Beach glass hunting on St. Patrick’s Day

It was absolutely freezing at Lake Erie this St. Patrick's Day, but as a dedicated beach glass hunter, a little chill wasn't going to stop me! You know how it is – that thrill of the hunt, the hope of finding those perfect, worn treasures. And let me tell you, it was totally worth braving the cold for my lucky finds, even if I was only out for a little bit… which, let’s be honest, turned into an hour! For anyone else dreaming of their own beach glass adventure, especially when the weather isn't cooperating, here are a few things I've learned that make the hunt more rewarding. First, layering up is key. I had my warmest jacket on, and even though the sun tried to fool me into thinking it was warmer, that wind coming off Lake Erie was brutal. Don't forget proper waterproof boots! Also, having a small, secure container – like my little green gum container – is perfect for keeping your delicate finds safe from the elements and from getting lost in your pockets. When it comes to sea glass hunting, timing and location are everything. After a good storm, the waves churn up the lakebed, often revealing hidden gems. Lake Erie, with its rich history, is a fantastic spot. The continuous action of the waves tumbles and smooths broken glass into those beautiful, frosted pieces we all adore. I always keep an eye out near areas where there might have been old docks or community spots, as that's often where glass tends to accumulate. And about those colors! While clear and brown are common, finding pieces with vibrant hues like blue, red, or even yellow is like hitting the jackpot. This St. Patrick's Day, finding so many gorgeous green pieces really felt like a lucky charm. Each piece of green sea glass seemed to twinkle, almost like little 'sea glass green eyes' watching from the shore. These are often my favorite pieces, and seeing them polished by nature is just beautiful. It’s amazing to think about the journey each piece has taken, from a forgotten bottle to a cherished treasure. What do you do with your finds once you're back home and thawed out? I love arranging mine. This time, inspired by the holiday, I created an Irish flag heart, which was super fun and a great way to display my haul. Whether you create art, jewelry, or simply display them in a jar, each piece tells a story. So next time you're near a body of water, even if it's freezing, I encourage you to grab your gear and go on your own beach glass hunt. You never know what lucky, beautiful pieces you might discover!