The Art and Meditation of Drilling Sea Glass

GhostShip

Story by GhostShip

Published on May 20, 2009 in Read

Photo by GhostShip

ZZZZzz…….zzzzzZZZZZZZZZ…Zzz…….ZZZZZZZzzz….Z.

Oh, the sound of drilling sea glass.  Do you hear it?

That’s actually the sound of me tearing my hair out the first few times I tried to drill sea glass. Before I launch into this story, I must give you some background on how I came to this point in my life (of meditative drilling, I mean).

At work one day a few months ago, a colleague showed me a beautiful sea glass bracelet she had made for herself. I immediately fell in love with the frosty gems. Shortly thereafter, I had some kind of epiphany of wanting to start my own jewelry line, and GhostShip was immediately born.


I found my first piece of gem quality sea glass while walking the beach one morning with my dog, wearing my down parka and trudging in the sand in my winter ski boots. What a thrill it was to carry my precious ziplock bag of treasures home, to sort them by color and shape, and then to finally sit down and try drilling into these weathered, reclaimed beauties.
Of course, like all good and eager novice drillers, my drill speed was too high, I didn’t use enough lubricant, I wore out many good tips very fast, and broke many precious pieces from pressing too hard. I finally got the hang of it, but thought to myself, “This is torture! WHEN is this going to be over so I can get on to the fun part of putting the jewelry design together?”

I would dread the times when I needed to drill a batch of glass for my designs that week — it was so tedious and boring. I wondered why any sane person would want to spend any amount of time hearing what, at the time, reminded me of sitting in the dentist’s chair. That unforgettable, spine-rattling drill noise twanged on my nerves like a very out of tune violin. Fun stuff indeed.

It was at that time when my lovely and snuffly bulldog, Bodhi, reminded me of life’s very important lesson. I needed to slow down and smell the roses (or in his case, eat the roses…as we had just come back from a very slow and long walk with many unscheduled stops to chomp on grass, flowers, tree bark…but I digress).

After thoroughly wiping down his wrinkly dog suit, I sat down for dreaded drilling session. But this time, it was different.

I picked up the piece of sea glass in front of me, and lovingly felt its frosty smooth surface, its cooling touch. As I started to bite into it, I felt the calming, massaging buzz of the drill in my hand. I noticed the milky white liquid well up from inside the drill hole. I dipped my drill tip and stone into the cool ice-cube filled cups I had placed in front of me and watched the milky dust swirl away in the water. I became aware of every movement, every detail of what I was doing, and soon fell into a trance of drilling, dipping, swishing. Drilling, dipping, swishing. My mind started to clear and before I knew it, I was lost in this meditative world.

Who knew it could be this relaxing?  Was I losing my mind?  Actually I was training my mind.

In Buddhism, it’s all about training your mind to become free from the cycle of suffering so that you can be a more compassionate and loving person. It’s all about letting go.  I had to let go of the frustration and impatience I was feeling whenever I drilled. Needless to say, I also discovered new and helpful techniques during this “transition” period.


For instance, I always drilled from one side, and would jump out of my chair as the drill bit finally pierced the other side of the glass, scaring me out of my skin (and Bodhi’s) every time!  I’m telling you, it’s very difficult to put a dog suit back on a bulldog…have you ever tried?

Well, I learned to drill a little from each end, flipping the stone over and over, and finally meeting in the middle for a very calm and, well, civilized breakthrough.  Also, I went down at least a couple of speeds on my drill, realizing that having the drill go faster was not going to drill my hole any faster. In fact, it was just the opposite. I also didn’t get so much buildup and heat on my point, which made my diamond points last so much longer.

In the end, I realized that something I’d thought was a nuisance and a chore, actually turned out to be one of the most enjoyable, relaxing things to do in the whole process of making jewelry.

The middle path: Who would have guessed? After all, it’s really mind over matter, eh?

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  • adoreneko

    adoreneko says:

    Beautiful sea glass jewelry and Bodhi is such a cool confidant. Thank you for the insightful article.

