Sandy McCormick of Texada Island is inspired by the look and feel of beach glass. She is captivated by its colors, patinas, lustres and textures. Each piece is different in size, shape and thickness. Styles of printing indicate its age and former use. “Each piece tells a story.”

  She began collecting beach glass in 1974 after seeing a friend’s table adorned with sea glass and lit from below. “The glass just sparkled and that’s when I started my own collection.”

  Sandy produces one-of-a-kind works of useful art. Her custom works include wedding centrepieces and birthday, anniversary, wedding and memorial mirrors on driftwood. “Custom work is fun because you include the customers own keepsakes to make it really personal.”

  At first, she adorned picture frames with different colors of beach glass to accent the colors and mood of the photo. “No one else was doing anything like this.”

  Collecting sea glass is a never-ending treasure hunt – you never know what you’re going to find. “I’ve been to beaches all over the world and never saw the scenery. I was always looking down.”

  Sandy says working with beach glass is the ultimate in recycling. A product found in nature, sand, is made by people into glass items. These find their way into the ocean to be recycled by nature into beach glass. Sandy then repurposes them yet again into unique works of useful art.

  “Beach glass art is a way to bring the ocean home without harming the environment.”

Biography

Beachcombing for sea glass since 1974, Sandy McCormick of Texada Island has turned her massive collection into decorative works of useful art. All of her exquisite products are handcrafted slowly, with care and thought going into the selection and placement of each piece. Her work is individually and lovingly designed, combining artistry and function for a look of rich fullness, the hallmark of her art. 

  Sandy’s one-of-a-kind lineup includes mirrors on driftwood, picture frames, wreaths, candle holders, wind chimes, inukshuks and even beach glass curtains. Her custom works are made to match any decor and can include your keepsakes to personalize the art.

  Her collection of sea treasures was amassed from all seven continents and is constantly replenished. Sandy incorporates Texada’s famous “flower” rocks into her work. The island is a beachcomber’s paradise, where unique colors of glass are found, such as canary yellow and golden shades. Other treasures include small bottles, jewellery, cutlery, shells, coins, broken china, pieces of tools and car parts.

  Beach glass art is a way of bringing the ocean home without harming the environment.

  Sandy was born and raised in Vancouver and has lived on Texada since 2006. A mom and grandmother, this former journalist enjoys the outdoors and being in nature. She volunteers for many community organizations and currently serves as Texada’s director on the qathet Regional District board.

Artwork