A little history on Lavender SeaGlass

Occasionally when combing the beaches I come across a lavender piece of glass.  Wondering what the lavender glass would be from I decided to do some investigating.  Lavender seaglass has quite an interesting history to it.  I found out that the lavender glass dates back to WWI.  There is a chemical that is used in glass to make it clear (pure glass has a greenish tint to it, similar to the old coke bottles), and this chemical came from Germany.  When the war broke out, there became a shortage, due to being at war with Germany.  So they began using a different chemical.  The glass with this new chemical in it turns to a lavender color over a period of time.  Pretty cool to think that the lavender glass dates that far back, isn't it?

A Special Request

When asked to make some wine tags, I got a special request.  She loved the starfish charm, and she loves pink.  So when asked if I could make a pink one just for her, I was definetly up to it.  Here's how they turned out.

Brilliant Blues

Just before Christmas a coworker gave me a bag of beachglass.  It was some that she found in her daughters room and asked if I would make something with it.  I made 3 different pendants, and she gave them to her daughter for Christmas.  When I returned to work after Christmas break, she gave me another small bag of beachglass.  He daughter loved her necklaces and she wants one to give to her friend, so they went beachcombing to find some more glass.  In this bag there was 3 small pieces of blue, along with some other beachglass.  I don't think she expected me to be able to use those pieces, actually I wasn't sure I could either.  I was able to drill them and look how it turned out.  Hope you like it Kirstin!

Larrabee

On Sunday I insisted that we needed to get out and do something.  I let Scott pick, and he made a good choice. We packed up some sandwiches and headed to Larrabee.  After doing some climbing on the rocks we made our way down to the beach.  It was a successful beachcombing day.  I love it when the kids get involved.  Now it is time do some creating...

Everybody helps!!!

My sister was visiting this week for Christmas and was staying at my parents condo in BirchBay.  I think I've got her addicted!  She would try to go for a walk, and always find herself searching the beach for beachglass!  She sure found a lot for me!

Also, my sister-in-law and her family stayed on Orcas Island this week.  I told my 6 year old niece Lauren,  if she found beach glass for me I would make her something special.  So they came home from their trip with a bag of glass too!!  This is what everyone found for me!

I went through and cleaned them up and picked my favorites and this is what I got! I find that baby oil is the best way to shine them up.

I asked Lauren which one was her favorite piece and she said the lavender one.  It's not too tumbled, but I will make her something special with it!

So, when your at the beach keep a look out for that special piece, and I'd love to make you something!

Beach Glass CANDY!

I came across this recipe for Beach Glass Candy, and thought, I have to try this!  Being Christmas time I thought it would make some nice gifts.  Well, after throwing 3 batches in the garbage, I finally got it right the 4th time!
Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/4-1 tsp. flavoring oil (I used peppermint and raspberry extract, it takes more for extracts than oils)
• Powdered Sugar
• Food Coloring

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  Grease a cookie sheet or cake pan with butter.
  
  
  
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  Pour sugar, corn syrup and water into a medium saucepan.  Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar disolves.  Without stirring, boil the mixture until a candy thermometer reads between 300 and 310 degrees.The first batch I made I burned, so I lowered the heat on the next one, only to find out that it doesn't get up to 300 that way.  So, after doing some research I found out that you should slightly lower the heat as it gets toward the end, it will start to darken a little towards the end.
  
  
  

Drop a small amount into ice water, if it seperates into brittle strands that snap when you break them, it is ready.  I found out that this was the best way to find out if its ready, if it bends at all, it's not ready and will stick to your teeth!

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  Remove from heat.  Let boiling subside.
  
  
  
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  Add food coloring and candy flavor.  Blend with a wooden spoon.
  
  
  
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  Pour into greased cookie sheet or cake pan.  Let cool. It can be put into the fridge to cool faster.
  
  
  
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  Cover hardened candy with parchement paper and tap with a mallet (or I found the end of a rolling pin works well) to shatter into small pieces.
  
  
  
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  Place a small amount (it does not take much at all) of powdered sugar into a ziplock and toss small pieces to coat.  This will give it a frosted look, and also keep it from sticking.
  
  
  

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  Place into favor tins.  I lined the inside with cupcake liners. Place a ribbon and a label, and you've got a great gift. 
  
  
  

 

Enjoy!!

More than just necklaces...

Yes, I've got more than just necklaces.  Check out these fun wine glass tags. Pair them with a bottle of wine and you've got a great gift.

I've also got some fun bookmarks for $16, sorry no pictures at this time, a great gift for the reader in the family, or maybe your childs teacher.  Got any specific requests? Just let me know.