Down East 2013 ©
[1]Excerpted from Sea Glass Crafts by C. S. Lambert (Down East Books, Camden, Maine; hardcover; 104 pages; $24.95)
Photograph by Benjamin Magro
Mosaic Flower Pot
This is a perfect craft for green thumbs. The basic instructions for this project can be applied and adapted for many different purposes, such as tabletops, wall designs, presentation boxes, or any surface that will hold glue-on fragments. For best results, choose sea glass and shards with approximately the same depth for uniformity, or use a variety of thicknesses for a sculptured effect. To prevent mold build-up on any surface exposed to water, such as kitchen or bathroom backsplashes, paint with tile sealant as a final step.
Materials: Clean and dry terra cotta pot • Sea glass, shards, shells • White latex • Exterior enamel paint • Super glue • Ready-to-use grout • Grout sealer • Rubber gloves • Rag • Water. tools: Paintbrush
1. Paint plant pot with white latex exterior enamel paint.
2. Glue pieces of sea glass onto the pot, keeping them ⅛" apart.
3. Apply grout between the glass pieces and wipe the glass pieces clean with water. Let it set for 24 hours for the grout to cure.
Garden Edging
This garden border makes a delicate statement by itself or it can be combined with sea glass garden mulch and other ocean-themed garden attractions. Brown glass, green glass, and plain shards without transferware designs are the least desirable pieces for discriminating seaglunkers, and this project offers the perfect way to use these underappreciated fragments.
Materials: Scalloped concrete garden edging • Loctite Landscape Block Adhesive • Blue porch
and floor paint • Sea glass and shells.
Tools: Paintbrush
1. Paint concrete edging.
2. Lay out your design.
3. Glue sea glass and shells to the edging blocks.
Birdbath
A simple thrift shop bowl provides the base for an unusual hanging birdbath, and the clear resin inspires several options for use: fill with water for a traditional birdbath; fill a quarter full with water and add fresh flowers; or add seeds to create a birdfeeder.
Materials: Clear 12" shallow glass bowl
• Clear waterproof resin • Dark-colored sea glass • 2 chains, each 3' long
Optional: Instead of hanging this birdbath, try mounting it on a glass pedestal filled with sea glass, shells, and other beach treasures.
1. Cover the bottom of the bowl with sea glass. Mix clear resin, following the directions on package.
2. Pour resin gently over the sea glass, taking care not to dislodge pieces, and let dry for three days in a dust-free area.
3. When the resin has hardened sufficiently, cross the chains under the bowl, pull them up, and add a hook at the top.
Links:
[1] http://www.downeast.com/files/images/dee1209dooryardcrafts5.preview.jpg