Monday, February 1, 2010

Let me make this " CRYSTAL" clear.


Is there something that you've held onto over the years that's precious to you?
Something that would be puzzling to anyone else who gazes at it, as to why?


For our honeymoon we toured the pacific coast . Each day we stayed at a different coastal town. At one of our stops we took a long awaited walk on the beach. Where I discovered for the first time, Sea Glass. The sun was quickly setting, and I gathered as many of these precious gems as I could. Only catching a few from the wet sand before the sun would set. I put them in my pocket for safe keeping.

When we arrived to our new home, I carefully put my Sea Glass Jewels along with the few shells that I had collected into a simple bottle with water. I have carried it to each home we've moved into. Where it sits, positioned just right, capturing the light from the morning sun reflecting a rainbow of colors. My wonderful keepsake always takes me back to that romantic stroll on the beach. As a "young" newlywed couple walked, shared and planned they're life together. That was 27 years ago, but feels like yesterday every time my eye catches a glance of my little bottle of sea glass.







Here are my priceless jewels.
May not be worth much to many, but priceless to me.





I think that's when I first developed a passion for collecting all types of crystal/glass.
Antique, modern, stemmed, monogrammed, you name I love it!
Do you see Lidy's french glasses peeking from the back row?
You'll see more of them come spring and summer.






Needless to say... when I have the option of sending a glass bottle to the recycling center for the melt down it revs my creative energy into high gear, starting with these unique bottles.
Look at the ornate hardware.






I found Christian Lacroix evian water bottles at Big Lots.
The raised white lace details are beautiful.
Thanks to The Queen of Style Gollum who clued us in on the amazing finds that Big lots carries.
I was able to find the bottles for a dollar compared to the fourteen on Ebay!
The flutes pictured above were another incredible find at the Lots.
Ready for this...$2.99 each!
Yup, They look identical to my cut crystal from Mikasa
Thank you Michael, I owe you one, two......





I pulled out my stash and went to work.





I found a variety of mini picture frames, this one was just over a dollar from Michaels.
It had a Valentine feel with just the right amount of sparkle .
There was a slight dilemma... it was connected to a key chain.
Something that a pair of handy wire cutters shortly remedy.

I hung a few charms on a chain creating a necklace for my lacy bottle.





The pouring spout was a find at the Dollar Tree, two to a pack. Fifty cents a piece, now that's a deal!
Once I got started..... many designs evolved.
One was made with a mini chalkboard and black chain from Home Depot, at 69 cents a foot it was more affordable than jewelry chain.
The links were a little larger on the HD chain, so it was easier attaching the jump rings and charms.

I also repurposed a rosary that added a vintage look.
Once you get started you'll be looking for all sizes and styles of bottles, the smaller are ideal for liquid soaps or vinaigrette's.
I was a little concerned the frame might bang against the bottle when it was handled
so,
I secured the back of the frame to the glass with a Velcro dot.


My battery conked out, so I couldn't get a good shot of my completed bottles.
I hope you can get the the idea from these fuzzy pics.



I can swap the tag out to match my elixir de jour.






37 comments:

Cora said...

Cute cute ideas for the bottles. Thanks for sharing!

Justine said...

Ooh, I love this idea, Sue!!!! That bottle truly is gorgeous and for a dollar? Wow!

Now, I've lost all my email contacts, so I need you to email me so I have yours back! I've been thinking about you and worrying about you because I haven't heard from you!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
J

Debbie said...

I love your little bottle of sea glass and the story that went along with it. Such a wonderful memory!

Debbie

Anonymous said...

I love the history of your obsession with glass--and your bottle label is so clever.
I received your gift the other day--THANK YOU! It's charming and I need to enjoy a long bath one of these days;) A proper card in the mail is en route to you.

The French Bear said...

Wonderful idea, I love the story of your sea glass, how sweet!
Happy memories for sure!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Linda J said...

You may enjoy becoming a member of Seaglasslovers, the largest online community on the net dedicated to Sea Glass Collectors of the world.

Over 3400 members sharing 15,000 sea glass and beach photos, Craft and Display ideas, Shard Id, Sea Glass Anatomy, Sea Glass Color Wheel, beach locations and so SO much more!

Membership is free to all and we are a Non Jewelry and Non Agenda site. Join at http://www.seaglasslovers.ning.com

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a great idea...you are SO creative!! I love it!

Lori said...

super cute idea...those evian bottles are gorgeous...what a deal too!!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post. I love your shells and sea glass in the bottle. I also love your creations out of glass and charms. Those pourers that you found at the dollar store -- I paid $2.00 each (ordered online, with a minimum of purchase of $10.00). You are a marvelous shopper and crafter. Now I will definitely be following you -- particularly since you had such nice things to say when you visited me. Quite frankly, I was about to throw in the towel today and quit blogging (long story). God sent you by at the right time because I have not deleted the blog yet (haha). Truly, I look forward to following your blog and your stories. I hope I can become inspired by you!

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

Using the little picture frames as an added embellishments a great idea!
How truly sentimental is your little honeymoon keepsake

Tara said...

Hi Sara! I love the beach glass. My Mom and Aunt used to be AVID beachcombers when they lived there a few years back, they were competitive about it and collected tons on beach glass, seashells, agates and such.

Your bottles are very creative and quite the bargain to boot, thanks for sharing, especially the honeymoon glass story!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Wow! What a beautiful bottle, Sara! I think I need to make a trip to Big Lots.

wendy said...

Sara, what neat ideas. I love those bottles.and the anniversary jar is priceless for sure.

