Mermaid’s Purse
Sea Glass Jewelry
Deep Treasure Brought Back To Life
Sea Glass Jewelry an “Estate of Grace”
Gracefully Reshaped, Resurfaced with frost and Re-purposed for New Life
As Fine Crafted Wearable Art
What was she before..how old could she be..from where could she have traveled
The Allure of Sea Glass is Irresistible!
Want One?
Need One?
Commissions Welcome
mermaidspurse@att.net
310.989.3503
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon artist/collector
SEA GLASS
THE RIGHT DRILL BITS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
KNACK
Drilling Sea Glass for Jewelry is a knack but with the right drill bits that knack is made a little easier…in fact, a lot easier.
SHAPE
As you see in the pic, the shape may seem confusing to most of you. It’s not sharp and pointed at the end with graduated spiral edges. My drill bits are barrel shaped. WHY? We are grinding Sea Glass NOT cutting it.
Using this type of drill bit reduces the shattering of Sea Glass. The time to make a hole in the Sea Glass is much quicker also.
DRILLING
To get the cleanest and straightest dill holes, I always start with my smallest drill bit. It’s the size of a needle and is the one I use the most. After the 1st hole is made I graduate to the next drill bit til the desired size is achieved. Yes, it means changing the drill bits about 5 times….but that’s the nature of getting the best hole without cracking the Sea Glass.
When drilling your piece of Sea Glass, set it in the water with your piece of wood or sponge underneath ( be sure water covers the surface of Sea Glass ). Many use a marker to mark both sides of the Sea Glass to assure a straight line. I eyeball it unless the Sea Glass is so dark I can’t see through it.
Starting at a low speed ( #2 on my Dremel dial ) to minimize the vibrations, I drill 1/2 to 3/4 way through the Sea Glass, turn it over and drill from the other side.
SAFETY
Good lighting and glasses for safety are a MUST!
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Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon artist/collector
mermaidspurse@att.net
So It may not be clear to every one why you would use a bowl with water for drilling Sea Glass…When I first heard of this, I was completely skeptical. Won’t I get an electric shock? Then I reflected to the days of home remodeling and my husband cutting tile in water. I reasoned…..I guess I’ll be okay. The water reduces the heat from the friction of the drill bit and piece of Sea Glass. Keeping it cool is a must!
Wood Button Vs. Sponge.
These two tools are set in the water with the Sea Glass atop. This helps to reduce the impact of vibrations by absorbing much of it.
First I’ll start with the wood button when beginning the hole in the Sea Glass. It’s a firmer, more stable surface for starting the hole.
Then I’ll switch to the sponge to finish the job….it’s softer and absorbs more than the wood button.
Some pieces of Sea Glass shatter easier than others depending on the color of Sea Glass. I find the light blues are extremely sensitive to vibration and can shatter easily. This is such a bummer….the light blues are definitely in the rare category, hard to find and after getting almost to the end and holding your breath for it seems like an eternity just for it to shatter…..well….it doesn’t make for a happy artist. 
Stay tuned as next I’ll talk about the Dremel. I love my Dremel!
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Til we gather again,
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon artist/collector
mermaidspurse@att.net
How do I drill the Sea Glass?
In this Post we will start with the tools.
I have found that not all tools are created equal. In fact it took a lot of research, experimentation, practice and patience.
BREAK DOWN
1. Hand Drill: I prefer the Dremel400 XPR, it is light weight, fits my hand well, has 5,000 – 35,000 RPM, 10 speed settings, can be used with a drill press if desired, has endless number of attachments for every job.
2. Collets of various sizes to accommodate the different size drill bits.
3. Drill bits for making holes in glass. This part is huge! You are not cutting Sea Glass, you are grinding Sea Glass. I tried the others that are shaped with a point and spiral (INFERIOR). I order my bits from a wonderfull company call Rio Grande item # 349016. You just have been given the biggest tip for drilling.:)
4. A container for water…most use a plastic container. I feel most comfortable with this shallow finger bowl. A piece of sponge or wooden button is what I use to set the Sea Glass on top of while drilling in the water.
5. Glasses for protection and fine visibility. Many recommend safety glasses or goggles with a larger shield…these make me uncomfortable. A pair of glasses with larger lenses work out just fine for me.
Just a reminder, the items listed are tweaked to my preference. You too may have to experiment.
Next post well start talking about how to use our tools.
I know you may have questions..please feel free to comment and I will respond.
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Til then,
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon artist/collector
mermaidspurse@att.net
