Sea Glass Jewelry by Ecstasea

Seaglass Calendars and Cards

2012-01-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

Have you bought your copy of the 2012 Sea Glass Calendar by Down East Publishers yet? The 2013 one is coming up soon! I am the featured photographer for both calendars, and all seaglass photographs in the calendars are available as blank cards in my shop! Just let me know which months are your favorite and how many you need.
Contact me at http://www.ecstasea.etsy.com
Here's some examples from the 2012 calendar:

I've include one example from the cover of the 2013 calendar:

I open another shop on etsy - EndlessLoveVintage!

2011-10-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's been quite some time since I've blogged. I was busily preparing for another new shop on etsy. The same idea of recycling, but this time it's vintage - I've rediscovered the beauty of some stashed away jewelry and striving to find them new, loving owners! The shop is expanding quickly with the addition of fashion accessories and other what-nots.
Maybe there's something you like here?!
Scroll down to see more items in both of my shops!

Seaglass Cards and Coupon Code - new goods and good news :D

2011-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I've been away for quite a while, shifting my time and interests temporarily to other issues. I'm back now, bringing new goods and good news :D

First, the 'new goods' are seaglass cards.
These are no ordinary seaglass cards - I have taken these photos as the sole featured photographer for the 2012 Seaglass Calendar, published by Down East Publishers. I now proudly present these beautiful, high definition photos as cards, individually or as set of four. Cards and blank and suitable for any occasion!

Check out my shop for the cards here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79488047/set-of-four-seaglass-seasons-blank-cards
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79487873/seaglass-blank-card?ref=v1_other_2

Check out the seaglass calendar on amazon.com here:
http://www.amazon.com/2012-Sea-Glass-Down-East/dp/0892729368/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312984241&sr=8-1

Second, the 'good news' - coupon code especially for ecstasea.etsy!
If you followed this blog and liked my etsy shop, please let me show my appreciation by offering 10% off everything in ecstasea for you and all your friends! Just enter 'blogVIP' at checkout to claim your 10% discount! It's valid immediately with no time limit, so spread the news and try it out right away!

Happy shopping!

10% Sale for Valentine's Day & CNY 2011!

2011-01-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year usually falls on Late January or early February every year, and traditional celebration lasts for half a month! This year, the first day of CNY is February 3, and Valentine's Day falls on the 12th day of CNY.
Red and pink are the traditional color of happiness, love and good fortune, and a popular color during CYN as well as Valentine's Day. What's better than to give your love ones gifts in red or pink?
I'm offering a 10% sale in my shop for everything that has red, and pink in it - starting right now until the 15th day of CNY, i.e. Feb 17! So you'll have plenty of time to browse and choose the best gifts!
What's more, I will include seaglass extras in a special Chinese New Year red packet! The 10% off will be refunded into your paypal account right after I have received your payment.
Check it out here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecstasea?section_id=7707607
Happy shopping!

Making Seaglass Music

2011-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Seaglass does make music! There's one beach that I often visit, it's literally covered with seaglass! When the waves come in and rush out again with seaglass rolling in it, the soft jingling sounds make the best music.
Then I made seaglass suncatchers, they turned out to be windchimes too!
But these must be the cutest musical pieces I've made so far!

Red and Green as in Christmas!

2010-12-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

I'm a proud member of the RecyclersGuildTeam on etsy and here's some suggestions from our shops for this festive season! Click away and enjoy!

'Red and Green LOVE in time for Christmas from the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team' by RetroChalet

Red and Green just in time for Christmas from the Etsy Recyclers Guild this team offers products made from recycled, upcycled, discarded goods, or thinks up greener ways to repurpose, reclaim, things. There are also vintage sellers and greenies with alternative products to mass produced items. Shop now "wastenot" tag http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=wastenot&search_type=all Blog: etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com

Vintage Movable Woo... AlpenglowVinta... $14.00	The Computer Nerd N... relove $14.00	Upcycled Toddler Ch... Brokenghostcou... $49.00
Royal Ruby Relish G... prettydarncute $30.00	Hoot NobleUpcycling $25.00	the oh so festive b... sweetanddirtys $50.00
Fiesta Ruffles in G... lizziecaye $49.95	Green Glass Necklac... beadsbuttonsan... $15.99	Vintage 1950 Scrap ... PaperPicker $3.00
Big Poinsettia Holi... WanderingLydia $12.00	Cherry Red Beaded K... TranzendentalA... $65.00	Vintage Red San Fra... ChaseVintage $15.00
Christmas 10% Sale ... ecstasea $14.40	Back Space Steampun... RetroChaletStu... $42.00	Vintage Green Bugle... luvvinjewels $8.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

10% Holiday Sale

2010-12-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Christmas sale is on again, 10% off everything in my shop at ecstasea.etsy.com! Sale lasts till after New Year's Day! Reward for return customers as well! New items are listed everyday, be sure to check back often!

Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-29T06:37:00.001-08:00

Coupon codes sound interesting and practical, I'm giving it a try in my shop. I sure hope it works better than etsyonsale, which has messed up the titles and prices of some listings! My apology for anyone who visited my shop just to find out I've prematurely ended all sales.

