... Black Friday SALE @ OBX Trading Group ...

 http://www.obxtradingroup.com/

...Gobble...Gobble...Gobble....

Sea Glass Things is wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

*Photo by William Dalton on Flickr

Sea Glass Light Boxes...

I started making 3D light boxes last year and so far they have been a hit!  These take a long time to make - but are well worth it.  The subtle low watt lighting illuminates the light box... creating a soft glow - perfect for a night light!  Each light box is signed & dated... and is a great gift for friends and family!

                                                     $85

New Places... New Faces!

I am excited to announce that Sea Glass Things is now the sea glass artist for jewelry on the Outer Banks Trading Group web site!  Check out the Sea Glass Jewelry section and today is the last day to receive 15% off your order of $100 or more!

Transforming a Small Place into a Cool Space

When I decided to move my older daughter in the upstairs bedroom - we needed to give it a bit of a make over and style it for a teenager. The room is narrow and long with a small, small closet that is also used as a doorway to the storage space/attic. In the closet we put hanging storage caddies to create more storage and organization in a tight space. On the walls - We used Benjamin Moore - Aurora Paint to get that one coat look. We ended up having to go over the yellow twice as the aqua wasn't covering enough.



I picked up a vintage vanity and repainted it - putting new hardware on all furniture. With all the trim and floor repainted an off-white - we painted the furniture to coordinate. Throw in a few storage items and accents and presto - a fun and functional room for teenage girl! It has a beachy, surfer vibe to it... hang ten!

Before Picture

Journey to the Shore...

Oceans of blue capture bits of history
Relics that were once known
And some still remain to us a mystery
Shards of glass, pottery, porcelain and stone

Transcending through the waves of time
Far beyond where they began
Each journey different and so sublime
Reaching near and distant lands

Surf gently laps the sun soaked shores
Seafoam turns to frothy white
And brings about gifts and lore
Of mermaids and shipwrecks alike

Footprints in the sand are left behind
But slowly disappear
Searching for that one rare find
Glistening in the warmth… a souvenir

Soft greens remind of something sweet
While cobalt sends a warning
Red held wine for the elite
Lilac shades the sun is turning

A bounty the sea has left behind
For others to reclaim
Destined again to be refined
“Sea Glass” we call it by name.

Photo by Denmarkguy on Flickr

Author: Marla Kunselman of Sea Glass Things

Ode to Autumn... Embracing the Magic of Fall

The leaves have turned their autumn hues… falling gently to the ground… they crunch under our feet as we walk. There is a crisp… yet fresh aroma to air that heralds the cool days this time of year brings. With summer clothes packed snugly away – we wrap ourselves in sweaters and comfy jeans. Each day the night sneaks up quietly like a deer in the woods – coming earlier than the last.

Candy corn pops brightly in a bowl on the coffee table and a medley of spices fill the room with pumpkin and apple pies cooling on the counter. Fall… a time for carving pumpkins and apple picking… hayrides and scarecrows… spooky decorations… flag football with friends and bonfires on the beach nestled in a blanket.

Soon… children will dress in their favorite costume… knocking on doors to see what treats may await and each will count their bounty several times that night. The magic of Halloween will fade… and we will be giving thanks for the year that is soon to pass.

Photo by growler guy on Flickr

Salem, Ma... Halloween... And Learning a New Craft!

October is a great time to be living in Salem, MA. We celebrate Halloween all month long here - thousands of people migrate to Salem to participate in Haunted Happenings... to hear about the famous Witch Trials and simply have fun getting caught up in all the hype of the season. I digress a little though. Ever since I have been in the "handmade" environment - I have been so impressed with all the artists who design children's clothes. I love that one-of-a-kind boutique look that you can't buy in stores. A particular design caught my eye - decoupaging with fabric.


