Sea Glass Journal Blog

Santa Cruz or Bust!

2010-11-04T15:50:00.005-04:00

Well, I'm getting ready to head out to lovely Santa Cruz for their annual Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival being held this weekend. I'm told the weather will be perfect. I will try to take plenty of pix to post to the Sea Glass Journal.

I will also be heading up north to revisit Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and the whole Mendocino area. I may even take a side trip to wine country. Please see the article on my last trip to Fort Bragg Glass Beach.

I hope to gather plenty of material for some new articles.

Talk soon,

Gary

NASGA Sea Glass Festival

2010-10-10T08:29:00.002-04:00

The first day of the sea glass festival in Hyannis, MA was a success. I don't have a tally of the gate yet but it sure appeared that a few thousand enthusiasts showed up. It will be very interesting to see what sea glass shards have been entered into the "Shard of the Year" contest.

A few pix of the first day have been posted to the Sea Glass Journal. Click Sea Glass Slide Show to view them.

Happy Hunting!

Sea Glass Chronicles Sequel!

2010-10-06T12:24:00.002-04:00

In the first-ever book on the subject, Sea Glass Chronicles: Whispers from the Past, Carole Lambert introduced the reader to the world of sea glass through her personal collection. Now, in her "tell-all" sequel, Sea Glass Hunter's Handbook (Downeast, Nov 2010, $14.95), Lambert reveals the secrets behind finding and identifying the best samples of these unique collectables. From great tips on useful tools and techniques and a glossary of related terms, to a list of some of the best sea glass beaches in the world, this book is an essential part of any collector's or would-be collector's library.
For more info click Sea Glass Hunter's Handbook.

NASGA Sea Glass Festival Lectures

2010-10-01T17:23:00.002-04:00

The national sea glass festival is right around the corner ( Oct 9th and 10th ). This year sea glass collectors from around the world will converge on Cape Cod at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis. Along with over 50 sea glass artisans and enthusiasts there will be lectures presented by notables on the history of glass and sea glass collecting. Here is a list of the lectures to take place during this grand event:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

Cape Cod Bay & Nantucket Sound: America’s Frontier Ecosystems - 11:00 AM

Theresa Barbo, Author/Historian

Since the 16th century through contemporary times, Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound have been a part of America’s history pages. From European exploration to waves of immigration, to armed conflicts with other nations, and to the dynamic natural resources and wildlife within these precious areas, these historic waterways have seen it all! Hear history come alive in this unique, illustrated presented by one of Cape Cod’s leading non-fiction authors and noted lecturers.

A Century of Sandwich Glass - 1:00 PM

Dorothy Schofield, Curator of Collections

Sandwich Glass Museum Sandwich glass is often noted for its beautiful pressed wares that were made in a myriad of colors during the 19th Century. However, during its 63 years of operation the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (1825-1888) produced a wide range of products including blown, mold-blown, pressed, and decorated wares. A look at the history and products of this now famous glass house, as well as other Sandwich glass companies, will be discussed.

Why Does Sea Glass Matter? - 2:00 PM

Celia Pearson, Photographer

Why does sea glass matter? You might be asking that question or already have answers. Celebrate the beauty and essence of these man- and nature-made forms from the unique perspective of Pure Sea Glass photographer Celia Pearson. For the past seven years this nationally recognized artist has trained her eye on sea glass. Ignite or reaffirm your own wonder through her latest images, stories and insights about these gifts from the sea.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10

Shards Reveal Much of New England’s Past - 11:00 AM

Carole Lambert, Author

Seemingly worthless broken bits of china, ceramics, and pottery found on New England beaches offer valuable clues to the region’s past and present. Beachcombers are able to see with an archaeologist’s eye how the duplicitous nature of sea shards, both sturdy and fragile, connect history, science, art, and nature.