Well, the sale is still on! Try my brand new coupon code CYBERMON2010 for 10% off in my shop! Make the best use of it during the shopping season!

See ya at ecstasea!

My seaglass made book cover!

2010-11-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud to tell everyone - my seaglass photo made the cover of Carole Lambert's latest book!

Right in the very begining, it was Carole's wonderful book 'Sea Glass Chronicles' that inspired me in seaglass collection and photography. Imagine how honored I am when she chosed my seaglass photo as the cover for her newest book! My wholehearted thanks to you, Carole!

The seaglass in the photo are blue green English multies laid on a background of chunky local (Hong Kong) white seaglass. The cover is just the beginning, this book is so intriguing and informative! Once you started reading, you just can't put it down until you devour everything, including the small prints!

CHRISTMAS EARLY BIRD SALE

2010-10-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Due to some technical error, I have decided to end the Christmas Sale prematurely. It was started on Oct 16, and responses are great. My wholehearted thanks to everyone who has shopped at ecstasea during this period!
New listings are still being added everyday. Have a great time browsing!

Autumn - the season to Fall in love!

2010-09-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Late summer and autumn are my favorite time of the year! Crispy cool morning air, sunny days that are no longer so hot, trees in fiery colors and all kinds of fruits for harvest!

I am equally amazed by the colors seaglass have to offer - when sorting my seaglass collection for fall jewelry, I realized there are more than 10 different shades for just green and brown! You may think little of these colors because they are the 'commonest'. Trees are green and brown yet beautiful and precious. I hope my jewelry are at least as beautiful as they are!

My latest jewelry designs of English Seaglass

2010-07-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Once again, I cannot help but dedicate another post about English seaglass. Their century old history brings nostalgia and awe to the beholder -who would have guessed that these leftovers thrown into the sea right from onshore glass factories could become something so beautiful and sought after!
I am in love with every piece of English seaglass jewelry that I have made, and never tired of looking at their photos! I have included my best ones here; some are sold, many are still available. Be mesmerized and hypnotized by their beauty...

Cornflower blue seaglass with swirls of bubbles - hallmark of handblown seaglass! Set with blue rhinestone dewdrop and sterling silver leaf bail. Apple for your eye!

Striped in green and amber, this sweet little gem is set with a sparkling rhinestone in one of its surface bubbles. I called it 'firefly'!

Exquisite English multies in blue and green - wear a piece of the ocean wherever you go!

Simplest design of sweet seaglass 'bubbles' in the palest shade of green.

Unique pattern and color, like footsteps in the snow...

Mustard gold English seaglass multi wrapped in gold filled wire, on antiqued brass chain - that ancient English look!

A sweet pure white 'egg' and a tiny sterling leaf - simply breath-taking!

I call them 'dalmatians' - but they are actually deep amethyst, dark green and deep blue on clear glass!

Seaglass Photography

2010-06-28T01:24:00.001-07:00

A beach carnival of seaglass and seashells in bright red, orange, pink, yellow and purple!

Wedding white seaglass, seashells, corals and sanddollars arranged on lace!

Dream-like colors in English seaglass multies - send a card with this pic to get your friends hooked on collecting seaglass!

English red seaglass multies - dream of every seaglass enthusiast!

Typical of English seaglass multies, the mixture of blue, green and everything in between is magical!

Pool blue - a sea of blue English multies!

Opposite and Complimentary - super rare orange seaglass on a sea of cobalt blue.

Opposite and Complimentary - harmonious as black and white on a piano keyboard.

Opposite and Complimentary - what more need to say with a sea of hearts?

Seasons - Spring is here with pastel colored seaglass of all textures and shapes!

Seasons - Summer with the blazing sun and the blue blue sky!

Seasons - Winter. Snowball on my overcoat is actually English pure white seaglass!

Seasons - Autumn with its fiery colors!

In a frenzy of inspirations , beautiful images in my mind are put to reality with seaglass that I have aquired during years of beachcombing and tiredless online bidding! I have categorized them into 'seasons', 'opposite and complimentary' and 'English multicolors'. More are coming - I just can't work as fast!
These photos (in much sharper details) are available as blank greeting cards of 4x6 inches with white envelopes.

Doors - A Time Portal

2010-06-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Born and brought up in the city, I am fascinated by anything old and rural. A recent visit to an island that has preserved its century-old way of life sparked my interest in traditional Chinese houses, front doors in particular. These doors are like a time portal, through which one travels back to a different culture, a different way of life!

The traditional Chinese houses almost always have their front doors facing south, and backdoors to the north. This has the wisdom of letting in the cooling south wind through the front doors in summer, while shutting out the freezing north wind from the backdoors in winter.

The Chinese pay much attention to symmetry and balance in everything, this is also reflected in their architecture. I can see that symmetry in doors that are opened in the middle, with hinges on both sides. Comparing to a single, bigger, heavier door, the action of pushing open two smaller doors is a much more balanced movement!

Decorating both sides of the traditional Chinese doorways are caligraphy 'duilian', blessing the occupants of the houses. These are sometimes made up and written by the heads of the families, exhibiting their wit and knowledge! These duilian, paired poetry or antithetical couplets are sophisticated and quite interesting - they are exactly matched in number and meaning of each character. Read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duilian

Symmetrical painting of guards from heaven are sometimes pasted onto each door, to protect the occupants from evil spirits. Doors are always painted red, which stands for justice, positive energy and luck.

