Collecting sea glass can be a relaxing activity.Walking down the beach of an ocean or lake will clear your mind of your everyday problems as you look for the glass.Sea glass emerged smooth, polished, and frosted after being tossed around in the waves for at least several years, making it a valuable item for collectors.To collect sea glass, you need to choose a good time and location to go, know what to look for, and find good uses for it.
Step 1: The beach has rocks.
Sea glass accumulates where rocks are plentiful.Sea glass can be found at the beach with many pebbles.Sea glass is created by the same forces of nature that break up small rocks.
Step 2: Look for a populated area.
The beaches closest to a city or commercial zone are the best places to find glass.Sea glass begins as litter.You want areas that have been settled in the past.In areas with lots of traffic in the sea, sea glass can come from war zones, which will produce a lot of waste.The first sea glass was a glass bottle.The sea polishes it into sea glass.You need areas with bottles thrown in the water.
Step 3: The beach has big waves.
Sea glass is created by turbulent surf.Areas that are frequently hit with waves and winds are the best places to make sea glass.The water acts as a giant rock tumbler by making glass over time until it is polished.The bigger the waves, the better.The sea glass can be found by moving it onto the shore.Between autumn and spring is when to go.The sea is likely to be rough.
Step 4: Go at low tide.
The best place to find sea glass is on the beach.You can go about an hour before or after low tide as the tide is likely to hit sea glass.The tides will be stronger during a full moon.The water can move the sea glass onto the shore.
Step 5: Go after the storm.
The sea glass will be moved by a storm.Hurricanes have been very effective in moving large quantities of sea glass.Don't look for sea glass during a storm.Wait until it's over.
Step 6: The beach has sea glass.
Some beaches have large quantities of sea glass.These are a good place to start.Glass Beach in Fort Bragg was once a dump and now has a lot of sea glass.The lava network on Kauai Island traps and polishes the glass.There are bottles thrown in the water in Bermuda.Vieques is known for its sea glass.If you want to avoid competition, try to get there early.
Step 7: Look for smooth glass.
You are looking for glass that has been ground and polished by sand, rock, and water erosion over many years to form an irregular shape with a dull color.It is too new to be considered sea glass if you find a piece that doesn't conform to these standards.Throw it back into the water.There is a difference between glass and sea glass.It takes at least 7 years for a piece of glass to become sea glass.If you find a piece with jagged edges and shiny spots, that is still glass.Sea glass has smooth edges from being churned by waves over time.
Step 8: You can find the colors you like.
Clear/white, green and brown are the most common colors.Blue, indigo, and sky blue are less common colors.Red, yellow,amber, orange, and pink are rare colors.Small pieces of brown glass can look orange or amber.It is almost impossible to find black sea glass.If you want to sell it later, the rarer the color, it will be more valuable.Old bottles are thicker and have bolder colors.Wine-cooler bottles look pretty but are very thin.Skyy Vodka's popularity is attributed to the new abundance of blue glass.Beer bottle colors are green, brown and clear.
Step 9: To find more, use a small rake or stick.
Some people use a rake or stick to move rocks.You can sort through all of the materials on the beach with a small tool.It will keep your hands clean.
Step 10: There are low and high tide lines.
Areas of wet sand are the best place to look in, but be aware that certain colors of glass turn almost invisible when wet.Green or blue glass can be found here.White and brown colors can be found close to the wet sand.The evasive red is more visible here.Some glass is easier to find wet than others.Green can be found wet or dry.White is easier to dry.When wet, brown is easier.Blue can be found either wet or dry.It is easier to find red when it is dry.When wet, amber is easier.Black is hard to find.
Step 11: Look away from the water.
Sea glass can be found in sand far from the shore.It has an added benefit that people don't look at it.You can find a lot of glass where most people aren't looking for it.
Step 12: There is a pocket of rocks.
There are pockets of gravel on the beach.Either squat or sit down.Take your time.Scan with your eyes if you want to select a small area.The glass needs to be collected.Go to the next promising area.
Step 13: The sun is hitting the sea glass.
The sea glass will be more visible to you and the sun will not block your view.The sea glass reflects light and shines in the sun.
Step 14: You can put the pieces in your pockets or in a small bag.
If you only have a few pieces, you can keep them in your pockets.If you want to collect a lot, you should bring a couple of small bags.
Step 15: It's a good idea to consult a book for more information on your glass.
You might not know which pieces are worth the most.Pure Sea Glass by Richard LaMotte is a good book that will help you learn more about your glass.
Step 16: Sea glass jewelry can be made.
Jewelry items of sea glass include rings, necklaces, and earrings.The sea glass can be put on a ring band or earring stud.Use a hot glue gun to adhere the sea glass.You could loop it through a chain or glue it to a pendant.You can sell sea glass jewelry.
Step 17: Common items can be embellished with sea glass.
Sea glass can be used to decorate many items in your house.Attach it to a mirror, candle holder, or drawer handle.You can make a sea glass border around a picture frame.Sea glass can be used for many arts and crafts.You could use sea glass to make a wind chime.You should include your kids in this.They will enjoy making crafts with sea glass.Help them glue it to the picture they drew.
Step 18: Sea glass can be displayed artistically.
If you have a lot of sea glass, you can display it in a vase, lamp base, or bowl.One color of sea glass can be used for a uniform look or a multicolored display.Even though you can get sea glass for free, it looks expensive.Sea glass can be placed at the bottom of a fish tank.It will add interest to the tank.
Step 19: Sell it for money.
People are willing to pay for sea glass.Red, dark blue, and orange are rare colors and will likely make a higher profit than other colors, up to $30 for a piece.Some shapes, like hearts and triangles, are popular for making jewelry.You can make up to fifteen dollars an hour by searching for sea glass and selling it on websites.Quality pictures of it should be taken in good lighting.Try to keep the sea glass out of the picture.