From Shipwrecks to Bottlenecks: Locating and Identifying Shipwrecked Treasure and Other Unique Regional Finds - 1:00 PM

Ellie Holmes, B.A. Geography, G.W. University

Ellie Mercier, an avid Geographer and sea glass collector offers a synopsis of locating and identifying the origins of found M.A.T., Johns Hopkins University objects, including items derived from shipwrecks. In addition, Ellie will share tips for locating treasures specific to particular coastal areas.

Going Sea Glass Wild on The Greek Isles - 2:00 PM

Christeena H. Minopetros, Sea Glass Jewels

Join Christeena on a sea glass journey for the ultimate piece of sea glass through the Greek Islands. Presentation will include photos of the islands and special collecting places.

LaMotte on Martha Stewart

2010-09-30T14:17:00.003-04:00

Martha Stewart wants to talk about sea glass collecting so who does she call up? None other than Richard LaMotte a.k.a. "The Godfather of Sea Glass" and author of "Pure Sea Glass."
I suggest you all gather up as much sea glass you can as collecting it is quickly becoming all the rage.
A guest appearance on Oprah can't be too far away Mr. LaMotte.
;-D
See the segment by clicking Sea-Glass Treasures with Richard Lamotte.

2010 International Beachcombing Conference

2010-09-09T13:25:00.005-04:00

Nov. 12-14, 2010

U. of DE's Virden Retreat Center

700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE

The International Beachcombing Conference offers consummate and novice beachcombers alike the opportunity to come together to meet, greet and learn more about the beachcombing experience and the science which makes beachcombing possible.

Speakers include nationally-known environmentalists, oceanographers, anthropologists, geologists and photographers, many who are also award-winning authors.

Attendees will gain a broader view of the factors affecting our beaches worldwide and how they effect the beachcombing experience. Have you ever wondered where the artifacts you find came from? With the guidance of experts, learn how to trace the origins of your collected beach treasures.

Learn about paleontology, anthropology, ethics and climate change during conference lectures and panel discussions. You will have the chance to attend workshops, field practica and artifact identification sessions designed for all levels of experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees can relax and browse local artisans' beach crafts and jewelry.

For more information click Beachcombing Conference.

Sea Glass from the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck

2010-08-25T15:54:00.002-04:00

A shipwreck along the Delaware coast reveals its pottery and sea glass secrets after more than 200 years under water.
To see the entire article click Shipwreck Sea Glass.

Step away from the sea glass... if you can!

2010-08-12T15:07:00.009-04:00

An interesting phenomenon in the sea glass collecting world is the takeover by the National Park Service of coastal locations that were once town dumps. These areas provide some of the best sea glass collecting as they offer copious amounts in a myriad of colors and shapes to hunters who are willing to trek the many miles for the enjoyment of collecting.

Once the National Park Service takes over an area the collector is no longer allowed to keep the sea glass they find. Visitors are told that the sea glass, once trash, is now "a natural resource" and belongs to everybody. This just oozes with irony, doesn't it?

I understand from the Park's point of view the desire to retain the sea glass as it increases tourism to an area ( i.e. $$$ ). If people are allowed to keep the naturally tumbled gems eventually there will be nothing left and the tourists will disappear.

It will be interesting to see if collectors will still be willing to spend the time and money to travel to these locations if they can't keep the sea glass they find. It may be that the Naional Park Service's position is in a Catch 22.

Two National Park locations that I have visited are Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, Ca and Spectacle Island, Boston, MA. Click on the hyperlinks to see more about these areas.

The Old, Rare and Elusive Black Sea Glass Shard

2010-08-11T14:52:00.003-04:00

This month's featured sea glass is a well worn shard of very rare black glass. The shard is a thick and black-looking olive-green piece of sea glass indicating it is probably from an old bottle commonly used to transport liquors.

For more information on this shard and black glass in general click Black Sea Glass.

Where Does All That Amethyst Sea Glass Come From?

2010-08-10T12:23:00.002-04:00

Have you ever found a piece of sea glass that had a light purple or amethyst tint to it? Have you ever wondered where this glass came from? Well, believe it or not, it started out as clear glass.

