I've been researching crash glass for future use and
the consensus seems to be to get some larger cracked, yet
not all broken up pieces in the pictures too.
One of the ideas was to paint Weldbond on 1 side and let it dry before you
broke it (this would be a new piece of glass of course ;)
Then when it broke you'd have chunks along with the bits.
And yes, you glue & grout just like other glass.

About the beads; I use bigger beads so the cleaning process isn't such a nightmare.

On beads, try using a damp toothbrush to LIGHTLY scrub away excess grout, or use a toothpick. After you do this, your grout may be "scruffed" up. Used a slightly damp sponge and tamp over it to smooth it down again.

I would much rather work with the larger pieces of crash glass than the tiny single pieces (but when one only has the single pieces, one does what one must).

I would keep it intact and break it apart as you need it.

And you are indeed in the right place!!

I'd be OVERJOYED to come across an "unbroken" broken window! I LOVE working with crash glass, but have mostly done it one tiny piece at a time, very time consuming. But the effect is worth it to me. Lucky you on your find!!! You certainly want SOME grout lines, but being able to lay it down in larger pieces, say up to an inch diameter (or more, depending on your project) that'd be great.

Thank everyone. Yes, Ladyronnie, I started squealing asking for my gloves! My oldest told my husband "mommy picked up glass next to a dumpster today" it was really funny! I've been wanting to find some ever since I saw the ostrich egg from the Christmas exchange (sorry I can't remember who did it, but it was gorgeous!"

Ummmmmmm....that'd be me, I made it for Hazie...and it was an emu egg :) Thanks for the kudos!

Mmmmm...Crash glass...LOVE IT!!! It's addicting though.

momof3, I'm so glad you are asking about crash glass. I am becoming obsessed with it, have searched this site for previous works, and still can't get enough! I have put a call in to a glass company, who will hold scrap tempered glass for me, but I can't pick it up until next month (I guess they're super busy right now?).

Anyway, I may have to get a crowbar and hit some shopping mall parking lots ... LOL!

MOM - HRSG is right in saying it's addictive. On source, go to your local glass company where they repair car windows, sell mirror glass and other glass. They just toss this stuff in the dumpster. Call first, and get them to save it for you and tell them to be GENTLE w/your free gift, keep it to break apart as you need the shapes. As you've already found out, it isn't sharp and you break it apart w/your hands. LOVE the stuff, but staying away from it cuz it IS so addictive, and I got other stuff in line TBM.

Take a look at these....

Here is a link that might be useful: Crash Glass Beauties

Just be aware, even though it's not sharp, you'll notice after a session that your hands feel like you've been playing in fiberglass...I guess 'cause in a sense, you have!

Linlee thanks for that link I love how people use the crash glass. Ive done a bit myself but nothing on that level for sure!!!

I like the bigger pieces but like Wench said...you use what you've got and I've got lots of the small stuff!!! So I use it when I see fit!!! Some of the tiny pieces are just gorgeous though. I have a container that I am keeping the perfectly square ones in to use in a future project.

Way to go Mom!! Tamar..behave!!! It was suggested to use crash glass for the background of my salmon but alas, I have none..as yet. But the idea really intrigued me!!! And I love that link Linlee!!

Sorry LadyRonnie - there were so many posts on that one that it was hard to keep track of who did what, but it was GORGEOUS!
Thanks for the link Linlee, very pretty stuff. I'm sooooooooo far from that with my "baby" experience - maybe after the ball exchange I can move up to "toddler" :)

Signing in as another fan of tempered glass.
It is indeed addicting.

While I keep the chunks relatively small, I've done
a few small things with individual pieces as well.
Each offers a different look, though I do like the
look of a chunk with the fractures intact. Once grouted,
wow! And to enhance the grout lines even further, use
Rub-N-Buff. Love the stuff!

Karen Marie

for beads - dip a small paint brush in water and lightly wet the grout on the beads. most of it will slide off...barb

I put very small beads on this shoe . I grouted first, let it dry, and then used a paint brush and put glue on and then dropped the beads on.
{{!gwi}}

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Oh my goodness! That is so fancy and beautiful! It is adorable!!

OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH - that's the sweetest little shoe. What a wonderful piece it is. SSSSSOOO neatly done.

I love love love Susan's work with crash glass. I have been admiring it for a while now and can't wait to try some. My stepdad is a glazier(sp) and said he would bring me some pieces but I have yet to see any. I keep thinking that I will come home from work and there will be some on my doorstep. Oh well I can dream for now. Take care ladies.

WOW! That shoe is A-DORABLE!!! Thanks for the link, linlee.
I wasn't sure what you all were talking about. It sure is pretty, but I'm confused. Does it come in colors or do you paint it or what?

The shoe ROCKS! It is so beautiful and fancy.

I have the same question about crash glass - do you paint the back of the glass, or the substrate?

where can I find a pic of the emu egg ya'll are talking about? you all are amazing...I want to be like you!!!

Wow, OMG I love that shoe!!!! Is it a real shoe or ceramic or something else??? And I peeked at your album a few pics, love the scrapbooking pages and congrats on the new baby! Still love all the other mosaics you made, like the coffee cup and the mirror and picture frame I first saw on the junk forum:)

I was with a friend when she let the top down on her convertible, something was in the back seat that got caught and the back windshield broke out....I brought all the glass home, haven't done anything with it yet, but I'm sure someday the right idea will hit me.

Linlee, thanks for the link.
Coppertop, that shoe is fabulous!