All Things Sea Glass...

Portfolio... Starting Young...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:25:00 +0000

My teenage daughter loves art... creating, manipulating mediums and dreaming up her next idea. I think I was about her age when I really discovered my love for creating... and once I got a taste I was hooked!

She recently had a piece of her work "Vases" submitted to the 2011 Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition. There were over 12,000 submissions and she was awarded a silver key for her drawing. It was a "blind" drawing in which she was not able to look at her paper while she drew.

"Vases"

drawing by Taylor Kunselman

Beverly High School

The artwork of all gold and silver key recipients will be hanging from Feb 14 - April 7 at the State Transportation Building in Boston. On March 6th there will be an awards ceremony for all.

Below is a tile that was supposed to be submitted as well but was not finished. It is a 11Wx9.5H hand created 3D tiled mosaic of the landscape of Greece.

Mehndi Art inspired the following drawing which was submitted for the final of the class.

I admire what my daughter has accomplished at only 16 and look forward to seeing her grow as an artist, athlete, scholar and individual in the years to come.

Get paid to shop by Ebates.com

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Get paid to shop by Ebates.com

I stumbled across this great site called Ebates. Ebates is a free site that offers users cash back on purchases via the web at just about any store you could imagine! There are deals, coupons and so much more. You can also earn cash by having friends sign up for free! What could be better than that! Check out my link above or below and start earning cash back shopping at your favorite stores now!

HOOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:06:00 +0000

You may not remember - but last year for Halloween I created a boutique outfit for my youngest daughter that got rave reviews! I have become hooked on appliques and decoupaging clothing to create that one-of-a-kid look. Here is an outfit I just finished. The applique was drawn by me and hand sewn (after the iron on procedure) to the shirt. I also made a matching bow complete with coordinating button. The tights and skirt were purchased to complete the outfit! The fabric was purchased at a local Salem shop. The whole outfit cost less than $30 - that included a handmade shirt and bow, tights and skirt! Keep an eye out for her holiday outfit next month!

New Work...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:01:00 +0000

Here are two more additions that will be sent to Eco 1st Art! Eco 1st Art carries upscale earth friendly items. I haven't heard yet if there has been an official launch - however, there are now many items for sale - check them out!

Hunting Season

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 13:31:00 +0000

I know it is still summer - but the air has that coolness that fall is close approaching. Fall and winter are the best sea glass hunting times. Storms and rough seas churn up the oceans floor exposing more gems on the shore. You can find me on the beach in the dead of winter on a stormy day... snow falling... winds blowing and I am out there collecting when everyone is sipping hot coca fireside.

I was out collecting recently at a couple of my favorite spots at an early low tide and realized that the pickings were just not that good.... and at places that usually yielded great loot all year. It got me wondering if someone had been there before me... had more people discovered my "secret" spots? Or is it the fact the shore and sea are changing and just not producing the bounty it used to. Or could it be a fluke day? I hope it is the latter and that the bounty returns this fall - I really don't want to go out of business!

Grand Opening Reception @ Bancroft & Friends Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Grand Opening Reception Tonight!

Bancroft & Friends

11 Pleasant Street

Marblehead, MA

6-9PM

My friend Brooke Pickering has opened her own store ~ Bancroft & Friends ~ in Marblehead, MA and tonight she is having a Grand Opening reception tonight! Come see her beautiful ceramic housewares and her famous "Marblehead Collection" among others.

She also has pillows, encaustics, bags, children's dresses, cards, sea glass jewelry and hand cast silver jewelry from some of the following artists: Bumble Belly Designs, All The Numbers and Sea Glass Things who, along with Bancroft Studios, are also members of a local artists group Boston Handmade. There are other wonderful local artists work for sale as well! Stop on by!

Summers End...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0000

I never look forward to this time of year... the end of August. There is a chill in the morning air... the nights are a bit cooler and days are getting shorter.

The malls soon become bustling with back-to-school shoppers and you find yourself purchasing closed toed shoes instead of another pair of trusty flip flops. There is mad dash to capture last beach days and nightly walks to the local ice cream stand slowly come to an end.

The end of Summer... it seems to sneak up on me. I guess I am just never prepared for its departure.

CSN Stores $70 Gift Certificate Winner....

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:53:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.... drum roll please... the lucky winner is Ella! Ella you will be sent your gift certificate via email soon... thanks so much and check back for more contests!

Shed Some Light On Your Beach Decor and Enter A Free Giveaway For A $70 Gift Certificate!