Find out more about sun-colored amethyst sea glass by clicking Sun-Colored Sea Glass.

Spectacle Island Sea Glass

2010-08-05T12:37:00.002-04:00

Just a short ferry ride from Long Wharf in Boston, MA, Spectacle Island features a marina, visitors center with exhibits, sandy beaches, and walking trails. It also offers sea glass collectors an incredible experience as one of the beaches is loaded with sea glass and pottery from years long past.

But alas... you can't take the sea glass with you. While you can pick it up and photograph it you must leave the shards there for future sea glass hunters to enjoy.

For more on the day trip to this incredible little island click Spectacle Island Sea Glass.

Dr. Beachcomb says "Get out and play!"

2010-07-29T13:57:00.003-04:00

Her name is Dr. Deacon Ritterbush, author of A Beachcomber's Odyssey Vol. I: Treasures from a Collected Past, and her mission is to introduce people to the fascinating, healthful, healing and affordable world of beachcombing.

See an interview with her by clicking Interview with Dr. Beachcomb.

2010-07-04T15:45:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Multi-colored red, white & blue sea glass that, apropriately enough, comes from England! They're from that region everyone has been hearing about. You know... where the Victorian glass factory once operated?! It's a sea glass destination for sure!

– The Sea Glass Journal

Sea Glass Photo of the Week

2010-05-13T15:50:00.003-04:00

The Sea Glass Photo of the Week is where you, the collector, can share a favorite sea glass photo on the front page of The Sea Glass Journal. At the beginning of each week we will be posting a new sea glass / beach glass photo.
For more details click www.seaglassjournal.com

Depression-Era Sea Glass

2010-05-06T15:01:00.003-04:00

This sea glass specimen might possibly be a Depression-era drawer pull made of vaseline glass.
See how I came to that conclusion by clicking Vaseline Sea Glass.

Happy Sea Glass de Mayo!

2010-05-04T20:29:00.004-04:00

I just want to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo.
¡Saludo!

Need Something for Mother's Day?

2010-04-26T21:40:00.005-04:00

I've finally gotten around to putting some sea glass jewelry online. I'll be adding more as time permits. My store is on Etsy.com. They are pretty straight forward. To buy you have to set up an account which is a matter of providing a username, password, and a valid email address.

Please take a look at my Sea Glass Jewelry.

Thanks,

Gary de Blois

Spanish artist creates whimsical sea horses from sea glass

2010-04-25T21:44:00.002-04:00

Inspiration from the curved, surf-worn shape of a large piece of teal sea glass inspired Svetlana Rasuleva's new passion for sea glass.

See more at Sea Glass Seahorses.

Happy 40th!

2010-04-20T13:09:00.011-04:00

It's been forty years since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day.

www.earthday.org

A Sea Glass Adventure

2010-04-19T09:17:00.007-04:00

Here's a video of a recent sea glass collecting adventure. Just wanted to see if posting a video works better than individual pix .

Catch of the Day

Sea Glass Envy

2010-04-14T21:33:00.013-04:00

I thought I had a large sea glass boulder. Penny Parker bagged this monster from the NE of England and sent me a couple of pix along with a few measurements.

Girth: 8.5" (215.9 mm)

Length: 4.5" (114.3 mm)

Weight: 17.9 ounces (507.47 grams)... Yikes!!!

On the left is a detail showing the thickly frosted surface of this sea glass behemoth.

You can see my "not-so-big" article by clicking February's Sea Glass Shard of the Month.

Really Unique Sea Glass Shards

2010-04-07T10:46:00.015-04:00

End-of-day multi-colored sea glass shards found around the Santa Cruz area of the California coast.

See more in the article West Coast Sea Glass Multies.

By Nature's Design

2010-04-06T14:18:00.006-04:00

On a recent sea glass hunt I came across this wonderful site. Left from the receding eddies is this "C Swirl" of seaweed, reminiscent of a motif oft used in my sea glass jewelry.

