’t always the case.

If two pieces match perfectly (in size, color and texture), and there are dozens in one store, it is unlikely that it is real. There are sea glass jewelers who do make earrings that look almost identical. But, the beauty of sea glass is that pieces aren’t identical. It’s not supposed to be exactly the same as any other piece - like people – each is a one- of- a-kind gem. 

Also, don’t be too discouraged when beach hunting in the rain. You may notice different colors on overcast days or be surprised what you find when fewer people are out on the beach. Or, you can wait for the sun to return. Happy Hunting