I wanted to learn how to do this... however, the sewing machine scares the daylights out of me... I can sit through any horror movie you put in front of me and not flinch - but stick sewing machine in my face and I start screaming... running for the door. I am not sure why I have never taken up this craft... My grandmother was a top notch seamstress and by the third grade my mother was able to make her own dress that she then wore to a recital... so... why wasn't that gene passed onto me?!? Well - I was doing some fabric hunting and found the cutest Halloween fabric square pack by Moda. I did a little research on decoupaging clothing and I was off. Will all the supplies I needed I made a go at it. My mother was able to help with sewing the edges of the fabric on the jeans... and presto! I completed my first boutique outfit for my daughter! I am hooked... I now know why these are sold for so much as it took me about four days to complete.


I even hand embroidered on the jeans and the shirt! Devan wore the outfit to school today and got a lot of ooohs and aaaahhs... and when she was asked where she got it - she simply said... "My mom made it" and though small... I really felt proud of my accomplishment.

Stepping Out... Coastal Couture for Even the Most Discriminating Palate!

Who doesn't love going out? A night out... away from work... away from kids and to-do lists.... a night with friends or that "special" someone in your life!

You don't have to live by the ocean to dress the part... you can step out in "Coastal Couture" no matter where you are... the only requirement is... you must LOVE the beach!

Check out some fabulous designs from Boardwalk Artisans to get your complete coastal look!!

Visit The Boardwalk now!

Dress Up Your Table With Coastal Decor From The Boardwalk... Where Style Meets The Beach!

No matter what time of year... there is always the need to entertain. To share those special moments around the table with those we love. Good company and good food beckons scrumptious dining decor that can be found at The Boardwalk.

We always know how to dress up a table... and the love for the coast can be brought into your home for all to enjoy. Even if you can't hear the waves lapping outside your door... you can cherish these beach inspired treasures on your table all year long! From turkey to tapas - The Boardwalk has you covered!

Collecting Supplies... A Family Affair!

Since I have been designing sea glass jewelry and decor - I have been including my children in the hunt for the supplies I use. Both of my girls started helping me scour the beaches when they were around two years old. My older daughter is now 15 - and for her, most of the magic of sea glass hunting has since disappeared... but my 4.5 year old knows the smell of low tide... can see when the water has pulled away from the shore... and still wonders what treasures it will bring. Living by the ocean makes it easy to slip away for an hour or two and get "lost" by the waters edge - for us... time stands still.

Blueberries... Savoring The End of Summer...

My mother recently spent some time on Martha's Vineyard and came back with a great *free* magazine - Edible Vineyard. While flipping through - I found a beautifully written article "Fifty Summers" by Jean Wexler. In the article, Jean Wexler shares her memories of fifty years living on Martha's Vineyard... and all the island has to offer. She also shares her recipe for Blueberry Crisp that has also been in all editions of Martha's Vineyard Cook Book.


Well - in the spirit of blueberry season - we grabbed a quart of farm fresh blueberries at our local farmers' market and decided to try out this favored desert. Not disappointed in the least - we all manged to finish this off the next day - it was rich and oozing with flavor - just sweet enough and just tart enough for the pallet... it was the best Blueberry Crisp I have had.


I have copied the recipe here - however, you can also find it at the Edible Vineyard Website!

I used a quart of blues which gave me a little over 3 cups.

Wash, drain and remove any stems from blues and put in mixing bowl

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

The rest is taken directly from the Edible Vineyard website:

"3 cups fresh blueberries
½ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon mace or nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar (brown sugar may be substituted)
6 tablespoons butter, softened
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup nut meats, chopped (optional but recommended)
Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Add sugar, spices, lemon juice, and zest; mix lightly. Place the mixture in a shallow 1- to 2-quart casserole or baking dish. Prepare the crumb topping as follows: Combine in a mixing bowl the flour, sugar, butter, and salt. With the fingers or a pastry blender, work these ingredients to a crumbly consistency. Sprinkle over the berry mixture, adding the nut meats, if they are used.

Bake 30 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the fruit is tender. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you wish.

Makes about 6 portions."

This is one recipe that you should be sure to try!

School Daze.... Saying Goodbye to Summer...

For most kids…. School has already begun… for the lucky few… they can savor the last days of summer for just a little bit longer.

