I love this video and it answered some questions for me. If you don't mind though, you really shouldn't be using the screw driver to take out and put in that cap. You will damage that rubber seal faster and eventually start leaking water during your tumble. I have this exact tumbler and I do realize it is a pain, but you really do need to brute force that lid in and out for it's own good.
I needed large amounts of sea glass for a landscaping project so I used an electric cement mixer with just glass, sand and water. After only 14 hours, I had a 5 gallon bucket of sea glass!
I'm still in awe over this. I would love to make a huge amount, like you did. I wonder if I can line the inside of the drum with rubber mats? thoughts?
I have done this for years. If you add some coarse rock salt (like you would use in making homemade ice cream) & fine sand with the heavier sand you get a better finish quicker. I usually let it go for at least 3 days, a few weeks or longer! Experiment!!! Be sure to check on it every day or so to make sure it hasn't run dry. I keep my tumblers in the garage because they are loud. Have fun tumbling!😊😀 Other fun things to tumble.... Ceramic plates, bowls, cups, terracotta tiles, Mexican tiles, colored tiles. You can pick all these up on the cheap at thrift stores and home improvement stores. You can some times get tiles that are already damaged, sometimes for FREE! I have some friends that work at home improvement stores and they save them for me. If you or your friends drink wine ask for the bottles! (anytime you can get something free us always a bonus!😊) Most of all use your imagination, happy accidents are FABULOUS!😏 BTW Love your channel!❤❤❤🦄
If you get glass from Goodwill or any kind of thrift store, please make sure you aren’t destroying something that is vintage. Lots of depression glass came in pink, blue (cobalt), green, red, amber, cranberry, clear, and other colors. They were in all sorts of shapes too from vases to dishes. Depression glass has value and some can be quite valuable. They usually don’t have markings on them but if you are in doubt, take them to an antique store and someone there will know whether you have a genuine piece or a reproduction. That red vase you got from Goodwill looked exactly like my red depression glass vases I inherited from my grandmother. I sure hope the one you used in this video was a reproduction!
Not to say there is anything wrong with antiques, but if you used a piece to make beautiful jewelry, couldn’t that have more meaning to make a priceless piece of history to wear and actually display rather then having it sit in a cabinet collecting dust? I had pieces that belonged to my great grandmother and it simply took up space. With my hoarder tendencies I could not bear to part with them. They were hers and they were old pieces of china. But they just sat in a cupboard as I didn’t want to use them, they were delicate teacups. Eventually I allowed myself to take them to an artist who turned them into earrings and beautiful pendants.
I collect the red glass and I did not watch this video upon seeing it at the 2 minute mark. It is very hard to find here in Austria . Most of mine was collected when I lived in the states.
Any tips on identifying something actually vintage? The valuable vintage stuff winds up in Goodwill because people don't know it's valuable. I, for example, have no idea how to identify real Depression glass versus modern replica.
I’m so glad you mentioned about people that sell it and try to pass it off as sea glass if they tumbled it. I spend a lot of time finding sea glass on the beach and it’s not right for people to try and pass it off as if they combed the beaches for it. I use my tumbler for pieces I find on the beach that just aren’t ready yet and take ocean water and sand from the beach and finish the glass off. I don’t sell it, it just for my own crafts. Thanks for the video!
Very cool, indeed! When I was a kid, I got my dad interested in rocks and minerals, and we joined various rock clubs. We got some tumblers too, and I wish I still had them now. Fake sea glass in stores usually is expensive and doesn’t look good. Great tutorial!
i live about a 15 minute drive from a secret beach i’ve been to since i was a baby. there is so much sea glass there but slowly more people are finding out about it so there’s a lot less than there used to be. i really enjoy glueing the glass to a canvas and it’s so pretty! i’m sad i have to turn to making it myself but anytime i find some i’m obviously going to add it to my art🤍
You might consider heat shocking the glass prior to hitting it with a hammer. If you bake that glass at 400F for 20 minutes and then plunk it in ice water you will get peices that are less sharp. If they need to be broken up more, hit them with the hammer.
This is a cool idea, probably want to wear gloves and goggles for this though! And also use soda lime glass for this - borosilicate has higher thermal shock resistance so it might not work as well. Do you need to worry about the glass shattering in the oven or on the way out before it hits the water bath?