    3 years ago

  • workingforpeanuts

    workingforpeanuts says:

    Sounds lovely. I'm wild about beach glass, too! I always wondered how difficult it was to drill into it. Thanks for sharing your zen attitude on this process.

    3 years ago

  • BetaBoutique

    BetaBoutique says:

    summer feeling.. I am doing it every autumn after collecting so many glass pebbles in summer.

    3 years ago

  • younghairlove

    younghairlove says:

    Hey, yeah, they say it's actually the getting there, the trip, that makes you happy, NOT the end. One day an old man was making some amazing swords, it took him a whole life to master his art. A foreigner once came to him and said 'please , please teach me how to do these swords, I need to know'. The swords master replied: put your bags down, prepare yourself for sacrifices, stay in the camp, live with us, eat what we eat, prepare your body' and you can be able to make this swords in 40 years time. The foreigner said '40 years? I don't have this time. Can't you teach me in 10?' The master said I can teach you in 10 years, but you will know how to make a sword like me in 100 years'. Basically, there's no need to rush your art, as it will take you more time to master it. You will miss importants steps in the learning and loving process. Also, the journey is happiness, not the outcome.

    3 years ago

  • eclipse

    eclipse says:

    I love your work but even more, I love your adorable bulldog!

    3 years ago

  • PoPkO

    PoPkO says:

    this reminds me of the book "The miracle of mindfulness" where I have learned that being in the moment can make each moment better.

    3 years ago

  • TheHennesseyCompany

    TheHennesseyCompany says:

    I live by the beach and you are inspirering me to go look for some and taking up a new hobbie. : )

    3 years ago

  • daniellexoAdmin

    daniellexo says:

    Ah, you put me right in the moment with your description of drilling sea glass. Love your bulldog – I had a dog named Bodhi when I was little!

    3 years ago

  • odiliafuart

    odiliafuart says:

    I love the soft and calming color of sea glass. Love your work.

    3 years ago

  • RhondasTreasures

    RhondasTreasures says:

    The bulldog is precious and the sea glass is beautiful.

    3 years ago

  • ElegantSnobbery

    ElegantSnobbery says:

    Aw, cute dog! I have never tried to put a dog suit back on a dog... I can imagine the difficulty!

    3 years ago

  • squareware

    squareware says:

    I drill every single one of my glass pendants - and some have 4 layers of glass, so I know what you mean about drilling! I was terrified of the drill press at first due to traumatizing high school shop experiences, but once you get the feel for it, it does get hypnotizing. Love your dog!

    3 years ago

  • bbbennyandthejet

    bbbennyandthejet says:

    such a refreshing process article! & oOohhh I just want to scratch that Bodhi all over..

    3 years ago

  • fineartstoneware

    fineartstoneware says:

    very pretty! I always wondered about sea glass..

    3 years ago

  • berniesbizarrebazaar

    berniesbizarrebazaar says:

    I've developed a craving for sea glass recently and would love to start drilling into some. as for the drilling...I feel the same way when i start carving a woodblock with my dremel. it's a great sound when you really get into it

    3 years ago

  • BeachGlassMemories

    BeachGlassMemories says:

    I used to make my husband do all of the drilling until I got up the courage to do it myself. Not for someone in a hurry that's for sure.

    3 years ago

  • SeaFindDesigns

    SeaFindDesigns says:

    Thanks Ky! You rock..... We've got two bulldogs, next door.... Tula and Lola!! My girls!

    3 years ago

  • bijougirldesigns

    bijougirldesigns says:

    Very well written article! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

    3 years ago

  • maiaart

    maiaart says:

    Wonderful outlook on life! This article besides being informative, made me laugh!! You are a lucky person to have a rose eating bulldog to help you on your way to enlightenment!!

    3 years ago

  • TheGlassCrafter

    TheGlassCrafter says:

    Lots of Love!!! I especially like the glass piece Relic of the Sea Necklace, the bail and bezel complement the glass - Good stuff going on here!

    3 years ago

  • MixlexicPress

    MixlexicPress says:

    The SEA is a Lens crafter of SLEEP, when Bodhi wakes he'll surf the PEAK. Boowzly-wowwzly, I LOVE YOU ALL.