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:53:00 +0000

If you follow my blog - you 1) know I love the ocean and 2) know that I love the shabby clean beach chic look. I love exploring indoor and outdoor space and I am constantly looking for coastal lighting to "brighten" up rooms - while continuing the flow of design. Here are some fabulous lamps I have stumbled upon in my search. Notice that you can incorporate more modern table and floor lamps with cleaner lines while still maintaining the integrity of your coastal decor. Also remember that modern can include more abstract elements as well... and don't be afraid to incorporate color!

If you don't prefer the modern lines of the lamps above there are still the classic designs that are timeless... yet still fresh...

Let's not forget the quintessential light house lamp that will fit right in upon any seaside side table...

Floor lamps are always a great option if you have created a cozy reading nook or if you have chair but no side table. This particular paper lantern floor lamp reminds me of hanging those Japanese paper lantern lights around your deck or in trees for ambiance on summer nights. I love the look of a tripod lamp behind a couch that is kiddie-cornered - this opens up space while maximizing it at the same time.

When putting a room together it is also important to indulge on the accents. I like the look of a sisal rug to define a space (not to mention they are affordable) - and what the best part is that the sand falls right though to the bottom - just roll it back and sweep it up! A glass blown vase or two is functional and beautiful when set on a coffee table - and look best when filled with plump hydrangeas or your favorite flower. You might want to even fill vintage bottles with shells and sea glass that you have collected on your beach combing journeys! Don't forget to give those bare walls some love with nautical art or photography!

No matter what your coastal decor flavor there is sure to be something out there to tickle your taste buds! You can find many items to decorate your home with our Giveaway! You have a chance to win a $70 Gift Certificate from CSN in our free Giveaway! How fun is that?!?! Of course there are many other items you can choose from as well - just visit their site for over 200 places to shop!

The giveaway starts today, June 21, 2010 and ends on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You can enter mulitple times depending on how many places you promote the giveaway, our blog or our website.

Here's how you can enter to win:

Visit our store and let us know which sea glass is your favorite! Your name will be entered into the drawing for our giveaway. Simply comment on this post with your favorite creation and your email address!

You can also get one additional entry for each of the following:

1. Promote the $70 Gift Certificate giveaway on your website or blog with a link to "Sea Glass Things Blog"
(a href="http://www.seaglassthings.blogspot.com/"). Then add a comment on this post with a link to your promotion.

2. Follow Sea Glass Things's Blog by clicking on the follow button, top left next to blogger search box, or by Google Friend Connect in the left sidebar.

3. Become a Fan of Sea Glass Things on Facebook by clicking on the "Like" button at the top.

4. Follow Sea Glass Things on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (you can tweet daily) - Copy and paste:
Enter to win a $70 Gift Certificate http://bit.ly/96A6ln @seaglassthings #giveaway

5. Promote the giveaway on Stumble Upon or Digg with a link to this post. Then add a comment on this post with your Stumble or Digg name and / or URL.

You will be entered for each promotion of our contest. So... if you visit our site and post a comment here for your favorite sea glass creation, plus promote it on Twitter and Facebook you will be entered three times.

This contest is open to United States and Canadian residents only. We will be announcing the winner on June 29, 2010 on our blog, Facebook and Twitter. Good luck all!

Round Two

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:19:00 +0000

Here are a few more pics taken and edited by my good friend Nikki - these are a little different as we were trying to protect the integrity of the freshwater pearls.

This has been a huge challenge when editing these photographs - reducing glare on the pearls and keeping their true form and texture.

A New Endeavor...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:21:00 +0000

I am very excited to have been working on products for a new endeavor I will be taking part in. It is the launch of a new "Green" artist website - Eco 1st Art - located in California. They are planning a launch date of this June.

The purpose of the site it to act as art brokers for artists that produce high end Eco friendly products - thus putting them in touch with customers looking for environmentally conscious products. Lately I have been working on pictures of my products for submission and with the help of my good friend Jackie and lots of advice from other friends - this is what has been submitted thus far!

Sightseeing in Salem... Fort Pickering at Winter Island

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:32:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago on a warm Sunday we spent the day at Winter Island in Salem, MA. We packed a picnic lunch and soaked in the sun and scenery. Winter Island is rich in history and a great place to wander around with your camera. There is so much to see and Waikiki Beach is great for collecting sea glass.