You can tell fall is in the air… the sun sets earlier… mornings are just crisp enough for a sweatshirt… back yards are more quiet during the day… parks more empty… and streets more crowded in the afternoon. The smell of suntan lotion slowly starts to fade as the aroma of freshly sharpened pencils take its place. In the hall… backpacks now take the place of flip flops and wet towels.

Alarm clocks don the new day instead of a lazy late morning phone call from a friend down the street. Life guards are leaving for college and beaches show little trace that summer was even here…

The lazy, hazy days of summer soon start to fade from our minds…. As the hustle and bustle of school days… schedules… dirty cleats and paper bag lunches move right on in.

Soon… apple pies will be baking… turkeys will be carved and sleigh bells ringing… And summer won’t seem that far away anymore…

Photo From Frank Scallo on Flickr

PS: There is one place you can be sure to find handmade beach inspired goodies all year 'round - The Boardwalk on 1000 Markets.

Inspiration... Where Do You Get Yours?

Art... no matter what medium... is created through individual inspiration. Sometimes we capture it through looking inward... while other times... it comes from outside influences.

Where do we get our inspiration from? Does it come through the wisdom of those before us... or from hands that show years of hard work? Does it come from the innocent face of a child.... or through the playfulness of a new puppy? Do we see it in nature that has been untouched by man... or in landscapes well traveled? Do we harness it from places we have yet to go... or from beliefs that we hold close? Are we inspired by accomplishments once thought impossible to attain... from love that shows no limits... and glasses that are always half full... or from peace in the solitude we seek?

Where ever the inspiration comes from - we own it - we make it ours... and mold it into something new... something for someone else to love... to be inspired by.

In each inspiration there is a story to tell... what is yours?

~ All photos used were captured by the talent that resides on Flickr - thank you! ~

~ Say "I DO!" with a Handmade Coastal Wedding ~

Every little girl dreams of their wedding day - they play dress up with friends... someone has to be the Prince Charming... and one lucky bright-eyed girl is Cinderella... through imagination a fantasy is born that will someday become a reality.

Do you remember the feeling when the love of your life proposed? Did you have butterflies in your stomach as you could barley utter one simple yet powerful word... "YES!"

From that point you start preparing for that special day. You want that day to be one remembered... one people talk about... flawless... timeless... and picturesque of the coast you have grown to love.

You know how you want your wedding bands... not store bought... but made from hands that speak passion for their craft. You want the place settings used at your seaside reception to be brought into your home and cherished for years to come. That "Cinderella" wedding dress you once dreamed of as a little girl has been made especially for you... incorporating bits of your childhood memories. You understand and appreciate the work behind making your day one-of-a-kind and you know that no one will have the wedding that you do... for it is unique... it is you... it is handmade... Coastal style.

...Brought to you by The Boardwalk Market and the Ever After Market

Ever After: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/everafter

The Boardwalk: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/boardwalk

Shop now for your coastal dream wedding...

Haute Summer Nights ~ A Sunset Soiree for Boston Socialites to Benefit Rosies Place

I love supporting causes - and when I was asked to be a part of this fashion show to benefit Rosie's Place in Boston - of course the answer was YES! This is the second year Special Events Manager, Natalie Pietrzak, has put together this show. With such a huge success from last year - this year is sure to be bigger... more advertising... more attendees and more money raised for a good cause.

A night full of fashion, music, sweet treats has been planned... oh and don't forget the shopping and fun! Designer Lyn Evans of Potpourri will be supplying items from her summer and fall clothing lines. One to two pieces of my (Sea Glass Things) jewelry will be on each of the 10 models - coordinating with Lyn's designs.

Mix 98.5 will be there... there free giveaways all night and one lucky person could win Coldplay tickets! Kick Ass Cupcakes will be supplying festive treats such as their Margarita Cupcakes. Miss USA delegates and WHDH representatives are also said to be attending. Shop, sip some drinks and listen to the music of The Jackson Wetherbee Band!

