Crafts for Tumbled Sea Glass

The random shapes of tumbled sea glass present interesting craft possibilities.

Tumbled sea glass is randomly shaped with a frosted finish, which makes it an interesting material for use in a variety of craft projects. Natural sea glass obtains its shape and finish being tumbled by the sea, but there is a man-made variety as well that is made using rock tumblers. They have a similar look, though the man-made sea glass usually has a smoother texture without the flaws that are unique to naturally tumbled sea glass.

Jewelry

Making jewelry with sea glass requires either wrapping it decoratively with metal wire or drilling a hole in it so it can be hung or mounted from a jewelry finding. Drilling sea glass requires patience and plenty of water, as the sea glass can easily crack. Sea glass is popularly used as a pendant, but small, similar pieces make a good necklace or bracelet chain when attached together. A matching set of earrings is simple to construct with wrapped wire as well.

Mosaics

Common, naturally tumbled sea glass colors are white, green and brown, but man-made sea glass includes all colors of glass available, presenting a wide variety of options for mosaic designs. Sea glass is porous and frosted, which means that it needs to be pressed into the mosaic grouting medium rather than adhered in place and grout applied around it.

Stained Glass

Sea glass is easily incorporated into any stained glass design, as it originates from actual glass that has been tumbled into its final shape. Designing the stained glass to incorporate unique sea glass pieces is one option, or the sea glass can be cut to shape to fit the stained glass project. Wrap the sea glass with copper foil or insert it into a lead came just as you would any other piece of glass.

References

• Odyssey Sea Glass: Sea Glass Crafts, Crafts Sea Glass, Beach Glass Crafts
• The Sea Glass Journal: A Simple Wire Wrap Sea Glass Pendant
• Mosaic Mercantile: FAQ