    3 years ago

  • theseasonalcottage

    theseasonalcottage says:

    Great post! It is finding fulfillment in the little things that does enrich ones life. we just have to look at things a bit differently and simply become more present in what we do each moment. thanks for sharing. your dog is so sweet!

    3 years ago

  • MixlexicPress

    MixlexicPress says:

    The Sea is a lens crafter of SLEEP, when Bodhi wakes he'll surf the PEAK. Boowzly-Wowwzly. Keep your diamonds drilling.

    3 years ago

  • HAREandDRUM

    HAREandDRUM says:

    What a great read! Thank you for this story!

    3 years ago

  • FlanneryCrane

    FlanneryCrane says:

    I love sea glass; Stayed at a Bed and Breakfast once by Lake Michigan, and room had a magazine and article about searching for it; and from what items certain colors may originate from. AWESOME Beautiful items...

    3 years ago

  • ScottieinaCanoe

    ScottieinaCanoe says:

    I love sea glass too. I just display it in a bowl with shells though :) that bulldog is a CUTIE!!

    3 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Beautiful sea glass jewelry

    3 years ago

  • vistahsoap

    vistahsoap says:

    I miss the Oregon coast... I will go back some day. Loved your article and your dog! Very inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • gumbygirl

    gumbygirl says:

    We have some awesome sea glass artists on Etsy - I should know....I've been buying from all of them!! Love it!

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    Wonderful experience and what a beautiful bulldog Bodhi is - gorgeous colouring and very content to lie next to the lovely sea glass :) everything reveals itself in time...

    3 years ago

  • lot9press

    lot9press says:

    beautiful work! i like meditation too.

    3 years ago

  • PipocaHandmade

    PipocaHandmade says:

    What a sweet article! Hurray for finding your equilibrium...your shop is lovely! (...and yeah, in Toronto!)!

    3 years ago

  • kmaylward

    kmaylward says:

    I love this article!! so wonderful and so true that we all need to train our minds to slow down and enjoy the process!! Thank you so much!

    3 years ago

  • tloftus

    tloftus says:

    Great article! Enjoyed every minute of it. I remember when I used to bust through my beach stones with the drill or shatter the sea glass. Keep on drilling my friend. Beautiful shop!

    3 years ago

  • stonz

    stonz says:

    Great article. I can totally relate. It's certainly something you have to work on slowly and carefully. I am now HOOKED!

    3 years ago

  • pengpengs

    pengpengs says:

    a very entertaining story! Beautiful things you are doing with the sea glass.. I too admire it's frosty smooth surface. Great work!

    3 years ago

  • lilyomay

    lilyomay says:

    I love your work. I am learning as I go in Etsy and love the fact my fellow "comrades" share their process!

    3 years ago

  • gardenleafdesign

    gardenleafdesign says:

    I love beach glass...take a peek at mine!

    3 years ago

  • meagansdesigns

    meagansdesigns says:

    I love to collect sea glass along the Jersey shore and this is a great article!

    3 years ago

  • earlybirdcreations

    earlybirdcreations says:

    Ahhh, the joy is in the process!! I like this article, thanks for posting it!

    3 years ago

  • JessicaTorrant

    JessicaTorrant says:

    What a wonderful, well written and thoughtful story about process, technique and mindfulness. Include a dog into the mix and it may be one of my favorite articles ever!

    3 years ago

  • 4TheSparrowsNest

    4TheSparrowsNest says:

    Very thoughtful! Nice to take a peek into the process of another art technique...and it wasn't boring at all! Fun to read and reminds us all to enjoy the process and not dread it.

    3 years ago

  • proteales

    proteales says:

    This is a lovely and inspiring story. Thank you so much for sharing! You have absolutely GORGEOUS jewelry. Beautiful work. :D

    3 years ago

  • foxandmoon

    foxandmoon says:

    I've called that getting "lost in the mix". Funny how other people call it other things.

    3 years ago

  • trulyenchanted

    trulyenchanted says:

    It is amazing how we all see beauty hidden in everyday objects, and we see it in different ways! That's why I love Etsy...and articles like these. Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • ShugaRose

    ShugaRose says:

    Beautifully written story!..Thank u for sharing. Nice jewelry u have in your shop.