These decorations are usually renewed yearly before Chinese New Year.

Okinawa

2010-04-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Okinawa is one of the loveliest places I've every visited! Being the southern-most island, it is the only place in Japan with near tropical weather. Coral covered seabed and beach-lined coast promise great snorkeling and all sorts of beach related activities. There is no high rise, busy traffic or crowds. What impressed me most is the people - gentle, curteous and very, very helpful! They won't hesitate to go the extra mile, helping a foreigner find her way around.

As souvenirs, I've brought back starry sand grains from their famous Kaiji beach; 'sand of love' or 'lucky sand' as they called it. I've kept these in miniature bottles with colored sand. I've brought back lots and lots of photos and happy memories. I've also brought back a few extra pounds from the good food and rest, LOL! All I'm giving back is goodwill and well-wishing to everyone in Okinawa! I miss you all!

My first time - 'ecstasea' featured in a magazine!

2010-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

It is here! Wow, I'm so thrilled! There's an article introducing my shop in the international divers' magazine X-Ray Mag!

This article introduced seaglass and seaglass jewelry by artists all over the world, including myself and my BIGGEST all time FAVORITE : palmeras from Spain
http://www.palmeras.etsy.com/

Here's the latest issue of the magazine: http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray35/X-Ray35_FS.pdf

Enjoy!

My shop will be featured on X-RAY MAG!

2010-04-01T03:18:00.000-07:00

It's the first time my seaglass jewelry shop 'ecstasea' is scheduled to be featured in a magazine! I'm absolutely thrilled about it!

This magazine is an eco-friendly, bi-monthly international dive lifestyle magazine established in 2004. There are in-depth reports of environmental issues, fantastic pictures of all kinds of sealife, professional guides to the best diving spots ... and much much more. The most important to me is, their core value of environmental conservation and respect of all lifeform are also my convictions.

I read in one of their articles that coral is far more useful in their natural environment than as jewelry hanging on someone's neck. It is so true that it puts shame in me - I have used a coral branch in one of my necklaces...But anyway, that will be my first and my last!

Subscription is free and readers are worldwide and growing. So if you want to be a part of them as well as read about my feature (due in April), here's the link:
http://www.xray-mag.com/

Seaglassing Pals

2010-03-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

March 6 is a big day we've been yearning for more than 2 months!

Jen and Laura are my new seaglassing pals. I thought I'm the only seaglass collector in Hong Kong until Jen and I 'found' each other on the seaglasslovers site! Laura is new to seaglass, but after March 6, she will become addicted, I'm sure...!

I used to go beachcombing on my own, talking and exclaiming about nice finds all to myself. It feels so wonderful now that I can share my favorite island (Cheung Chau island) and my favorite hobby (collecting seaglass) with friends! Oh sure, they will be keeping pieces that I drool over, but the next tide will bring in more great pieces! Nothing is too precious to share!

After an exhausting 3 hours' snail-pace of bending and squatting at the beach, we badly needed some rest. Recharged with delicious snacks of frozen fruits and peach tea, we round up the day browsing the seaside souvenir shops. We have so many new ideas on crafts and jewelry! What a wonderful day!

English Seaglass Jewelry

2010-02-24T04:55:00.000-08:00

English seaglass is the ultimate prize for seaglass lovers! The combination of two or more colors on a single perfectly rounded and frosted piece is unlike seaglass from anywhere else! The century old history brings nostalgia and awe - these were leftovers thrown into the sea right from onshore glass factories!
The Northeast coast of England is the 'Mecca' for seaglass lovers, I believe. But second best to personally collecting the prized gems is to buy them from reputable seaglass sellers. I have selected some special pieces and made them into unique jewelry. Keep it close to your heart and wonder about the story behind each piece!

Chinese New Year Promotional Sale!

2010-02-16T17:10:00.001-08:00

Chinese New Year is one of the most important celebration amongst Chinese communities, especially in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taiwan! This year, the first day of Chinese New Year coincided with Valentine's Day on Feb 14!
This CNY is also extra important for me, as well as other shops that belonged to the etsy Hong Kong team, which has just established! 'CNY promotion: free shipping from Feb 16-21' is how I celebrate this special occasion. Some of us are offering free shipping too!

There is a variety of high quality, unique handmade products from our shops!
Take a look at ecstasea, my seaglass jewelry shop, or other shops of the Hong Kong etsy team:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecstasea
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BejewelledBespoke
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OhSmile
http://www.etsy.com/shop/littleclouds
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RubyMartini
http://www.etsy.com/shop/emilyorpin
http://www.etsy.com/shop/somethingrenewal

Be a fan of Etsy Hong Kong on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=811791529#!/pages/Etsy-Hong-Kong/279619562407?ref=mf

The Background Counts!

2010-01-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, there was a question posted on etsy forum about how to capture the colors of theme objects accurately on photo. There were suggestions of types of light source (natural light works best), brand of cameras (quality isn't really proportional to price), camera settings, computer monitor settings... That set me off thinking about my experience with seaglass photography. I believe the choice of background colors is very important too.