I make jewelry and I am way to excited to get my tumbler ~ I been collecting glassware from the second hand stores and friends and family have given me so many things from cups to vases ~ I always tell people I save glassware and vintage glassware from going into the trash. up cycle glass :) I love it
2 minutes in and I'm so excited to watch this video. The bottles are pretty colors. I can't wait to see the end result! 30 minutes later..... The end result is absolutely beautiful!! 💎💎💎💎
I have the exact same tumbler. It's been a great little work horse. Whenever I'm tumbling stones, I toss in a few marbles or chunks of glass. They're a lot of fun to use in my jewelry pieces.
This glass looks beautiful. The beach that I live near here in Spain has lots of sea glass and I have a big bag of it waiting for a project. But most of it is turquoise, white, green or brown. I want some darker blue and red, so this is a great idea to make your own! Thank you!
This is so cool! Thank you so much for sharing. I've been wanting to try this for years. I'm from the Cocoa Beach, FL area, and there is no sea glass here. I had a friend one time find one piece, but never heard of anyone else finding any. I am going to have to try this for sure!
This is amazing! I was getting so frustrated trying to find a source for glass! This opens the door for me to make many projects at an affordable cost! Thank you so very much!!!
I bought the double barrel rock tumbler from Harbor Freight. It made terrible noises, both just noisy and a screeching noise. I followed all directions including lubricating the shaft as directed, but it was just impossible to use. I returned it. I'm glad yours works good! Thanks for the tips!
Awesome, now I'll have to go buy a rock tumbler! Can't wait to see what else you have in mind to do with this awesome project. Hurry and get busy...LOL😄😆
I make my own seaglass much the same way you do however adding some sea salt before the water will give your glass that more beautiful frosted opaque look natural sea glass has.
Just as a lark I tried breaking up stained glass and tumbling it. I didn't really think it would do anything but come out clear, but to my amazement it didn't! Beautiful colors!!
WOW - I am so glad RU-vid suggested your video 🙏. I am from England in the Uk and lucky enough to be able to hunt for sea glass HOWEVER we only tend to find white, green and brown. I like to make jewellery and find it hard to find the right size pieces too so I am definitely going to buy some coloured glass from my local charity shop (thrift store) and put it in our rock tumbler (never even thought about putting glass in it!! Thanks so much for sharing this with us (I will remember to call it tumbled glass and not sea glass). 💜💜💜
Recycle centers have metal containers for glass which include wine and liquor bottles and old glass items which would be a great place to look for free glass.
I am fortunate in that I leave near Fort Bragg in Cali which is the location of the famous "Glass Beach." When I was younger, (about a thousand years ago) we were allowed to take a some of the beautiful sea glass (obviously not good in retrospect) but as a kid I had no concept of the importance of the location, I just loved the pretty smooth stones of glass. For those that have not heard of this beach, the history is that trash dumps and recycle plants combined with the burning of the waste became a beach of gorgeous sea glass created after the ocean worked on the glass for many years, turning the beach sand into the most gorgeous beach I can ever try to describe. When the sun hits the glass/sand it's beyond amazing. I got some handfuls as a kid, and I have taken my kids there, though we DO NOT take glass of course, as the glass is becoming scarce. I still have a bottle of it from when I was little, it's a shame that it's almost gone now...
20 years ago Glass Beach was dazzling. Last time I was there was none to be found. Because it started as a garbage dump, I wonder why a section couldn't be cordoned off and "re-seeded" with fresh glass for future generations. Perhaps a danger to life in the tide pools? It's a shame most of the glass is gone. I wish there was a way to restore it. Heaven knows enough glass is going into the landfills. Would be nice to recycle it this way.
Oh my gosh I really had my nose pressed into the tablet screen because I am besotted with sea glass! I envy you so, so much! I have nowhere to put a machine like that. Dang it! I can't wait to see what you make with them.
Yes, your tutorial was helpful and enjoyable. You are so thorough and concise in your descriptions. Was riveted because you achieved an amazing batch of rounded glass edges complete with smoked effect within a relatively short time. Thank you so much. I was even more pleased to watch your process because I have the exact same tumbler from Harbor Freight. We are just now getting through our very first batch of stones. An experimental mix that we literally picked up where we found interesting pieces. Some of them are amazing. We've put them through the coarse cycle a few times and I'm so impressed. Anyway, I'm waiting to use the tumblers for glass next. Good to know I can actually shorten the process.
awesome tutorial,Great instructions thank you for sharing . I live near lake Michigan and it sure is getting harder and harder to find. i love this idea, now off to Harbor freight!!!!