    3 years ago

  • KiraFerrer

    KiraFerrer says:

    Wonderful story! Really made me smile. Reminds me of learning to drill the shells I find here on the beach. I too shall take the middle path!

    3 years ago

  • crankbunny

    crankbunny says:

    this is really a lovely story

    3 years ago

  • PAINTINGSBYSAM

    PAINTINGSBYSAM says:

    Very Inspiring.

    3 years ago

  • solocosmo

    solocosmo says:

    this is a great read...I have about 200 pieces of seaglass that I got from Glass Beach in CA and I am so afraid of drilling them!!!! lol

    3 years ago

  • TheDizzyPixie

    TheDizzyPixie says:

    What a lovely story! I am actually looking for a little zen in my work....perhaps I shall find it in paper folding...

    3 years ago

  • SeasideVintage

    SeasideVintage says:

    Lovely! When I go for my morning walk on the beach, I always come home with pockets full of beach treasure! I now have a seashell garden and a huge glass vase filled with beach glass!

    3 years ago

  • LatigoMoon

    LatigoMoon says:

    Great article GhostShip!! I'm at the beginning of this shall we say Zen? journey? Appreciate your talent and can relate to the Sea Glass connection and learn from your meditations!

    3 years ago

  • Mattamorphis

    Mattamorphis says:

    Ive always heard about seaglass Looks fabulous! Happy birthday to me!

    3 years ago

  • 1AEON

    1AEON says:

    zennn!

    3 years ago

  • cottonbirddesigns

    cottonbirddesigns says:

    Lovely story!

    3 years ago

  • Rokemet

    Rokemet says:

    Beautifuly written, beautiful art, beautiful dog.

    3 years ago

  • littlepinkpebble

    littlepinkpebble says:

    wow~!! Wonderful glass~!!

    3 years ago

  • SpringColors

    SpringColors says:

    gorgeous. didn't think that glass could look so nice

    3 years ago

  • fairiesnest

    fairiesnest says:

    What a fabulous piece! That right brain state is so important to the artistic process and so rewarding to the artist!

    3 years ago

  • GabriellaFiabane

    GabriellaFiabane says:

    Beautiful!!!

    3 years ago

  • fyfe1819

    fyfe1819 says:

    Thank you for a great story. So inspiring. I think I would like to add some beach glass to my creations. Yours are beautiful

    3 years ago

  • mythunderstood

    mythunderstood says:

    Precious jewels - wonderful story, thank you!

    3 years ago

  • JAdamsDesigns

    JAdamsDesigns says:

    Fabulous story! I find that my most amazing works happen when I completely go into a meditative state while working on something. It's so peaceful and relaxing and well....Meditative to let your mind wander into that place! And Beautiful Jewelry!!! I can't believe I have not taken a notice to Sea Glass before, I love those green colors!

    3 years ago

  • monkeyandsquirrel

    monkeyandsquirrel says:

    it's all about loving the process... and your dog!

    3 years ago

  • lechatrose

    lechatrose says:

    What an inspiring story! Scritches for Bodhi, what a precious puppy!

    3 years ago

  • poppyswickedgarden

    poppyswickedgarden says:

    Lovely story! My mother http://cinderbox.etsy.com absolutely adores making beach glass jewelry as well!

    3 years ago

  • wanderingmoon

    wanderingmoon says:

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful, wonderful article about your process. I feel calmed and relaxed just reading it. It's wonderful to find out more about the way you produce your lovely jewellery.

    3 years ago

  • exuberantwriter

    exuberantwriter says:

    You are not only a talented sea glass artist, but you are a very talented writer as well. Perhaps you might think of publishing this jewel of experience. I believe others would benefit from reading this. Send me a convo if you are interested; I can point you in the direction of some potential journals. P.S. I hold a masters degree in Creative Writing and am an editor/publisher myself, so I know good material when I read it.

    3 years ago

  • Morado

    Morado says:

    That pic with the doggie and glass...awwwww!

