Beach glass look-a-alike beads

[Carolyn Hipskind]

Some time ago I found a thread where the artists were making beads that resembled "beach glass".....so now I have the lovely rods of transparent teals & aqua & pale blue, etc. but can't find the thread. Searched here & in the TUT forum also; must not have the right search words. Anyone out there make this style of bead? Would like to see it again for inspiration. Thanks, Carolyn

[Sue in Maine]

Are you thinking of the ones where you add baking soda?

Here is one link to a past thread.

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87756&highlight=BAKING+SODA%2A+BEADS

Sue

[NLC Beads]

Etching transparent beads makes them resemble beach glass...

[blr2449]

I etch mine to get the look of beach glass. I get wonderful results.

[Beckah]

Here's a couple of threads about etching with a tumbler which may give you the look you want:

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115839&highlight=etching+tumbler

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99441&highlight=etching+tumbler

[glassymom]

I make and sell them. They always look so pretty etched!!
Sue
167898

[Holaday]

I use glass etching liquid to "frost" the glass. Some colors are more resistant to the etch than others.

http://carolholaday.com/htmlpages/necklacehtml/seafrostneck104.htm

[Carolyn Hipskind]

Been down with the flu for a couple days ..... thanks for the replies. The picture of your work are great. Maybe I was dreaming this thread but there were some etched glass beads but a number of beach glass "colors" that artists had created beads with various designs using those colors. The etching thing will be new to me but I'll give it a try. We do have a tumbler. Thanks again, Carolyn

[tt4st]

Carolyn, I don't know if anyone mentioned to rinse off the etch liquid in a baking soda bath to neutralize. AND Be sure not to splash that liquid on the faucet or bathroom mirror - or they will be forever etched (don't ask me how I know this!!!).

[LyndaJ]

Like this?
115814

[Carolyn Hipskind]

Lynda, very nice! Carolyn

[LyndaJ]

Thank-you!
I just use the lightest transparents (Bullseye tints) for most of these. Make them oddly shaped and tumble for a few hours with sand/grit.

[Mermaid Glass]

Lynda, that's a beautiful bracelet!

~Laurie

[Carolyn Hipskind]

Carolyn, I don't know if anyone mentioned to rinse off the etch liquid in a baking soda bath to neutralize. AND Be sure not to splash that liquid on the faucet or bathroom mirror - or they will be forever etched (don't ask me how I know this!!!).

Thanks for the tip. Some lesson are hard learned! Carolyn

[Holaday]

good point about the baking soda to neutralize the etching liquid. I then rinse in soapy water to neutralize the soda, rinse well and scrub with a toothbrush to remove glass residue. Can't tell what it will look like until the bead is dry.