Sea Glass Jewelry By Kristen

One of my favorite memories as a child all the way through my adult years is going to the beach, whether on the coast of Texas then later in the Florida Panhandle. The beach and ocean brings most people a sense of peace, tranquility, gratitude, freedom and happiness that is hard to beat. When I found out one of my very good friends who had moved to back home to New Jersey a while back (and with the beauty of technology we have been able to stay in touch) started a jewelry line made from sea glass that she had been collecting, I was so happy to start a line of communication again!

I decided to reach out and find out more about her ever growing company, so I asked Kristen some questions about her new exciting adventure and she also sent me some gorgeous pieces that I cherish. Here is our interview and some photos of some super special pieces….

Bella:  How did you come up with and decide to start making jewelry?

Kristen: It wasn’t something I really planned. When I plan something, I usually find that the universe has something better in store for me than I could ever dream up! I’ve always loved walking the beach collecting sea glass and other oddities, and I’ve always had a hint of a crafty/creative side. As I began tapping into that side of me a little more, the sea glass jewelry came to life! It quickly became a passion, and has been evolving ever since.

Bella: How long have you been at it?

Kristen: I’ve been dabbling for over 5 years, but my business has been going strong for over 3 years now.

Bella: Did you take some jewelry making classes or workshops to learn or teach yourself?

Kristen: I actually just started wrapping away!! Lol. When it came to drilling, I watched some YouTube videos and read some blogs. I know it sounds weird, but when I look at a piece of sea glass, I just get a feeling about what to do with it immediately. I like to let the glass tell the story.

Bella: Where do you find your pieces, I’m assuming the sea lol but do you find all your own pieces?  I’m sure you’re always on the lookout too!

Kristen: I grew up on the beaches of New Jersey, and am living here again now (after attending college in North Carolina, living in Atlanta for 6 years and Connecticut for 2), so most of my collection is found locally. Some I’ve found in Bermuda, or other vacation spots, and some has even been gifted to me by locals who have been collecting for decades, and don’t know what to do with it all. I can never have too much sea glass!! Lol. I do buy some sea glass as my supply diminishes, but I make sure that it is all 100% genuine sea glass. Some destinations I buy from include Spain, Puerto Rico, and Canada. I’m obsessed with sea pottery, as well, and have a friend in Scotland who sends me pieces she finds from an old Victorian dump on the coast there.

Bella: Do you have to treat the sea glass before making art/jewelry out of it?

Kristen: Absolutely nothing is done to the sea glass before turning it into a piece of jewelry. It is used as it is found, which is very important to me.

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Bella: Where can one purchase?  I see you also are at a lot of markets/events, does that take up a lot of time?

Kristen: I am a full-time, middle school Language Arts teacher, so balancing that and my jewelry business is a constant work in progress. Lol. During the summer months, I sell my jewelry at several local farmers’ markets. As the school year starts, I work several events leading up to the holidays. I’m trying to post more items for direct sales on my fb page, and am hoping to improve that aspect in the near future.

Bella: What’s next for you in your sea glass adventure?

Kristen: I just love that this hobby is an ever evolving world of exploration with boundless limits! My next adventure is to get into silversmithing and begin to bezel set sea glass pieces. My family is slightly opposed because it involves a torch, and I don’t seem to have much luck with fire, but I’m determined! Lol

As you can tell I’m in love with her work!! Look for Sea Glass Jewelry by Kristen on Facebook and Instagram.   All photos by Neon Soul Photography. Follow Neon Soul on Facebook and Instagram!

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