Wow, I’ve not even gotten into the sea glass/tumble glass, but, I think that it’s just beautiful and I’m interested in getting involved. Soooo, I’m so happy you have shared this video with us. Very interesting. You have a sweet voice to listen to also 🙂. Just had to add that. But thank you so much!
This is so cool! I’m am in the process of going thru all of my glass pieces that I’ve picked up from the beach that are partially ground down, or even pieces that are just broken bottles that people have left behind. I’ll probably break up som wine bottles that I have as well. Thanks for the instructional video. It really is helpful.
Fantastic video! I've learned lots! I do have some questions. Did you use white ceramic to tumble it or is it clear glas in this video? Is it safe to run it continuously in the garage, is this the best location to let it sit on a wooden shelf or metal? I recently purchased the National Geographic tumbler before I saw yours, it came with #1 to #4 grits. I have no idea which is better to use,, #1 grit or the sand filler that you used here, which I also purchased as a back up. I cannot find the little pebbles, still looking locally for them, but in the meantime, I plan on using the rocks that came with the tumbler and since it's my first time doing this, I hope the rocks don't damage it, will it? Thanks again for this wonderful video, so happy I stumbled upon it.
That looks like a fun project. I’ve always wanted to tumble....stones mainly, but I love sea glass too. Maybe a future project for me when I retire. 🤣🤣🤣
Hi New to your channel, was very intrigued to see your video on making tumble glass and I was very impressed with your tutorial. I love sea glass ang collect it when I can. What an awesome idea of creating your own version of sea glass. Thanks so much for sharing, looking forward to watching more of your videos. Have a blessed day.😊
We spend a week on Topsail Island NC every summer. Our favorite thing to do is hunt for sea glass! I must say yours is every bit as pretty! Nothing like finding that little nugget on the beach though. What a feeling!!💙💜❤️💚🧡
As someone who just started doing this, when breaking up your glass I cannot recommend "glass tile nippers" to better control the size/shape of the pieces. They look like pliers, but with two small metal circles at the ends. ($20 after tax at the Home Depot here in canada) One hammer whack to get it started, then the nippers (and gloves) to cut break the chunks up. I found a lot of glass was breaking in long, thin shards instead of the more circular/square shape I was looking for when I just used a hammer
You could even place the bag in a disposable roasting pan and set it inside it when smashing it in the bag outside so if any makes it out of the bag it ends up in the aluminum pan
I was thinking that this was the most realistic sea glass I’ve ever seen anyone make from polymer clay. Joke’s on me! I do think this is a much better way to get sea glass than making it out of polymer clay. Every batch of sea glass I’ve seen someone try to make out of polymer clay doesn’t look quite right. Some are able to make it look closer to the real thing than others, but none look near as good as yours does.
Use the edge of the washer to pry open the lid instead of the screwdriver. Also, I’ve never needed to use a screwdriver to push the lid back down. Just push down. Keep inside of rubber lid and drum dry before placing lid back on to prevent leaks. Enjoyed your tutorial.
I'm new here so I'm curious what projects you can do with these. The finished lot of them are just beautiful. I was thinking these would be great with resin art. I'm so glad I saw this video
lexie Thank you Lexie and welcome! 💜 These would look great with resin projects. You could also wire wrap them to create pretty pendants or add them to polymer clay pieces, mosaics or mixed media projects. They look pretty on a tray or in a jar too 😊
I just saw this😍👍thumbs up and subscribed😁 this reminds me so much of hunting for seaglass with my family on the west coast!😍🤗absolutely love what you did..now I want to try! Thank you bunches! Can't wait to see what you did with it😁
I have a couple dozen cobalt blue wine bottles up in my attic, plus lots of antique glass dishes I've picked up at yard sales that I plan to turn into beach glass! I even have some green vaseline glass that I plan to use.
Exciting! Can’t wait to get the equipment and glass, etc... and give this a go. Do you reckon tiny aquarium stones would help, in place of the pebbles? New subscriber here...
