A coastal dreamer…

I haven’t always lived near the ocean. I grew up out in rural New South Wales on a small hobby farm - at least 7 hours to the ocean. I dreamt of being a costal girl, buying the latest surf magazine to keep up with trends at the time. I remember loving the brand Billabong and I had as much as I could get, from a swimsuit to my school pencil case. It makes me laugh to think back on it now!

In my teens we relocated to Canberra, bringing me ever so close to the coast. I was now only a two hour drive from the sea air! We would holiday along the stunning south coast of Australia and I would yet again dream about living there. I thought it was going to be a long way off and that you had to be retired to live the costal dream! But life has taken me on many adventures - including finding a fella who loves a good adventure too! 

Seven years ago we found ourselves seeking out a new adventure. Yet again, the dream of the sea was calling and so we relocated our life to Wollongong. Finally my dream of living by the sea was realised.

I remember driving down the escarpment with such joy as I spied pockets of costal views through the trees. I would walk along the beach just soaking up that this place is now where I called home. And It was on those walks that I discovered sea glass. I had no idea what it was and I actually thought it was glass made by the sea.

I was never a child who liked to collect things but I soon discovered a love for collecting these little treasures. I have always been fascinated by unique products and so I started collecting it off my local beach, simply enjoying the search amongst rocks and shells, while at the same time removing what is technically a waste product from our beaches. 

But after a few years of collecting - and having jars and jars of sea glass accumulating around the house - I wondered if it might have other uses. Maybe it could be made into jewellery? So I grabbed my handheld drill and gave it a go. It took a very long time - and I almost drilled through my finger! - but I managed to drill my very first piece of glass and I haven’t stopped. Since that point I’ve gained new skills, gotten tools to make drilling easier, developed new products and been able to share my love of sea glass with so many other people. I love that every item I make - whether it be earrings, necklaces, bracelets or more - is unique. No piece of sea glass is the same as another.

Wherever I go - whether it be at home in Wollongong, travelling up and down the coast, or on holiday - If there’s a beach nearby you’ll find me searching for sea glass. Every week I’m dreaming up new designs and finding joy as I walk the beaches finding new pieces to work on. I’m passionate about sea glass and I hope that as you begin to explore the beauty, uniqueness and simplicity of sea glass that you’ll begin to love it too.!

-Steph