Fort Pickering (prior to 1799 was Fort William dating back to 1634) was a working fort during the War of 1812, as well as the Spanish-American and Civil Wars. You can still see the bunkers and parts of the fort while walking the grounds. Prior to being active during the wars - Winter Island was at the heart of Salem's fishing industry. The "Essex" ship was also built by mater shipbuilder, Enos Briggs, and then the launch in 1799 was viewed by 12,000 townsfolk. Winter Island Light has been a guide for many ships into Salem Harbor. You can read more about the history of Winter Island at Salem Web.

There are many places to picnic and camp if you choose!

Girls Night Out at Rouge with Michele McPhee

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:44:00 +0000

My good friend Jackie Burkhart, myself, my mother and Jackie's friend Diane (doesn't she look like Diane Keaton - last photo far right?) were at Rouge this past Friday night to meet Michele McPhee from 96.9 Wtkk Boston Talks... and it was no surprise that Michele ROCKED and was as down to earth as I thought she would be.

Rouge is located on Derby Street in Salem - we are huge supporters of their store. They have everything you need for your body, face and hair and are VERY knowledgeable about their products... not to mention all the staff are just wonderful!

Organizing My Glass and Pottery...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:03:00 +0000

I took about three hours yesterday to go through my glass and organize it. I took out pieces that were good for jewelry... including pottery and dumped the rest into a large tote that is now about 3/4 full. I need to start designing some new pieces and this will make it much easier to find what I am looking for!

Sunday Morning Walk...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Although it was a good 23 degrees cooler today with a crisp wind off the ocean... I totally enjoyed an early morning walk. The fact that it was low tide made it even better. I found a jade marble, an orange flash piece, a penny from 1993 - not a find but interesting how it has decayed... and many beautiful pieces of glass and pottery!

After the Storm...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:26:00 +0000

The pictures above are of the three day storm from last weekend - and a few pieces of the glass collected from one of my secret spots after. The wind was so strong when I was taking the storm pics - that it was rocking my van. It was a very high tide and the waves at times were coming over the railing. Storms rally up the ocean floor bringing new goodies to the shore!

The Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:47:00 +0000

I am loving the nice 50+ degree weather and the warm sun! I spent last weekend grazing at my favorite spots... gathering up the many pieces of sea glass the winter has left behind. I must have been a pirate in a past life as I am always on the "hunt" for treasures whenever I am walking the beach....Aaarrrgh!

Design a Bathroom with a Seaside Flare Incorporating Handmade Goodies!

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:46:00 +0000

I love clean coastal and shabby beach chic look. You capture the essence of a Nantucket beach cottage in your own home that can fit into virtually any budget. A couple of years ago I discovered this fantastic paint by Benjamine Moore called Aura... which is all we use now. This is - in most cases - a one coat paint that goes on like butter and the quality is superb with low-VOC that is good for the environment and you! To learn more about the paint you can visit your local paint store or the Benjamine Moore website. This paint will run you about $60+ for a gallon - but it is well worth the investment.

When painting your bathroom you will want the Benjamine Moore Aura Bath & Spa Matte finish paint. This paint will not run or streak when humidity hits your walls like many paints can... and now have a matte finish in your bathroom with Aura paint. A good tip when painting is to give a fresh coat to the ceiling so it doesn't appear dingy once you have repainted the room.

To me, beadboard is very beachy. I really like the look of white beadboard in a bathroom with a chair rail or molding that separates the painted wall from the beadboard.

Walls = Benjamine Moore Aura Paint in Jamaican Aqua

Beadboard = Benjamine Moore Aura Paint in Snow White

There a many ways to accessorize a space without spending a fortune. A great way to do this is to shop for handmade items. Not only are you supporting your local artists... you are also reducing your carbon footprint. There are many sources online to shop for handmade goodies. Two of my favorite are 1000Markets and Etsy. Below are a list of handmade items found that will compliment this design and color choice above (or any variation) - just click on the picture and it will take you to the storefront of that handmade item!

Original artwork and photography can brighten up lonely walls...

Seahorse Painting by KarinGrow

Photographs by Modern Classics Paper

Starfish and sea inspired wall hooks for towels and beadboard towel racks compliment the beadboard walls.

Starfish Wall Hook by Monkey and Squirrel

Beadboard Towel Racks by JLJ Designs

To accompany those towel racks and hooks you need to dry off with luxurious handmade linens.

PESHTEMAL Towels by Turkish Bath

Floor and tabletop accents tie a room together with bathmats, soaps, mirrors, window treatments and accessories... don't forget to top it off with some funky cabinet knobs!

