I have been using vases, etc, from the thrift. I learned quickly to check to make certain they are solid color glass, and not with a color coating, as it comes off during tumbling. I look down through the vase to the bottom. There you will see evidence of the coating being scratched, or whether it is solid color.
It turns out so nice after tumbling. I use an ice cream maker, as suggested by Slow.
I tossed the glass sand that was left over.

I know what you mean , I got fooled by a red vase once! Never again. That said, I have occassionally bought flower shaped glass that I knew was coated, for plate flowers.
Kathy

I use wine bottles all the time have not had prob. with them disintegrating .I also use a ice cr. maker to do mine.do not leave in to long .

I have used bottles/vases/cups/etc as anything is fair game!lol!

I have been thinking about using wine bottles, especially the ones that are blue.
How would you all suggest breaking/cutting a wine bottle?
Then do you tumble it in a tumbler? Never thought about an ice cream maker. Does it work like a tumbler?

Yes it is like a tumbler.I do not tumble all my glass .but every now and then I need to .Can't see buying a tum. so I use a ice cr ma.I have tumbled a lot of wine bottles I used it as mulch around my bottle tree it did not take long you just want to dull it a little.When I break them I put it in a paper bag and just hit it with a hammer.

I never did that . I usually have so much stained glass scraps --- I'm buried in it. I must have thrown out 25 pounds of glass scraps last year . Good stuff,too. I advertised it on Craig's list for $5.00 .No takers .
*sigh* Now I'm starting all over again .