So - come see Sea Glass Things - and newly created jewelry for Summer '09 that will make their debut at this event!

Where: Outdoor Marina Bay Beach Club in Quincy, MA

When: July 25th

Time: 6pm-9pm

Cost: $10 advance $15 @ door - Purchase here in advance

~~@~~ SuPeR HOT SuMmEr SaLe! ~~@~~

JULY SUMMER SALE -- Why Not!

Enjoy a little stimulus from Sea Glass Things... treat yourself... stock up for the Holiday season... the time is now!

$20 off items $50-$100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

$30 off items over $100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

**Flip Flops and newly added Home Good items not included in sale.

Sale ends July 31st, 2009 and applies to only items purchased from my 1000 Markets store and my Etsy shop.

Sea Glass Things on 1000 Markets

Sea Glass Things on Etsy

Home Decor that Brings the Beach to You! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage

The Boardwalk - on 1000 Markets - welcomes a new artist Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage!

"Hi, shore lovers~

I'm Shari Curtiss, owner/artist of Beach Grass Cottage, and I admit it-- I am a self-proclaimed beach girl and shore lover! It probably started growing up on a lake in Michigan, being a short drive to the pristine beaches of Lake Michigan. Lots of trips to the beach with friends!

Then, something happened that cemented my love of the sea. My family began vacationing on Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast, and I was officially hooked! My parents bought a condo there and became snowbirds, and I began yearning for my already frequent visits to the shores of AMI. Crossing those bridges was like coming home; still is today.

My mom and I fell into the crazy habit of getting up in the early am, before the sunrise, in the dark, and getting to the beach to "get the big ones" before the other beachcombers arose. My family just shook their heads. Often, our diligence was rewarded, with us bringing home a bounty of gorgeous shells, sea glass, and prizes washed in to the shore. Every day was fueled by the thrill of the hunt! I was hooked on seashells and the sea forever!

Professionally, I have extensive experience in the gift industry, first owning a corporate gift company, then moving on to Beach Grass Cottage. What better way to follow my passions than to use my God given gifts creating beautiful things from the bounty of the ocean! To be able to do something you truly love, and to have the talent for it to actually survive at it, is such a blessing!! Beach Grass Cottage truly was a dream realized through many prayers.

Beach Grass Cottage is located in Portage, Michigan, near the pristine beaches and resort communities of Lake Michigan, home of obsessively devoted beach dwellers, killer sand dunes, casual lakeshore living and the most gorgeous sunsets on the planet! While our main line of products will always be beach glass and seashell decor and gifts, I also have a second business in custom floral design and also dabble in refinishing "junk" antique furniture. I live in Portage, Michigan with my husband and two sons.

~ Shari"

Check out Beach Grass Cottage on 1000 Markets and Shop Now!

Thanks for strolling by The Boardwalk... Where we hope the sun is always shining!

Happy 4th of July!!!

The artists of The Boardwalk wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday weekend!

The picture featured is by Artrussell - "STARFISH AND STRIPES"

http://www.1000markets.com/users/wwwartrussell

Celebrity Sightings at SoWa Marketplace!

How cool... Newton - Massachusetts native, John Krasinski and his current British squeeze Emily Blunt were shopping yesterday at SoWa! I totally left my tent and spotted them in Pinecone + Chickadee's tent.... man he is just as adorable in person! Check out some market pics of them that were taken!

Creative Marketing... Put a Smile on Your Customer's Face!

Jackie Millette - one of my dear friends - came up with this great marketing opportunity for her husband's trade show for his business Affinity Liquidation & Brokerage Company. She grabbed multiple boxes of the large Willy Wonka pixie sticks at BJ's and taped 10% off coupons to the top of the labels... and handed them out to potential customers! They were a huge hit for the young and old alike!

Now, she sent me home with her left over - unused sticks for my kids - ACK! I was just about to throw them out... when I decided to attach my business cards to them. I thought they would be super fun, summery and attract people into my tent for my upcoming SOWA show on June 28th.