AND YES YES YES I GOT MY PARCEL ....was so excited. When I got a notice from the post office that there was a package for me to pick up.....I for the life of me couldn't remember WHO sent me something or what was coming.
I loved all my little goodies in there. Thank you so much. Came just late last week. It sometimes takes things along time to get up here.
you are a doll and it brightened my day for sure.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Sara, thank you for visiting me today! I tried to comment on this post the day you did it, but Blogger wouldn't let me for some reason??? I LOVE seaglass too! How beautiful yours is! And your bottles are just stunning! I love altered art bottles... xoxo Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Hi Sara...I'm going to be down your way in March for the Palmer Wirf antique show. Thanks for coming to my Auntie Jacquelines blog. I also have one called Once Upon a Fairyland you might like. I'm having a give-away and it's all about playtime...It's called The Enchanted Playhouse. Closing the door on the give-away on Friday night. Wanna come play with us?

MedaM said...

I completely enjoyed this post especially in your story old 27 years. It is so romantic and beautiful. I totally understand how precious those Sea Glass are for you. You found wonderful way to keep your lovely memories alive forever. Not only that your precious bottle is beautiful and creative but it is also very decorative. By the way thanks for this great idea. All other bottles are really gorgeous.
Thanks for sharing this lovely post.:-)

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Thanks so much for your kind comments on my blog, it was so very thoughtfull of you! I'm loving your post on the glass and the stories behind it! I'm off to go take a look around! THanks for the invite!
Kristin

Betzie said...

Hi Sara,
Oh I just love Black Crows too!!!
Funny!
I love your bottle tag and that Evian water wow, pretty! I'll have to check out our Big Lots!
Neat ideas...and your sea glass was so pretty and such a nice remembrance for you...sounded so romantic!I'll be married 26 years in April...time flies! xoxo betzie

Unknown said...

Came back to visit today...by the way, I love your bottled glass ideas..charming all the way!

Jennifer Juniper said...

Oh my gosh what a pretty bottle!

Lori said...

Hi Sara
Oh how I love the Evian bottle! I seen it at its a original price and refused to but it. It was gorgeous though. I have been in the mood to play with jewelry stuff, bought some links to add some extra charms to a heart necklace. Gonna post tonite two new bracelets I purchased online, catch you later! Lori

Melissa Miller said...

Sara the sea glass bottles are gorgeous! ~Lovely display.

Thank you so much for your wonderful kindness! You really made my day with your nice comments. I do feel much better these days and much healthier as well. I'm beyond grateful n a dblessed. The spices you mentioned sound delicious!

The drapes came from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I do hope you find them since it's been about a year since the purchase. They have been a great addition to the room. How exciting for you to be remodeling. ~Wow! I hope it all goes very well.

~Blessings, ~Melissa :)

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Love the post, Sara! The bottle is so wonderful...

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sara, these look wonderful! And I love all of your other pretties, too.

I was checking in with you to see how everything is. I was concerned after your last post on my blog, and because the geeks didn't install my clicky thing on my computer, I can't click anyone's emails like other's can. If you get a chance, please email me, okay? Thanks. :-)

XOXOXO,

Sheila

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Sara; What a sweet story about your sea glass, and shells so Romantic... they look so pretty in the bottle... And speaking of bottles.......... wow I love yours such a pretty way to dress them up... thank you for stopping by,, I am feeling a little better... have a great weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Unknown said...

Hi Sara. I'm so glad you stopped by to visit. What a nice surprise. I haven't been the best blogger for the past few months either. I'm so glad you consider me your friend and most of all let me know. I'll cherish that. I'll be back very soon.

Have a fun, fun weekend. Hugs...Tracy :)

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Sara: Thank you for your visit to my blog. Came over to take a peek at yours and was amazed at all you find things. Love your bottle. I look forward to getting to know you. Blessings, Martha

glitzen said...

I'm new to your blog, but am delighted to find it. Thanks for your great ideas. I love seaglass too! I just found a water fountain at a thrift store, and its the perfect place to display my sea glass. Can't wait!

Rettabug said...

I am totally in ♥ with that Evian bottle!! How beautiful! I'm so glad you stopped by or I would not have seen it & the creative way you embellished it, either.

Who knew there were so many seaglass lovers????

Wendy said...

Sara,
I love this idea!! What a great way to make a pretty bottle...beautiful.
That is the sweetest story about the sea glass. Someday I hope we get to drive the Pacific Coast. I hear it is beautiful.
Here on the east coast we hunt for Cape May Diamonds!
Wendy :)

The Blonde Duck said...

I love the story of the sea glass jewels!

Stella said...

I loved you story about the sea glass. What a wonderful memory to set in your window. Now you have me wanting to try one of your cute bottles. Have to go on a treasusre hunt. Thanks for sharing.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Sara!

Love the Evian bottle! You created and gorgeous useful bottle that everyone will be envious of!!

You have such great ideas girl!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!
Hugs, Sherry

Michelle said...

Sara look at you!! You're so creative!! Love the bottle ideas and how special the sea glass is for you two! I've always wondered where you find sea glass around the Oregon Coast. I haven't had any luck but I'm sure I'm looking in the wrong place. Hope all is well!!! xoxo

Lots of love and hugs..

Michelle and the kitties :)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Sara!

Stopping back by to wish you a very Happy Foodie Friday and a Happy Valentine's Day, too!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tardevil said...

Love that Evian bottle. I am so mad at myself for not buying them when I saw them. My Tuesday Morning & Home Goods Had them. I'll have to check Big Lots. Love that heart charm/keychain around it! That green bottle is awesome too!

Nishant said...

I love this idea, Sue!!!! That bottle truly is gorgeous and for a dollar? Wow!
data entry india