Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.
I am a lifelong resident of Rocky River, Ohio, a city west of Cleveland. We are fortunate as we are located on the southern shores of the Great Lake Erie. I was inspired by the beautiful colors and tactile nature of the gems I find along the shore, whether be beach glass, porcelain or shoreline findings. These pieces are turned into fabulous jewelry, lamps, trays and anything else my imagination conjures up. I also become well versed in the historical lore of beach glass as well as the mystery of their origin.
What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?
My inspiration comes from knowing possible century old pieces of glass and findings which start out as tableware, bottles, china, windows, and jugs. After years of being tumbled by the sand, rocks and waves, they can be turned into beautiful pieces of jewelry or décor. What was once a decanter or tableware can be made into a beautiful piece of jewelry. Embellish with beads and charms and one has the perfect accessory! Beach glass is an inspiring medium that the waters keep on giving!
Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?
I am self employed, working on my beach glass designs. Wife, daughter, sister and friend. My “office” is my home or the beach! I am also a jewelry designer and instructor at Grand River Beads, located in Rocky River. I truly enjoy spending time with student showing the amazing pieces they can create using this recycle gift! I also volunteer for several organizations and have my “other” loves, including my family, gardens and golf!
How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?
I have been creating these special pieces for the past several years. Even though I lived on the shores of Lake Erie, my interest in designing jewelry was not until I was walking the beach with my friend, Terri Borchert. Within minutes I had a rainbow of colors in my hand. Jewelry – why not? I was imagining these extraordinary pieces designed into necklaces, bracelets, earrings…… and little bottles of colored glass on my windowsill. Eva led me in the direction of designing pieces with beach glass – and these designs led me to creating the Beach Glass Shop! This art brings out the best in people, including me!
What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work, etc.)
Seaglasslovers.ning.com has been a true inspiration for me. It was the first “blog” I became involved with – several thousand beach sea glass lovers can blog, upload pictures of their fabulous finds, and we keep each other informed of the upcoming festivals and events. We work in partnership on several forums, including assistance in photography, art and handmade project, or just showing off our findings from our day at the beach!
Richard LaMotte, author of Pure Seaglass, is inspiring to all “beachies”. Mr. LaMotte has spent years researching the history of beach/ seaglass, and through his book and teachings has taken this “art” to a new level.
A little over a year ago I opened a shop (beachglassshop.etsy.com) to simply explore the demand for beach glass designs. I have worked towards a profitable business with my Etsy shop and also selling at local gallery’s and art studios. I enjoy spending time curating Treasuries on Etsy as it gives me the opportunity to collaborate with nationally known artists. The handmade venue on this shop is second to none. The creativity from the members of Etsy is amazing and I am proud to be a part of this community.
Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?
My heart is in Rocky River – we are fortunate to have four seasons! Summers are short; winters are cold, long and harsh. My favorite time on the beach is during the spring and fall months –springtime brings us a multitude of hidden treasures and during the fall the lake temperatures are warm, the breezes are usually out of the south, make for a perfect day “at the beach”!! Would I live elsewhere? I don’t think so – I am content, I am happy.
What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.
I don’t really believe in setting “goals”. I live each day as it comes - every day is a blessing.
What is your most treasured possession, and why?
A few years ago, while again walking the beach, the waters laid down a perfectly frosted piece of orange beach glass. I was in such awe – not only that I was in the perfect place at the perfect time, but to behold such a rare gem. My treasured possession? Definitely my orange piece of beach glass!
Do you have a religious or spiritual background?
The beach – the findings, whether glass, porcelain, shells or driftwood. The sand … ….the seclusion….. It is the closest to God one will ever be. It is just me and Him.
You can find Beth at the following links online! Make sure to add her to your favorites.
Thank you Beth, for sharing your passions with us today! Your jewelry is truly inspiring.
~Lynnette