    3 years ago

  • bugbitesplayfood

    bugbitesplayfood says:

    Great article! I have same discovered a passion for sea glass - being from Utah & about as high up & far away from the ocean as you can get, we don't see much sea glass here. Thanks for taking me with you on that beach~

    3 years ago

  • VanessaAdmin

    Vanessa says:

    I thought of this post as I was in the dentist chair this morning, getting my tooth drilled down for a crown. Tried to meditate on the sound and think of my tooth as a piece of seaglass being gently worn down...

    3 years ago

  • twigsandheather

    twigsandheather says:

    I love my sea glass. I've tried to drill pieces, but can't bare to distort it in any way. beach rocks are a different story...

    3 years ago

  • madeforfun

    madeforfun says:

    You are quite the storyteller!!I always love a great story...your descriptions and photos are so endearing.How fortunate you are to have found peace while making your beautiful jewels...it shows in your pieces!:)

    3 years ago

  • babook

    babook says:

    What the good recycle glass :) I had been found it at sea But never thought it be jewelry like these .it`s good way for recycle jewelry ;)

    3 years ago

  • PrairieFairyDesigns

    PrairieFairyDesigns says:

    SEAglass rules!!!!!!!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • sophiapip

    sophiapip says:

    lovely article! thanks so much for including my stones. =)

    3 years ago

  • PAINTINGSBYSAM

    PAINTINGSBYSAM says:

    I think I'll go look for some beach glass today ~ Very Inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • Dongedyframe

    Dongedyframe says:

    Wow, sweet items... I love sea glass !

    3 years ago

  • OffTheHooks

    OffTheHooks says:

    wow- great connection between buddhism and drilling glass! love it! will have to bookmark this one for the day i decide to do some drilling on my big jar of west coast sea glass.

    3 years ago

  • sandali

    sandali says:

    Brilliant article !! Love the zzZZzzZZ of the drilling process ;) Happy Days ;)

    3 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    GREAT ARTICLE!!! I try to do this all the time with jobs I hate. I am still but a student with this mind over matter, but I am still tring and that is what counts.

    3 years ago

  • AnvilArtshop

    AnvilArtshop says:

    Fun article, lovely pieces, and a gorgeous bulldog. The shot of him snoozing is so precious. :)

    3 years ago

  • rakubuttons

    rakubuttons says:

    "this one's not done yet" [tosses it back into the waves] I just love the process of collecting sea glass. Most times I can trick myself into thinking Lake Michigan is the ocean. My son and I or my best friend and I have competitions when we go hunting for it. Most by volume gets pick of the loser's booty (usually a cobalt, red or milky yellow ha!). Kemi dog loves the beach. The waves scare Otis. Tumble weeds scare Otis. Everything scares Otis! If you see this maybe you can tell me: How many holes does a drill last for? Cool article.

    3 years ago

  • surfandsand

    surfandsand says:

    The mind is so powerful! I love how you turned something you dreaded into something you love,and when you love it,so does everyone else.Beautiful shop!

    3 years ago

  • lakeeriebeachglass

    lakeeriebeachglass says:

    Beautiful article! Well put together and poetic! You're right, too. The drilling process at first can be hair raising, but the more you do it the more natural and at ease it becomes. :0) Raku-there are other vairables as to how long a bit will last. I've purchased poor bits that won't even work, while others can last me about 100 pieces!

    3 years ago

  • sage12888

    sage12888 says:

    LOVELY!!!!!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • weewoobies

    weewoobies says:

    what a wonderful collection of items! And WOOT!!! WTG JerAly! (so glad to have you in our Team!!)

    3 years ago

  • Kreativlink

    Kreativlink says:

    Lovely (and smart) article! :)

    3 years ago

  • trudiedavies

    trudiedavies says:

    Wow I love seaglass. My daughter brought some back from Newfoundland and Labrador recently. thanks for the info I will be drilling those pieces.

    3 years ago

  • HandmadeByAlison

    HandmadeByAlison says:

    A lovely and inspiring post, thank you. I love the way that something that was so tedious and "not-looked-forward-to" has become the highlight of the process. I must try to use this approach to so many things!