Our eyes work differently from a camera - a piece of seaglass on a white background may look the same to us in natural or artificial light, but not so for the camera.

For example, I find it very difficult to capture the blue-green colors of teal and turquoise seaglass if I used a white background. This is because of the subtle fluorescence in bleached white paper or fabric. The camera picks this up as a diffuse blue tone, resulting in the turquoise / teal being comparatively greener than they really are.

I've overcome this by using a beige background or one with a yellow undertone, or white material that has no fluorescence - eg. ceramic.

These are the same batch of turquoise seaglass, taken under the same lighting condition (diffuse sunlight) with the same camera and same camera settings. The only difference is the background: white paper and beige paper for the first and second photo respectively.

White is another problem I had. The exposure is never quite right when shooting white seaglass on a white background. White on black background is sometimes too contrasty either. Then I've found that a pale shade of grey or goldtone works wonders!

I still do not have a working principle for matching background colors with subject colors, but the there's always nice surprises in the process of finding out!

Diffuse sunlight gives us the most balanced color spectrum to work with. But I just love the way the setting sun lights up my seaglass!

Well, most of the time, I just use different backgrounds for interesting results!

Coke Bottle Seaglass

2009-12-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

It's so exciting to find well weathered seaglass that still has the characteristics to be identified as what it used to be! For that, I love coke bottles. Though the colors of coke bottle changed over decades from clear to seafoam with blue or greenish tinge, their ribbed surface are unmistakable. I've found a couple of ribbed pieces that I could put my finger on immediately, other well weathered pieces blew their cover as well because of that unique color!

Have a look through your stash again and watch out for it - anything looks familiar?

Merry Christmas!

2009-11-26T02:31:00.000-08:00

Christmasy jewelry and charms - fun to make and wear, but would you wear it all year round? Here's my idea of a versatile pair of Christmas trees earrings: you could wear the posts and 'trees' separately after Christmas! These will become a pair of star posts, and another pair of 'water droplets' dangles if worn with another pair of posts!

I love to make balls of seaglass in many color combination - these holly and mistletoe balls are especially lovely. Use them as cellphone or handbag charm, cute all year round!

Seaglass Clusters

2009-11-15T02:48:00.001-08:00

Seaglass tinies, in many different colors...so pretty like little flowers! Inspired by the flower hydrangea, I have made balls of seaglass with different colors. All shades of blue like the sea on a calm sunny day...light blue and green in colors of the seafoam waves...teal, honey and amber in colors of the temperate forest in autumn...in any color combination I could think of!

I am collecting even small seaglass to make some cluster earrings and rings too!

Christmas SALE

2009-11-06T01:43:00.000-08:00

This year I'm starting early - Christmas sale for the whole of November and December! Thanks to the very efficient Hong Kong post office - it usually took ~1 week for my items to reach almost all international destinations! So if you have your eyes on anything, start grabbing now to guaranteed everyone get their presents before the big day!

There are still room for discount in most of my jewelry - afterall, the satisfaction is not entirely monetary! But some item prices are so low that if still no one's buying, there must be something wrong with the style/design! I will know which are the unpopular ones by the end of this shopping season!

I have been making all kinds of different styles and designs, providing a wide range of choices for anyone who care to stop by my little seaglass corner. But it is always difficult for me to design men's jewelry - would men voluntarily wear jewelry, or made to do so by their girl friends/spouses?

Happy Christmas shopping!

Rainbow, anyone?

2009-10-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

My favorite beach has been very generous to me. It has given me seaglass of all the colors of the rainbow, and much more! Believe it or not, I have actually found more than 20 different colors on this fantastic beach!

Unlike beaches in North America, lavender is the rarest color here. But I seem to find more turquoise than my jealous American friends, LOL! Have you wondered about those seaglass in my front page? You bet they are authentic, I found each and every piece!

I have made 'rainbow themed' jewelry from some of these colorful seaglass. Though I really had a hard time parting with these jewelry, it is my greatest satisfaction to know that somewhere in the world, someone will always treasure and wear them proudly!

The Amazing Sanddollar from the Ocean Beach, San Francisco

2009-09-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

Many beachcombing friends agreed that their trips to the beach are actually walking meditations. Our hearts are open to nature, our minds cleared of all thoughts and therefore more creative and receptive. Walking the beach has healing effects for those who have lost love ones or experience major life changes. Here is my own experience that convinced me there is really a greater presence.

It happened in the summer of 2000, when I attended a 3-months training course in San Francisco, far away from my home in Hong Kong. My husband and two kids (5 months and 2 1/2 years old then) did not come along. During those 3 months abroad, I had a very disturbing thought that a serious accident might happen such that I may not seen my family again. I kept that thought at the back of my mind while I reason with myself that it shouldn't happen.

One Saturday afternoon, I went to the Ocean Beach. It's very windy and the waves were high and freezing. I found no sea glass but lots and lots of broken sanddollars littered the shore. Sanddollars are something I've never seen on the beaches of Hong Kong, so I decided to collect a complete specimen to show my kids. But I walked the vast beach for a long long time in vain. Then I decided to leave. Strange that my legs carried me not to the main road, but towards the steep sand dune, which is more than 20ft high. I started to climb, slipping and sliding back many times, but I kept going. When I finally reached the top huffing and puffing, the first thing I saw was a sanddollar half burried in the sand!