Humungous Sea Glass Boulder Washes Up in Fort Bragg

2010-04-01T12:21:00.008-04:00

A large, white sea glass boulder is found washed up on the coast of Fort Bragg, CA after record setting storm. "I couldn't believe my eyes!" exclaimed longtime sea glass hunter Gary de Blois.
"You're gonna need a bigger baggie!" remarked Martin Brody, another collector in the area.

2010 NASGA Sea Glass Festival Is Set

2009-12-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

Sat & Sun, Oct 9th & 10th, 2010
Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center
Hyannis, MA
The details have not been finalized but as soon as they are they will be posted on the NASGA website.

A Festive Sea Glass Glow Candle

2009-11-25T14:24:00.008-05:00

For this Thanksgiving or Fall centerpiece try a candle holder that accents your Autumn sea glass colors.
See more by clicking Sea Glass Glow Candle

A Sea Glass Mural

2009-11-10T14:54:00.008-05:00

Carol Smith-Sloan & Holly Rader of "All Cracked Up" work with sea glass and other found objects

A sea glass mural, commissioned by the Boston Parks Department, was installed at the visitor's center on Spectacle Island.

See more by clicking Sea Glass Mural

Hello Everybody... I'm Back...

2009-10-23T15:47:00.011-04:00

To all,

I apologize for being negligent with my sea glass sites but will do my best to now make your visit worthwhile again.

In November, 2008 my Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. To all who have lost a loved one to cancer... now I understand.

She was always a source of stability and encouragement, and like all my other endeavours, she shared in my joy of sea glass collecting. For a while I lost the motivation to tend to the chores at hand but, in time, I came to remember her last words to me. With great effort she said "Be the best you can be." I will try to honor her advice.

I can't say at this time that I have come to terms with her passing. I have been told that I will never be over it. Well... I don't ever want to be over it.

Yellow is her favorite color.
I miss her so.

If you would like to make a donation to fight cancer please click Cancer Society.

Sincerley,
Gary de Blois

The 2009 NASGA Sea Glass Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania

2008-11-13T23:04:00.002-05:00

The 2009 Sea Glass Festival, sponsored by the North American Sea Glass Association, will be held in Erie, Pennsylvania the weekend of Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18.

How Do I Find Thee Sea Glass? Let Me Count the Ways...

2008-11-12T22:20:00.052-05:00

Looking at some pics of the sea glass I took the other day it occured to me all the myriad ways these shards can reveal (or hide) themselves on the beach.

Some shards lay right on top of the sand just begging to be plucked. These pieces usually find their way into my collection bag almost immediately!

Other pieces lay ensconced within the sand and rocks, as if playing hide and seek, but revealing just enough to catch my eye.

Some pieces, perched amongst the rocks like chameleons, are hardly noticeable at all. How many times did I walk over this white piece before it finally caught my eye?

Then there are those shards, still wet and aglow by the sunlight, that stand out like brilliant diamonds cast along the beach by the surf.

Today's haul of sea glass doesn't contain any corkers... but who's complaining? It was a beautiful day!
Take care and happy hunting!
Gary de Blois

Catch of the Day

Today's sea glass catch wasn't awarded to any one piece, but instead, to a few pieces that together made it all worthwhile!

Sea Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, CA

2008-11-08T00:27:00.005-05:00

Located in Northern California among the rocky coastline is what can be considered the Mecca for sea glass collectors around the world. Find out more about this beach combers paradise located in Fort Bragg, CA.
See more by clicking Sea Glass Paradise

Prepare for Sea Glass Collecting During the Spring Tides

2008-11-07T16:56:00.001-05:00

Spring tide (or minus tides) ranges will be extremely high during the week of November 13th. These days will offer some of the best opportunities for sea glass collecting. Check your local tide charts for low tide times.

