Making holes in found objects such as shells, stones, glass bottle shards, etc
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
April 18, 2010 7:06am CST
What did you find? How did you find it? Where did you find it? How did you make a hole in it? Why did you make a hole in it?
I have some shells. Some I found on a beach. Some I found on my grocer's freezer shelf. The muscle shells I bought to eat have a pretty blue tint with some white that shines like pearls around it. I would like to make holes in them. I'm reading conflicting stories about how to make a hole in them for making jewelry and for making buttons. The store bought muscle shells are big, I might have to break them into pieces before I make them into anything. I need to know how to make the edges not so sharp. I think shell necklaces and shell buttons would be neat to have. I need buttons, but I might use some for jewelry objects like my brother's wife likes stick pins, I like the occasional necklace for a dress-up party, but mostly for gifts. Maybe someday to sell, but I don't know.
What do you know about this topic? What can you answer of the questions above? Thanks and take care.
2 people like this
6 responses
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
18 Apr 10
i use a dremel with a diamond drill bit to make holes.
you have to be really slow and stop often tho because the shell will heat up.
same with the drum sander attachment for smoothing edges.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Thanks scarlet woman, some say use ceramic bit, some say diamond bit. Some say underwater, some say too dangerous underwater. Hard to know what to believe. I'll have to see if we have a drum sander. Thank you, your advice sounds great. Diamond drill bit sounds expensive. Is it? But I've heard it really stands up to use. How small a bit do you use? Thanks for stopping by and giving advice. So when you stop, do you leave it 5-10 minutes to cool down? I can see I'll need to learn to be patient. I mess up gluing projects because I keep checking stuff before it's ready. I bet you've made some beautiful stuff! Thanks and take care.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
19 Apr 10
I told my husband about this, he's going to show me how to use his drum sander. I know how to use a regular drill. If there are any differences in how to use a dremel, he's going to show me, that, too.
1 person likes this
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
26 Apr 10
Underwater is definitely the way to go. It will keep the shell, or whatever you are drilling much cooler (along with your drill bit) More importantly, it will keep dangerous dust coming off the shell in the water, not in the air and eventually your lungs.
I drill authentic beach glass, and every piece I drill is done submerged in water. I've been told the dust coming off some shells can be quite toxic to our respiratory systems...I would seriously consider doing your drilling underwater. My DH does all my drilling and has never had an issue using his electric drill, as only the drill bit gets wet.
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@writersedge (22563)
• United States
10 May 10
I think sea glass is much thicker than these thin shells. My husband and I 'gave it a go' the other weekend. The tape seems to hold the dust in place pretty well until I peel it off. I can wear a surgical mask. For thick shells or sea glass, or rocks or egg shells (I've heard the dust from those are really, really dangerous, I can do water. We're trying different things. On the little thicker shells, I did notice a little dust, but not much. So I guess it depends. Yes, dust is dangerous! My cousin did woodworking for years and now has emphasema (spelling?) because of dust.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
21 Apr 10
Shell buttons are one thing I'm going for. Do you have any pictures? They sound really nice and cool!.
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@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
20 Apr 10
Good morning....writers...as you know, I do live where there is LOTS of shells, from the most colorful, beautiful Scallop (swimmer) shells..Oyster, Clam, Mussel, Periwinkle, etc.
To drill holes..I use a VARIABLE speed Drill with a Diamond bit (really not expensive) for the years of use you get out of it. I put a small piece of "Duct" tape on each side...and dip the very end of my bit in Mineral Oil...and drill slowly...hence the variable speed drill! I have made..and sold many, many Scallop Shell Angels for Xmas Decs...and will PM you with description.
For the edges (sharp) I use "wet n dry" sandpaper, very fine grit..also dipped in Mineral oil!
Have fun...and let your imagination....GO WILD! Take care and Cheers!
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
21 Apr 10
I think the crux of the issue here is whatever works best for you...BUT I find the big thing is patience on delicate shells..no pressure..let the drill feed itself thru, and the duct tape just reinforces it more, so less chance of chipping or shattering. Pretend that you are drilling eggshells...LOL! And, caution..I use Needle Nose Vice grips on small shells..as the drill slips easily..and I have enough holes in my head...don't need them in my fingers,too! Cheers!
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
20 Apr 10
Mineral oil sounds a lot less dangerous than water. My husband has different drills. One of them must be variable speed. Will have to save up for a diamond bit. Maybe my next Mylot earnings will go toward it.
Those angels sound beautiful!
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
21 Apr 10
I printed this out and gave it to my husband. We'll see. We're going to try a variety of ways and see what works best for us. This sounds very promising. Thanks!
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@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
18 Apr 10
Hi, Edge!
What fun!
I use a Dreml tool. A variety of grits on sandpaper tubes (best description I can give) take the sharpness off edges.
To drill the holes safely, put a dab of Elmer's glue on each side where you plan to drill. Use the smallest drill bit you can. When the glue dries, it almost always makes the drilling safe. The glue comes off in a flash with water, if it doesn't just peel off.
Have fun with it!
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
19 Apr 10
Reminds me of the commercial that used to say, "A little dab with do ya." Now you don't dare to say that because the last two words are considered obscene.
Elmer's glue keeps it from tearing, great!
I'm getting lots of advice. I think I'll probably try all the different ways here and see what works best for me and my shells. As a teacher, I have lots of elmer's glue, at least three bottles. Thanks and take care.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Apr 10
I haven't been to the oceans for many years. I have alot of shells I have either bought or found on my walks on the beach. I have an old shell that was made into an pen holder and has an old pen thing in it. I remember when I was on the road with the carnival I happened to be in Louisiana for afew weeks and used shells as we do here in the Northern states for gravel. In the driveways and such. I thought that was interesting to see and sounded cool to drive across.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
19 Apr 10
I've never used shells for gravel, but then I'm inland. So that could be why. That does sound interesting, though. I need something for our driveway and I can't afford gravel. Buying and eating a dozen muscles at a time, that could take a long time.
Pen holder sounds interesting, too.
This was a very interesting response. You're giving me lots of interesing things to think about and imagine unless you post a picture. Thanks and take care
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
20 Apr 10
Our McDonald's (on rte 9) has lots of broken lake shells near it. Maybe I'll grab a handful at a time and bring them home. But then it's near a chemical waste dump, so maybe not.
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Apr 10
Glad you enjoyed my response. I live way inland as well and up North. Would love to see more of the South at some point.
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