Immediately, even before I took it out of the sand, I knew it's a complete specimen. I scooped it from the sand and couldn't control my joy, I praised out loud " Thank you Lord!"It's so strange for that sanddollar to be there on top of the sandy bluff 20 feet from sea-level and more than 200 ft from the shoreline!From that moment on, I knew He's with me all the time. He knew about my worries, what I'm looking for, and He provided when I let Him lead me. My secret worry of an accident just vanished!

The next day, I returned to the same beach again. The wind was low and the waves were calm. There were thousands of unbroken sanddollars all over the beach! Just a day ago, it's so difficult to find just one! I took this as reassurance from Him: " Follow me and I will make you bountiful!" Some friends said it's mere coincidence, but my family and some close friends agreed with me that it's a miracle.

Now, whenever life is hard on me, I would recall this and be fully charged again. I believe if you pause and listen, He is there for you too.

English Seaglass

2009-08-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

I love the seaglass that I've collected from my favorite local beaches, but I have fallen desparately in love with the English sea glass multies. For thousands of local seaglass I've collected, I could find maybe one piece with two colors in it, being a marble fragment or flash glass. But English seaglass multies have many colors in stripes, layers and swirls! And hard to find colors like red, yellow and purple in the same piece as well!

I used to sit on my hands whenever I saw the English seaglass auctions on ebay, telling myself one day I'll find something like that. But my yearning have become so intense I could bear no more. I striked out and won some. When I scoped my hands at the hard earned bounty, I never felt better! English seaglass is the best seaglass, I still can't get enough! But oh yes, seaglassing at the local beaches is still very enjoyable and I still find lots of good glass. Buying seaglass will never take away the fun of finding my own seaglass!

Knitting Wire

2009-07-03T21:25:00.001-07:00

I fell in love with knitting wire! Well, not the ordinary metal wire that left my fingers frayed and bleeding, but the nylon coated sterling silver / stainless steel cable that is smooth, flexible and durable! Infinite possibilities and combinations sprout from my imagination! Subtle rainbow, calm ocean, classy pearls and vibrant sea, I work in frenzy to bring them into reality! Drilled or not drilled, you could still knit them in either way! Beads or shells, gemstones, crystals or seaglass, knit them all in!

Simpicity

2009-06-23T00:52:00.001-07:00

The simpler, the better - my latest concept.

The unique shapes and beauty of seaglass need only the simplest designs. Sometimes there are seaglass with such character and charm that they need only the simplest designs to become most impressive. For example, the seaglass key that needed only a key ring bail to become a stunning necklace. Or the sweet seaglass bubbles that needed only sterling posts to become exceptional earrings. And the rare turquoise seaglass that needed only to be side-drilled to become a breath-taking invisible necklace.

Each piece of seaglass 'talked' to me before I transformed them into unique jewelry. Some begged not to be drilled, some needed to be drilled to release their potentials; some boasted characters and prefered solitaire, others opted to hang around with peers. How I wish I have all the time in the world to listen!

Seaglass Collectors

2009-05-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

I have almost neglected my blog here since I joined the seaglasslovers community at ning.com. I am so at home amongst seaglass lovers and collectors all over the world, as much addicted to the hobby as I am. My beachcombing behavior is no longer odd: there are indeed thousands who beachcomb under more extreme conditions!
We show off our best finds and admire each other's collections, put in our two cents' worth in identifying odd beachcombed objects, exchange seaglass philosophy, and found strong bonding in our friendships.

Also a member of the seaglass collectors and seaglass artists, I have found great joy in viewing and admiring seaglass creations of many great artists. Posting my own creations there, I am overjoyed to received genuine approval and encouragement! Without the aggression or competition of a commercial site, here is a perfect place where artists gather and exchange ideas and skills.

Now, logging onto these sites has become one of the most important thing for me everyday!

Miniature Bottles

2009-03-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered the beauty of miniature glass bottles, filled to the brim with teenie tiny sea glass or seashells! Working from the brilliant idea of a customer and after some experiments, I have made unique removable stoppers for these bottles using Swarovski crystal beads, pins and small pieces of rubber. These are more elegant and different from bead cap decorated corks! These bottles could be pendants, earrings, cellphone charms, suncatchers...anywhere you could dangle something pretty!

Drilling Glass

2009-02-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

I have been asked many a time about how to drill glass. Actually I was self taught and by no mean an expert, but here’s a step by step account of how I do it, and some tips on how to do it well!

Equipments:
1. Electric Drill and drill bits

To begin with, you will need a drill. I use a hand-held electric drill which I bought from a local hardware store. It’s light-weight and easy to use.

The drill bits should not be made of just any metal, but should be hard enough to cut through glass. Otherwise, you may just scratch the surface. Drilling on with force will just crack the glass.
I use diamond coated drill bits in several different sizes, all bought from ebay (just search 'diamond coated drill bits’ and you will have a variety of suppliers). I was told that aluminium carbide drill bits could cut glass as well. I tried, but learned the hard way that it did not.