    3 years ago

  • evihan

    evihan says:

    what a great collection....thank you for sharing with us:-)

    3 years ago

  • BtsySpider

    BtsySpider says:

    Loved all of your items :-)

    3 years ago

  • ourfrontyard

    ourfrontyard says:

    I know when I get rushed ...I am frustrated...time to put everything down and take a few breaths, look outside, find some nature to appreciate ...then, the calmness comes back and so does the creativity

    3 years ago

  • silverblayze

    silverblayze says:

    What a lovely, well-written article. I love your shop, and I hope you have much success in the year-to-come.

    3 years ago

  • molokaisun

    molokaisun says:

    Love this story and LOVE the Dog suit and whats in it!!! A fellow Etsian and Bull dog admirer..............(I have a Rottie and a lab) And I know the Rotties suit gets really wrinkeled at times!!!lol. Best Wishes, molokaisun

    3 years ago

  • vilte

    vilte says:

    lovely :)

    3 years ago

  • LoveForEarth

    LoveForEarth says:

    Absolutely beautiful!

    3 years ago

  • museumshop

    museumshop says:

    Very beautiful

    3 years ago

  • FernValleyTreasures

    FernValleyTreasures says:

    How wonderfully inspiring. Being owned by a dog also, I appreciate how much help they can be. Thanks for all the information. I love sea glass too but have not had the courage to do anything with it. What kind of drill do you use?

    2 years ago

  • MermaidsTearsJewelry

    MermaidsTearsJewelry says:

    What a lovely story ! I am run by 2 doga and one cat and understand completely. Keep up the great work and keep drilling! Your pieces are gorgeous!

    2 years ago

  • nankdesigns

    nankdesigns says:

    Love this!

    2 years ago

  • VintageScraps

    VintageScraps says:

    Soothing article, and I'm such a fan of these beautiful pieces! My mom-in-law and I each have a nceklace, and they are favorites.

    2 years ago

  • CarabellaStudio

    CarabellaStudio says:

    Funny article!! I, too, Cricket had to learn the zen of drilling seaglass....the cold fingers, the nerve-numbing buzzing of the drill, the waiting, and waiting. But, when I feel that "pop" of the bit finally going through the other side of the seaglass, it wakes me from my meditation and I examine the newly drilled piece with eagerness and my mind sparks with creativity!!! I set the gem down, grab another and start the drilling process all over again -- bring on the Zzzzzzen!!! Your creations are gorgeous! Thanks for a wonderful column!!

    2 years ago

  • Tina669

    Tina669 says:

    Very well written article! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

    2 years ago

  • justlikeyouimagined

    justlikeyouimagined says:

    One of my favorite pendants is made from sea glass, there so beautiful***

    2 years ago

  • Isabellarose1

    Isabellarose1 says:

    Reminds us that the process of creating the art cannot be shortcut and that the artist must put oneself into the creation or the outcome will never be successful. Beautiful pieces.

    2 years ago

  • SuppliesHandcrafted

    SuppliesHandcrafted says:

    Wonderful, entertaining & informative article! I'm a sea glass collector & have also learned thru much effort "how to drill sea glass properly!"

    2 years ago

  • notjustanotherbead

    notjustanotherbead says:

    It was the mention of sea glass that caught my eye - I just love it but have yet to get my hands on some so I can make some jewelry with it. I have tried to purchase sea glass on eBay ever so many times but I always get outbid! :o( I loved the story of how you got over your hatred of drilling. I had no idea it was so time consuming!

    2 years ago

  • LakeGemsBeachGlass

    LakeGemsBeachGlass says:

    Still a very timely piece and well written. I have just learned something new about drilling beach glass. Thank you for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • DefinedElements

    DefinedElements says:

    Thank you for sharing your story about your discovery. I am just getting started into the "glass arts". The tips and suggestions really helped. Also hearing about your walks and searches for your treasures on the beach with your 'lil buddy, make me green with envy. It sounds so relaxing and calming. I can't wait to begin my hand at glass work and feel the meditation effect. Thank you again! :)

    265 days ago