Recycled T-Shirt Rug by Talking Squid

Shabby Cottage Style Boxes by The Broken House

Ocean Shea Butter Soap by Sherri's Scents and Soys

Sea Shell Soaps by Annie's Powder Room

Ceramic Abalone Shell Soap Dish by Salt and Earth

Naturally Scented Soy Candles by Sawgrass Candles

Beach Cove Shea Butter by Tropical Bomb

Sea Glass Cabinet Knobs by Beachy Rustica

Starfish Mirror and Starfish Garland by Beach Grass Cottage

Putting all of these mouthwatering items together will truly create a seaside spa oasis!

The Sea Glass Ornament

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:49:00 +0000

I was fortunate enough to have Diane Colvin Reitz, Author of The Sea Glass Ornament, to contact me in early January of this year. Diane offered to send me a copy of her recently published book for review. Due to my love for sea glass and the coast.... of course I said yes! Not only is a sea glass ornament a focal point in her story - but it takes place on the coast of Georgia with memories of Round Pond, Maine scattered throughout. The story is about love, loss and finding beauty and love where you least expect it. Below I have included bits and pieces of my conversation with Diane over the past couple of months.

SGT: I wanted to let you know that both my mother and I have read your book. We LOVED it!!! I was so sad to reach the final page as the story of Ollie and Hike's journey left me wanting more. It was so beautifully written and the words easily painted pictures in my mind as if I were living Ollie's life through her eyes. I was wondering if Cora was related to you and/or a real person from your life... as I noticed you both have the same name of Colvin - or if that was just the name you decided to give the character. It was such a bittersweet story.... to remind us that we are never alone in this life... in the afterlife... and love is never out of reach.

DCR: Cora Code Colvin was my grandmother. The sea glass image for me is very important in the story because sea glass is formed from the constant churning and upheaval of the sea - and this process, produces great beauty. Yes, I wish the book was longer too, but it kinda finished itself.

SGT: I loved the fact that the story left you wanting more... superb! So... the question I have wanted to ask... was this book based on a true story?

DCR: The book is fiction. However, Cora Code Colvin is my grandmother's real name and Round Pond, Maine is my favorite real place in the whole world. I have found great sea glass when the tide goes way out along the coastline. I am really a poet and this book was my first published prose. The story is to convey the beauty of humanity - and that is truly real.

I have enjoyed this opportunity to get to know this amazing author and read this truly beautiful book. Pick it up... grab a cup of coffee and totally immerse yourself in the characters... it won't take long and you won't want to put it down until you finish!

The Sea Glass Ornament can be found at Goose River Press (scroll to the bottom of the main page) and Amazon.com.

Sea Glass Ornaments by Sea Glass Things

Completely Coastal Offers a Coastal Decor Giveaway by Beach Grass Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Visit Completely Coastal to enter a beach decor giveaway! Beach Grass Cottage is having a drawing for a $40 gift certificate to their store! Visit the Completely Coastal site for rules of entry. Hurry - because this ends February 17th! Good Luck!

Click the image below to and follow the directions for entering!

New Work: Sea Glass Wreaths and Tabletop Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:05:00 +0000

Last summer I started to create wreaths and tabletop decor items using sea glass, shells and other beach found objects. Though beautiful, these take many hours to complete and a lot of sea glass, therefore, I only make them once in a while now. They are fun to do and I love the end result!

Completely Coastal Offers a Beachy Giveaway by Outer Banks Trading Group

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Visit Completely Coastal to enter a beach decor giveaway! Outer Banks Trading Group is having a giveaway of fabulous seaside items on Completely Coastal! You have a chance to win a set of 4 vintage style beach signs, 3 bright tropical lanterns or a sailing pillow. Hurry - because this ends February 4th! Good Luck!

Click the image below to and follow the directions for entering!

... Black Friday SALE @ OBX Trading Group ...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:26:00 +0000

http://www.obxtradingroup.com/

...Gobble...Gobble...Gobble....

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Sea Glass Things is wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

*Photo by William Dalton on Flickr

Sea Glass Light Boxes...

noreply@blogger.com (Sea Glass Things) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:42:00 +0000

I started making 3D light boxes last year and so far they have been a hit! These take a long time to make - but are well worth it. The subtle low watt lighting illuminates the light box... creating a soft glow - perfect for a night light! Each light box is signed & dated... and is a great gift for friends and family!

$85