2. Work surface

You will need something to support the glass. Like it or not, once the drill bit got through the glass, it would mark your work surface. If you don’t want dimples all over your workbench, place a wooden board underneath the glass. A board made of pine wood is soft enough for the drill bit to penetrate and perfect as a shock absorbent. A metallic surface is too hard and will always break the drill bit. A plastic surface is not good either: bits of plastic will melt and stick onto the hot drill bit.

3. Fix the glass in position before drilling

Fix the piece of glass firmly before you start drilling. Use the drill bit obliquely to make a nick first so that the drill bit won't slip. Then drill vertical to the glass surface. It’ll be great to have a device to clamp it down, holding it firmly with the other hand is good enough for me.

4. Water

While drilling, always keep the drill bit and glass wet. This will keep the temperature down and also lubricate the drilling. If the drill bit become dry but you kept on drilling, it will get stuck to the glass and eventually break or the glass will crack. always keep a spray bottle handy.

TIPS:
1. Clean cut edges on both sides of the hole

If you drill on through the glass from just one direction, the edge of the hole on the other surface will be rugged. Why? This is what happens: the glass over the drill bit become so thin that it cracks when the bit is about to emerge.

To make a hole with clean-cut edges on both surfaces, you will need to drill from both sides of the glass. I know there are expensive commercial drills that approach a gemstone or pearl simultaneously from both ends, it is slightly clumsier but not impossible with a hand-held drill.

I start drilling from one side, and stop from time to time to check the depth of the drill bit. When it’s about 1mm from the other surface, I flip the glass over, hold it to the light to see the tip of the hollow track. Make a mark, aim, drill and finish off. When the drill bit is about to emerge, you will hear a difference in the 'whirring' sound.

2. If you don't want your glass to crack

To avoid cracking your precious piece of sea glass, remember to well support its underside. DO NOT drill from its convex side and leave the hollow without supported: it’s bound to crack that way. Always drill from the concave side.

3. Clean the drill bit

During and after drilling, the drill bit will be covered with a white paste, which is wet, powdered glass. To keep your drill bit sharp, brush this off in water from time to time.

4. Enlarging the hole

What if you need a hole larger than any of your drill bits? Hold the glass firmly, press the drill bit firm against the 'wall' of the hole and move it around and and around, enlarging the hole to the right size.

5. Clean and oil your piece with olive oil to bring out its true color. It's done!

So you’re all set to go! Thanks for reading through. I welcome all comments and questions!

Valentine's Day

2009-01-29T01:58:00.001-08:00

Hearts! I've loaded up my shop with sea glass jewelry designed around the 'heart' shape for this special occasion. Naturally heart shaped sea glass and 'pair of heart' bracelets, anklets and necklaces: unique designs only on ecstasea.

But I haven't sold one so far! Has everyone settled for chocolate and cards instead of sea glass? Maybe the Christmas gift-giving frenzy has somehow drained everyone? Are my items priced fairly?

Feeling always optimistic and positive, I continued with my sea glass collecting and jewelry design, knowing that there are people out there who just love my stuff. Here's some of them if you're new to my shop!

Christmas Frenzy

2008-12-18T16:54:00.000-08:00

I don't have to be disappointed for long when none of my Halloween items sells, because the Christmas shopping frenzy arrived not long after the president election.

Throughout previous 10 months or so that I was here, I sold only 1-2 items per week, but in Mid November till Mid December, I sold 1-2 items everyday! That was not much compared to the best selling etsy shops, but it's a big big difference for me!

This Christmas will be my first on etsy and it's the first time I became part of this gift giving tradition. I love every bit of it! Just thinking that there's someone out there who will be wearing their gifts of my sea glass jewelry is the greatest encouragement for me to keep going. As long as the gift giving mood is there, I realized that any style, color or price will sell, not necessarily of Christmas theme! Here's some of my favorite that have become special Christmas gifts.

Halloween Inspiration?

2008-10-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

I have been creating sea glass jewelry with whatever designs that come to mind, never giving a thought about seasons or festivals. Recently, Halloween theme items were featured more than once on etsy frontpage, I just feel the urge to join the fun!
Here is a couple of 'subtle' Halloween items, that you could always wear on any other day of the year. Cute pumpkins dangling on your wrists or eerie green hand creeping up your throat...

Sea Glass Friends

2008-09-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

Having my own shop at etsy hadn't just brought me business, but a chance to express myself artistically. Moreoever it brought me friends. Just like the old fashion pen pal, I found myself developing friendship with a wonderful lady and her daughter, far on the other side of the globe in North America.
She found me on etsy and started as a customer. We soon became friends because of our mutual love of the sea, beach and sea glass. We convo to and fro, sharing beach-combing experiences, happy memories and just about anything from life events to a recent walk on the beach! We exchanged gifts of sea glass, seashells and admired each other's handicrafts. We lead totally different lives, have different cultures and our time zones are 10 hours apart, but those were no barrier to us.
When I first joined etsy, I am just hoping to share my work and maybe sell a little, anxious that if my style were acceptable. Now I am truely grateful for all that I've gained from etsy!