The point being - think creatively - think out-of-the-box - when it comes to marketing your business... be the business people remember!

"Here Comes The Sun... Da... Da... Da.. Da..."

"Here comes the sun... and I say it's alright.."

Weather it be a sunrise or sunset - we - on the East Coast of Boston, Ma - simply have not seen it for a while. As I sit and write this, after what seems to be and eternity of rain and dark clouds, I can finally see a glimpse of "Big Yeller" trying to emerge from hibernation.

I have a slew of new products just begging to be photographed in natural sunlight. I am beginning to feel Vitamin D deficient. Not to mention, the artists of The Boardwalk thrive on those beachy sunny days summer brings.

So - call this my cyber sun dance to court "Big Yeller" to once again grace us with warmth on our shoulders... long dreamy days by the shore... safe journeys on the sea... and more Vitamin D than we can all handle!

"Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear... Here comes the sun, here comes the sun..."

My Way...

I recently have been featured in the blog - My Way - Etsy finds: It's seafoam baby!! by Carlotta Marsicano. What a super nice person who takes the time to do her research and really explore the shops/blogs she is writing about.

The post is a kick-off to summer and her love for seafoam green. She has found some amazing photos of waves on a beach - god I wish I was there right now - the second one has my heart! Check out her blog that features some really cool fashion, handmade goodies and a great post about all things seafoam!

The Bloggin' Blues

Lately - I have had a hard time blogging... not sure if it is a rut or the fact that summer is here and I don't really want to spend time on the computer anymore - but I haven't been consistent. I love consistency. My method probably is what most people use... I sit in front of the computer and stare at it until I get an idea. That works maybe 65% of the time for me. The other 35% of the time I actually attempt to come up with something ahead of time. I always was a procrastinator in school... so what makes this any different!

During the time I am not forced into a battle of the wits with my writers block - I am blogging about new work, trips, artist interviews and other tidbits pertaining to my work.

When I asked some others to share about things they do to keep blogging here is what they added:

"I just think about what I've done, seen, or read about creatively in the past few days and think if any of that can be written about for a blog post. For example, maybe I read about an artist who is doing something interesting and then I can blog about them, or I started a new project and I can blog about my progress, or I went to a show that was inspiring. The great thing about blogging is that it can be about anything at all!" Jessica Burko - Reclaimed To You

"I generally look for other artists to highlight. I'll either showcase their work or send them some interview questions. then it writes itself!" Lucie Wicker - Lucie Wicker Photography

So... start thinking about different things you do on a daily basis to keep writing... blogging... and forging ahead into this literal cyberspace we all seem to be so entrenched in! Oh - and remember to have fun with it!

New For Summer '09 ~ Sea Glass Swimsuits!

This year I decided to add yet one more thing to my ever expanding list of items I offer... Sea Glass Swimsuits! My first swimsuit made it's debut at The South End Open Market's Opening Weekend. I hope to be creating more of these as we head into summer! They got a lot of "oohs and aahs" so we shall see how they do when I get it up in my shop - It is a size Medium - $90.00! Check my Etsy store for new listings!

Opening Day at South End Open Market!

The Spring show season has been going strong and as we head into summer... venues are booking and artists are in inventory production mode. This past weekend (May 16th and 17th) was Opening Weekend at the South End Open Market and even the fickle New England weather didn't stop people from coming out to shop!


Some vendors reported their best sales ever... while others barely made back their booth fee... however, despite the tough economic times and cold, windy wet Spring weekend spirits were high and the fun has begun.


Boston Handmade was well represented at SOWA this weekend and will be until the end of October. Boston Handmade will also have a unified presence at the June 14th show! The following BH members participated in Opening Weekend:

Bumble Belly Designs

Christine Marie Art

Chroma Lab

Elizabeth Brennick Designs

Lucie Wicker Photography

Sea Glass Things

Stonehouse Studio

With the addition of the Antiques Market in the old brick building - the show was a major success bringing in hordes of people. Be sure to check out SOWA on Sundays this season as Boston Handmade will be represented!