The above was a small amount of what we got most days that we went. Petoskey stones are only found in this area. So they say. It is an extinct coral that used to live here in Lake Michigan. People make jewelry and keepsakes from it. I just like to find it. I am thinking of trying to make a few things this winter though. I would like to make some jewelry but the process seems complicated. I did buy a little drill though. It's the polishing and cutting that is daunting.
The other thing we really got excited about was the "Leland Blue" ..........well, here's the story. The Leland blue is simply slag. It comes from the process of smelting iron. In the late 1800s a whole boat load was dumped into the lake near Leland. They have over time washed up on the beaches. Some of it in the form of slag.
The stones are rough and full of bubbles. Some though is washed up as pebbles and are found in aqua, blue, green, purple and turquoise,
These are much sought after now. It's sort of ironic because years ago I had loads of them. I threw most away because I knew it was just slag. I also know a place to find them in the UP. I want to go and get a load. Not sure if I can do it this year though.
As well as stones we pick up beach glass. Realize that people mostly use plastic now. Glass bottles are not allowed on beaches any more and so beach glass is becoming rare. Its fun to find.
Anyway, the search is the fun part.
This is a piece of local made jewelry made from Petoskey stone and Leland Blue with Silver. I don't know the artist but I would like to have it
I will use my drill and see what I can make myself but I am going to look for something like the one above because I will never be able to do that myself.
You sound like me Janice....always looking for a new arty crafty thing to try! I'd love to see how you go with your necklace...Mimi xxx
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