If you are coming to Hong Kong, don't miss Cheung Chau!

2008-07-17T20:47:00.001-07:00

Waterfront in Central, Hong Kong Island. Ferry pier with your choice of fast ferry (30 mins) or slow ferry (45 mins). High rise in background.

After more than 2 weeks of rainstorms and overcasted skies, there is finally sunny weather. Being a solar powered person, I was immediately full of energy. I geared up, finished my work quickly, and took the afternoon off for a visit to my favorite island.

Just a half hour ferry ride, the high rise and city smog gave way to a village island and smells of the salty sea. What an amazing transformation! Best of all there is no cars here, only bicycles!

Hong Kong Island falling behind you...waterfront of Cheung Chau Island gaining on you...

Stepping off the ferry, I headed immediately for the beach. The streets are lined with stalls selling souvenirs, dried sea food, snacks and swmming gears. A cat relaxing in the shade ignored me, seemed to remind me 'Where did you come from? Slow down! Everyday is a holiday here!' So true!

Stall selling dried sea food Snack stalls lined street leading to the beach

Stalls selling swimming gears, beach in background Cat pretended that it hadn't seen me

Finally! The pleasant sounds of splashing waves, children's laughter and seagulls' screams washed away my weariness. How this wonderful place recharged and refreshed me in my every visit!

If you are coming to Hong Kong, don't miss Cheung Chau!

2008-07-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

Victoria harbour waterfront in Central, Hong Kong Island. Ferry piers and ferry, high rise in background

After more than a fortnight of rainstorms and overcasted skies, there is finally sunny weather. Being a 'solar powered' person, I was overjoyed. Fully geared, I finished my work quickly and took the afternoon off to visit my favorite island.

Waterfront and boats in Cheung Chau Island. Stall selling dried sea food .

Paved street leading to the beach.

Stalls selling snacks Stalls selling swimming gears, beach in background

Just half an hour of ferry ride, the high rise and city smog gave way to village houses and salty smell of the sea. The transformation is amazing! Best of all, there is no cars here! Only bicycles!

Heading immediately for my favorite beach, I stopped occasionally at stalls that sell souvenirs, salted fish, snacks and swimming gears. A cat relaxing in the shade glanced at me, seemed to say 'Where did you come from? Slow down! Everyday's a holiday here!'

The pleasant sounds...washing waves, children playing and laughing, seagulls screaming...took away my weariness. How this wonderful place recharged and refreshed me in my every visit!

More to celebrate!

2008-06-26T01:59:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I first noticed this wonderful lady who breezed through my etsy shop. She bought many items, came back and bought more, paying immediately every time. What moved me so is that she not only appreciated my crafting skills, she genuinely cared about my safety when I couldn't make it to the post office because of torrential rain. She communicated truthfully and left wonderful feedbacks for me.

Started as a hobbyist, I didn't expect much of etsy at first. In the process, I learned to take good pictures and write attractive descriptions, I learned to promote myself in many different ways. Everything is more than expectations now, having customers wearing my sea glass jewelry in UK, Canada and USA. But all these happened at the buyer-seller level.

Contact with this lovely lady brought us to the personal level: how one person genuinely care about another. This is the single most rewarding experience for me. I am always wholeheartedly thankful to her!

Celebration!

2008-06-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

I've just realized that it's exactly 5 months since I started on etsy. I looked back and felt the bittersweet of it all: how I've waited and waited for my first sale, wondering about my prices and worry if I should trade pride for business... Then I started to join the forum everyday and make new friends, gained confidence through their encouragement and complements, and found a niche for myself. What started as a hobby begin to have an audience, and buyers too! What thrills me most is, there are actually people from different parts of the world wearing my sea glass jewelry!

This is my latest creation: 'sea monsters teeth' necklace, just sold today as my 2oth sale. I've got to celebrate!

My favorite beach

2008-05-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from beach combing in my favorite beach on an island called Cheung Chau, The name translates as 'long island', but is actually dumbell shaped with a narrow sandy bar joining two islands.

I have spent many afternoons here, at high tide and low tide, sunny or rainy days. Today, I've found rare turquoise, lavender and yellow pieces, a white piece shaped like a boomerang, amongst many other perfectly frosted colorful pieces. The variety of colors and shaped never ceased to amaze and surprise me!

Do stop by this wonderful island when you visit Hong Kong!

Black & White

2008-04-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago when I beachcombed in a new place, I noticed some flat beach stones, and tiny black pebbles. Then I found some white sea glass that never used to catch my eyes. Suddenly, something clicked and I was inspired to make a totally new series of black & white sea glass - beach pebble jewelry.

B&W is so versatile, goes well with almost every outfit. Infinite combinations are possible: bold shapes, delicate patterns, throw in some pearls and semiprecious stones too...

So far, I have made a pair of rings that shaped like eyes, a pair of amazingly well-matched earrings and a pair of black & white bracelets. Satisfied with my new creations, I still have a lot of ideas waiting to be put into reality. All I need is more time. And more sunny weather to take good pictures! Watch out for me on etsy!

