WHAT IS “STEAMPUNK”? Goggles, gears, brass, glass, dirigibles, steam powered locomotives, clockwork machines. From wikipedia.org: “Steampunk … denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used — usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England — but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne…”

For additional information, google “steampunk” or see the full wikipedia entry. Here are a few links: The Steampunk Workshop * Gizmodo: Steampunk * Abney Park

HOW DID YOU START MAKING STEAMPUNK JEWELRY?

I have long loved art nouveau, and the Victorian, Edwardian and Belle Époque periods. I’ve also loved the brass-and-copper, psuedo-Victorian, mechanistic, retro-sci-fi style seen in such movies as “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Wild Wild West,” and “Return to Oz.” As a child, I loved watching “The Time Machine” (1960) and “Time After Time” (1979). As an adult, I love “Stardust” and the Harry Potter movies (which do have steampunk-ish elements, such as trains and time-turners).

In 2007, a friend told me about the term “steampunk.” I suddenly had an epiphany: “Why in the world haven’t I been doing this before?” I’ve been making art nouveau and Victorian-inspired jewelry for several years, but nothing with gears, lenses, and copper wire.

ARE THEY WEARABLE? ARE THEY DURABLE?

While the steampunk items are meant to be worn, keep in mind that they are also individual works of art and should be handled with care. I try to make them as solid as possible, but just like any jewelry, it’s best not to wear it while working, sleeping, exercising, showering, swimming, or other similar activities.

HOW ARE THEY MADE?

I draw on several years experience in crafting and making jewelry, and a life-time of interest in art and history. I use vintage hardware, pocket watch parts, clock gears, unusual beads and other found items in these creations. I assemble the bits I find from thrift stores, estate sales, online auctions, antique stores, and boutiques. I do not weld, mold, tool, smith, smelt nor solder to create the parts I use. Unfortunately, I am not a metalworker or watchmaker, and I do not make working watches or mini-machines (as much as I wish I could), though some of my pieces do have movable parts.

CAN YOU MAKE ANOTHER ONE JUST LIKE THE ONE THAT’S SOLD? OR CAN I SPECIAL ORDER ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS…?

Because most of the parts I use are one-of-a-kind, or of limited availability, I cannot replicate previous creations. It’s not possible to walk into the flea market and say, “OK, I bought a broken wrist watch here last week, I need another one just like it.” Or go to Michael’s “steampunk section.” And because these are assembled from found parts - not made from molds or created from scratch - I cannot fill specific design requests.

Also, I am limited by my schedule. Jewelry is only a hobby, and I have several other obligations. I am NOT trying to drive up the value of the pieces by making them scarce, and I’m not trying to be all artsty-snooty or whatever. I just cannot create them any faster than I already do. I’d have to lock my kids and my husband in the closet, quit my other jobs and volunteer work, ignore the messy house and my friends (who are sometimes messy, too), cease celebrating all holidays and special occasions, and just make jewelry. Which sounds like fun… but… no, no, can’t do it… well, maybe… no. No, definitely not. Right. Moving on…

ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE MORE?

Yes! I am currently working on several pieces. I love making steampunk jewelry.

HOW CAN I GET ONE?

If you are interested in buying a steampunk piece, I recommend subscribing to my website via a blog reader/RSS feed, or by using RSSFWD. I add new pieces as often as I can.