Glass-O-Lantern

2008-10-30T12:53:00.004-04:00

Give Jack a Touch-O-Glass

In keeping with the spirit of the Halloween season I decided to incorporate some sea glass into my pumpkin carvings. Having the glass backlit by the candle adds a colorful twist to this traditional craft.

Sea Glass Tip: Because the sea glass is illuminated, use some of your darker, unusually colored shards that can't been seen under normal conditions.

Sea Glassing In the Upper Bay

2008-10-27T17:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a windy day, full of surf, and it made for a successful sea glass collecting adventure in the lower Narragansett Bay, RI. Today, I decided to see what may have turned up in the upper bay.

Because the upper bay generally doesn't have as much surf as the lower bay, sea glass is usually less conditioned, keeping more of its original shape. This can make it easier to guess the origins of the shard but makes a piece less desirable for jewelry. These pieces of sea glass are probably more appropriate for a craft project such as candle holders and mobiles, or just to add to your collection of interesting shards. Sea glass found in the upper regions would have to be in the water a long time before it acquires that frosty, pitted look that is so desirable.

Well, it didn't take long to find out that I made the right decision on where to look. Almost immediately, as I stepped onto the beach, I found this beautiful sun-colored amethyst sea glass stopper! Unbelievable! I have never found a stopper of this color. Usually I get the light aqua or light green types.

It didn't end there. Right near where I found the stopper was this tri-colored sea glass marble. You just never know what a windy day will leave on the beach!

Along with these beautiful treasures I also found some bottle necks and pottery shards along with some common sea glass colored pieces.

All in all another fine day to take a walk on the beach and treasure hunt!

Take care and happy hunting!
Gary de Blois

Catch of the Day

A beautiful, sun-colored amethyst sea glass stopper!

A Perfect Day To Go Collecting

2008-10-26T17:28:00.000-04:00

Even though it was late October it was turning into a beautiful day. Low tide was around 12:30 PM and the surf was up. How many more days would there be like this? I certainly wasn't going to waste it so off I went to one of my favorite sea glass collecting spots.

This spot is located in lower Narragansett Bay where there is almost always surf. This lends itself to sea glass that is generally well conditioned with rounded edges. The surf was a little stronger than I thought it would be. Instead of walking along the low tide line I had to run back and forth along the rocks as the waves rushed in and receded. Unfortunately, being so late in the season, I didn't bring my swimsuit. While trying to take some pictures I had to work quickly, keeping one eye on the surf, so I didn't get surprised by a wave.

This secret collelocation usually yields more of the common sea glass colors associated with an area where people would go to socialize. Thus I would expect to find mostly the greens, browns and whites of various beer, wine and liquor bottles. Occasionally I would locate a quality sea foam green or even a cobalt blue.

Most of the glass I found was quite small although there were one or two pieces that were of good size including a thick and elongated light aqua piece of glass.

I also collected some sea brick for my garden. It makes a colorful contrast to the green foliage.

After about an hour and a half I was ready to call it quits for the day. I had plenty of other projects that needed my attention.

As you see from the picture on the right, it wasn't a bad day at the beach. There were a few well conditioned whites, greens and even some aqua sea glass. I even found a few very small cobalt blues!

Take care and happy hunting!

Gary de Blois

Catch of the Day

A thick, elongated light aqua piece of sea glass.

Sea Glass Festival 2008

2008-10-24T16:10:00.000-04:00

So you couldn't make it to the NASGA Sea Glass Festival this year?
Here's the next best thing to being there. View a slide show of the festival as it progressed at the University of Delaware's Virden Center in Lewes, DE.
It was crazy from the start! Over 2,000 people walked though the door the first day and estimates are that over 3,500 showed up for the weekend.
See more by clicking Shard of the Month - 10/08