Waiting for a sale sign

2008-04-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

I haven' t got any sale in a week and I'm kinda put off. However I found encouraging comments by joining in the forum.
These are the questions I kept asking myself: Are my items too expensive? Or maybe not everyone believe that I use genuine sea glass? Maybe there are just too many sea glass jewelry to choose from? Than I just remind myself why I join etsy in the first place: to join in a community of artists and to display my creations. Making a sale matters more symbolically than financially. It is a symbol of acceptance which encourages my continual indulgence in artistic creations.
With these resolutions, off I go to work on my new designs...

New sea glass bracelets

2008-04-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have just listed four new sea glass bracelets on etsy, my newest 'seasons' series.

Each bracelet is made with sea glass in color tones matching the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each one is a labour of love, but worth every minute of my work.

First I have to sort through my sea glass collection, looking for the right colors, size and shapes. Then I drilled a hole in each of them. I think about the design everyday and even dream about them, wondering what chain, crystals and semiprecious stones go best with them.
Then I have to visit the shops and buy the supplies. Then I sit down and get started.

It took me about 2 hours to finish each bracelet, but the time spend for the work behind is much much more.

This is my favorite, what's yours?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10756916

2008-04-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

New sea glass creations

2008-04-04T21:58:00.001-07:00

I have made four new bracelets and named them my 'seasons' series.

These are sea glass bracelets with colors representing the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. These are enhanced with natural crystals and semiprecious stone beads.

Each one is a labour of love indeed, but worth every bit of work I put in it.

First I have to sort my sea glass collection into different colors, size and shapes, looking for sea glass matching the color tones of each season. Then I drilled a hole in each of them and rub a bit of olive oil to bring out their true colors. I think about the designs all the time and even dream about them, wondering what chain, crystals or semiprecious stone go best with each. Then I will have to buy the supplies and get started.

I spend about 2 hours to make each bracelet, but the work behind took much more time!

Here's my favorite, what's yours?

Beach combing

2008-03-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

I live in Hong Kong and my favorite beach-combing site for colorful sea glass is a beach on an out-lying island called Cheung Chau. The name meant 'long island' and it is dumbell shaped, with a sandy bar linking two islands. It is a fishing village a century ago, where boats from all over south East Asia stop by for repair, renew supplies and exchange goods. One end of this beach is still littered with very old sea glass of many different colors. Last week I found a tear-drop shaped vaseline sea glass, two pink chunky pieces and a big rounded piece of honey yellow! How I love this place.
I know sea glass hunters don't usually let others know where are their favorite sites for beach-combing but Hong Kong is different. No many people is interested in sea glass and I have the whole beach to myself! But the government is planning to clean up and develop the place for tourism and I worry that my treasure is the government's trash. The more people knowing about this place, the more sea glass would be collected and kept for good before they are forever gone!
So if you collect sea glass and will be stopping by Hong Kong, do drop by Cheung Chau Island and gather much as you can carry before they are all gone!

Handmade genuine sea glass jewelry at affordable price

2008-02-17T17:16:00.001-08:00

I am a sea glass jewelry artist, wanting to share my creations with everyone of you out there.

Every piece of my jewelry are made with genuine sea glass that I have personally hand-picked throughout years of beach-combing. The sea glass are merticulously matched in color, size and shape. All my designs are unique and original and most are inspired by nature.

My style varied a lot: from cool simple pieces to intricate patterns. All are created with strong passion for sea glass.

If you like sea glass and are interested in my creations, visit my shop Ecstasea at etsy.com or click http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5520223
Please also visit my website at http://ecstaseaglass@googlepages.com/home

I post new jewelry every week!

Sea Glass Jewelry by Ecstasea

Seaglass Calendars and Cards

I open another shop on etsy - EndlessLoveVintage!

Seaglass Cards and Coupon Code - new goods and good news :D

10% Sale for Valentine's Day & CNY 2011!

Making Seaglass Music

Red and Green as in Christmas!

'Red and Green LOVE in time for Christmas from the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team' by RetroChalet

10% Holiday Sale

Cyber Monday Sale!

My seaglass made book cover!

CHRISTMAS EARLY BIRD SALE

Autumn - the season to Fall in love!

My latest jewelry designs of English Seaglass

Seaglass Photography

Doors - A Time Portal

Okinawa

My first time - 'ecstasea' featured in a magazine!

My shop will be featured on X-RAY MAG!

Seaglassing Pals

English Seaglass Jewelry

Chinese New Year Promotional Sale!

The Background Counts!

Coke Bottle Seaglass

Merry Christmas!

Seaglass Clusters

Christmas SALE

Rainbow, anyone?

The Amazing Sanddollar from the Ocean Beach, San Francisco

English Seaglass

Knitting Wire

Simpicity

Seaglass Collectors

Miniature Bottles

Drilling Glass

Valentine's Day

Christmas Frenzy

Halloween Inspiration?

Sea Glass Friends

If you are coming to Hong Kong, don't miss Cheung Chau!

If you are coming to Hong Kong, don't miss Cheung Chau!

More to celebrate!

Celebration!

My favorite beach

Black & White

Waiting for a sale *sign*

New sea glass bracelets

New sea glass creations

Beach combing

Handmade genuine sea glass jewelry at affordable price

Waiting for a sale sign