Charlestown resident turns trash into treasure

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Finding a passion after you retire can be quite the task. But for a Charlestown resident, turning her relaxation time into art to fund her travels was an easy transition.

“I make lamps out of them. I do the light houses” said Carol Nash, who transforms trash into treasure. “I make these little jars that light up. I do my earrings.”

This is a photo of some of Carol Nash’s artwork. (WLNE)

From seashells to sea glass, driftwood to beads, are all lined up ready for her to create a one of a kind, unique pieces.

For Nash, it’s a hobby and an opportunity to pay for her retire life while relaxing.

This is a photo of some of Carol Nash’s seashell artwork. (WLNE)

“The solitude — that’s probably my favorite part. The world is so crazy and busy these days,” she explained.

She spends a few hours walking area beaches and comes back with more than enough sea glass.

This is a photo of some of Carol Nash’s earrings. (WLNE)

“It is hard to find, but you have to know where the honey holes are. And I found a couple,” said Nash.

And find them she did. She wouldn’t reveal the details but her hunting for sea glass has garnered huge returns.

Carol Nash holds a lightbulb she made. (WLNE)

Nash said she’s found over a million pieces along Rhode Island’s shores.

“I mean, how can you put a number on sea glass? Wheelbarrows full literally — and I’ve separated it into jars and size,” she said.

Nash is one of dozens of craft vendors selling their unique items that truly are Rhode Island.