Thanks so much for this video that explains alot. I have a question. Exactly what kind of sand did you use and where did you purchase it? Thanks again TOTB!!
Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the faux sea glass 🤗 I have a tumbler already, from my rock tumbling days. It's always so exciting when you open up the barrel 😀 I have some broken and cracked glass beads that might look good tumbled ??.... and some old crockery .... hmmm!! 🤔 You've given me a lot of food for thought!! Thank you. Missed your videos!!!!! 🤗😊
EMMA PARSONS Thank you Emma! I missed posting, life tends to get crazy at times and it all comes at once 😊 All those sound like they will be wonderful to tumble! Have fun! 💜
I Love my HF tumbler. Been using it for at least 12 years for some of my mosaic projects. Would be worth it to buy a pair of wheeled nippers again at HF. I think they are about 10 or 12 dollars. Then you do not have to smash them in the bag which is a bit more dangerous. Also if you use the flat side of the hammer instead of the head your bags will hold together a little better.
Hi Allison, we've done that in the past too but we call it Cultured Sea Glass. LOL and since I'm in California we can't pick it up off of our beaches anymore they won't let us. but isn't it fun to do your own and you still don't ever know what you're going to get. But be careful because if you start tumbling rocks, you will get hooked on it! 😆😂
I love this production so detailed and accurate looks satisfying. Can you tell me what is considered mylar flakes is that like glitter? I can't find mylar flakes anywhere. Thanks
That is a great deal at Harbor Freight! Because I got my 10yr old son a one small drum rock tumbler made by National Geographic company I think from Target this last Christmas on sale for $50! So yeah that is an awesome deal you got if it works good! Also I think I was more excited about my sons gift than he was! LOL I was surprised how long it takes to tumble the rocks down. It takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks of 24/7 tumbling and they did turn out beautifully however the rocks originally were pretty big and after they tumbled down they were really tiny. But still beautiful. I wonder how much the glass will shrink in size? I haven't finished your video yet. I had to pause it to write this first. LOL I am new to your channel and love your creativity and awesome ideas!! From Dallas TX~ Michelle
UandMeGod Thank you so much Michelle. It was a great deal for sure and works like a charm. The glass didn’t lose much since it was only tumbled for 48 hours. I love the way it came out. 💜
I know this video was posted years ago, but I'm hoping you get this and can still answer. I noticed you used filler sand. When I read the paperwork on the Harbor Freight rock tumbler the #2 Safety Warning is, "DO NOT USE WITH SAND". I'm not yelling. It in all caps and bold. I'm just wondering how well your tumbler has held up. I like your process and your results. I would like to repeat them. Thanks for any thoughts.
Hi! I’m new to your channel. I also live in Florida. What a great idea 💡! Thanks for showing us this. You could probably get green from an olive oil bottle.
You did such a great job, they look so realistic.. this tutorial makes me wish I had a rock tumbler now, and I never cared to have one before! I have a completely unrelated question now, I hope you don't mind- but by any chance can you remember where you bought that decorative box that you had set up on the right side of the table that you put your rock tumbler on? It's like a bright magenta color with black lace over it & it looks as if it might be some sort of chest or trunk or something. I only caught short glimpses of if so please forgive me if I'm mistaken. But I have this absolutely ridiculous obsession w/ lace & that chest or whatever it is looks SO freakin gorgeous- I had to keep playing the video back to see as much detail on it as possible. As dumb as this may sound it would make my whole year if I could find & buy that, or at least something similar. Thank you so much! Oh, and I also want to say that I really hope your fur baby Alex is completely healed & 100% better after the horrible scare & ordeal you guys had to ho through last year. I think about that sometimes & really hope a is well now💗
Jasmine Healey Thank you Jasmine 💜 Oh my goodness, I bought that so many years ago. It’s a Caboodles Makeup Train case. I store beads in it 😊 I did a quick search online and it looks like they no longer offer it but I did find one used. You might want to look better than I did. I searched pink black lace caboodles makeup case. Here’s a link to the used one. I hope that helps 😊 poshmark.com/listing/Make-up-case-5c5fc6933e0caa73a910933d
Jasmine Healey they do offer it in all black although I don’t think it’s the same one. I checked the caboodles website. www.caboodles.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Lace