A Simple Wire Wrap Sea Glass Pendant

2008-10-24T15:38:00.000-04:00

For a sea glass jewelry idea try a simple wire wrap pendant like the one on the left. With a few basic wire wrapping tools, some wire of your choice and a piece of sea glass that you have found, create a simple piece of jewelry that will certainly garner attention from your friends.
Step 1: Selecting Tools & Materials
The three tools suggested for this sea glass project are wire cutters, round nosed pliers, and flat nosed plier.
The wire selected should be strong enough to support your sea glass pendant on a chain. If you are using sterling silver, for example, I recommend using 18 gauge or 20 gauge half-hard. Although you can use any style it is easiest ( and more forgiving ) to use round.
TIP: If this is your first venture into jewelry making with sea glass, use a piece large enough to handle easily.
See more by clicking Simple Wire Wrap Sea Glass Pendant

Old San Juan: Fortress City Offers Chunks Of Charm (and Sea Glass!)

2008-10-24T15:31:00.002-04:00

For most visitors to Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is a city of colonial delights, with narrow alleyways, Carribean-colored buildings, pulsating Latin rhythms, and the mysteries of magnificent El Morro Fort.
City walls built nearly 400 years ago to protect locals from marauding pirates and empire-building Englishmen offer a glimpse into history, where you can imagine aristocrats singing songs of love and drinking bottles of rioja.
But for the glasser, the beaches of San Juan Bay and the shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean encircling the island offer their own exquisite rewards — lovely smooth shards of glass in aqua blues, deep turquoise, and pastel greens.
From the surf town of Rincon to the west, to the neighboring island of Vieques to the east, Puerto Rico offers lots of areas for sea glassers to explore.
One beach in particular stands out, though, and it is surprisingly easy to reach, located just before you enter the main tourist district of Old San Juan. Driving along the one-way stretch of Hwy. 25, look for the Puerto Rican capitol and government buildings on your left. If you've reached San Cristobal Fort, you've come too far and will need to circle around again. There is a parking lot on your right that runs parallel to the road where you can park for free.
See more by clicking Hunting Sea Glass in Old San Juan

Shard of the Month - Oct 08

2008-10-24T15:22:00.002-04:00

A Brilliant Orange, Octoberfest Sea Glass Marble
Finding a sea glass marble is truly a special moment, but finding one in that rarest of colors, orange, makes it that much more fantabulous! Here's how Susan Bishop, of Port Hadlock, WA, recalls that moment.
"Actually Marc, my partner, found that certain special marble. We were down the beach about 3 miles and had just walked around the tip of the point. The sun was really bright and you could see glass reflecting everywhere, a wonderful site that all sea glass collectors should experience. It was like finding an isle with a pirate's treasure!
See more by clicking Shard of the Month - 10/08

The Godfather of Sea Glass

2008-10-24T15:10:00.001-04:00

Richard LaMotte Boosts the National Profile of Sea Glass
Few sea glass collectors DON'T recognize the name of Richard LaMotte. As the author of Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems, LaMotte is a nationally recognized authority on sea glass. His book is now in its 5th printing, and he is routinely interviewed by national media including Coastal Living magazine.
The Journal: How did you become interested in collecting sea glass?
LaMotte: I've always enjoyed beachcombing. When my wife felt that making sea glass jewelry would allow her to work at home I quickly went to work trying to find sea glass along the Chesapeake. After a slow start I found several spots that produced amazingly well-worn and rounded shards of aqua, cobalt blue and soft green. I was hooked.
The Journal: Other than bottles what are some sources of sea glass?
LaMotte: Tableware and utility glass make up a fair portion of the sea glass that is not originally from bottles. The types of glass found are often site-dependent. Tableware pieces from Pressed Glass, Depression Glass, Fiestaware and other early to mid-20th century patterns can quickly add color to one's collection.
If a collector is in an area where they only find standard brown, green and white they are likely in a bottle-heavy area, seeded in the mid- to late-1900s. Utility glass refers to lighting, insulators and several odd forms of glass used for electrical applications over the past 100 years.
The rarest colors often come from what I call vanity ware and vases — items used to display or hold special objects around the home. Art glass is also unique but very hard to date.
See more by clicking LaMotte Sea Glass Interview