Steampunk Information
(Details about my Steampunk art)
What is Steampunk?
This term was first used in the 1980s to describe a certain genre of fiction. Since then the term has become a way to describe any type of fashion, jewelry, writing, sculpture, or similar items "that are set in an era where steampower is still widely used" (wikipedia). This means that steampunk fashion commonly incorporates elements from the Victorian era; however, it has a science fiction or fantasy-like twist.
Common elements in steampunk jewelry include: watch movements, cogs, gears, sprockets, watch faces, wings, skeleton keys, or any other found objects.
My Steampunk Jewelry
Although I draw inspiration from many wonderful artists on Etsy and deviantART, I strive to put my own unique twist into my jewelry. I don't approve of 'copying' someone else's idea.
To keep my jewelry fresh and unique, I try to stay away from mainstream supplies whenever possible. Instead I try to only use found objects and items from recycled jewelry. However, buying from places like Michael's and Joannes can not always be helped.
I also try to use Vintage watch pieces from Elgin, Illinios watch Co., Seiko, Baylor, Hamilton, and other such brands. When I incorporate keys into my design I like to use old skeleton keys or house keys; however, sometimes I use charms from Michaels or sellers on ebay.
Making the Jewelry
All of my pieces are made with found objects and are 100% metal. I NEVER incorporate plastic parts or clay.
I have a couple of meathods for holding my jewelry together. I strive for the best quality in all my pieces, so I use the utmost care when piecing them together. For very tiny parts there is really no option but to use a glue-like adhesive. The stuff I use hardens like resin to produce a long lasting quality. Whatever you use, do NOT use superglue (I learned my lesson the hard way). Superglue dries like glass and will shatter if a piece is dropped.
For large pieces I use a soldering gun. Lately I have also been using an odd technique for holding thick pieces together. I take a cobalt drillbit and drill a whole through the two pieces I want to put together. I then fill the whole with adhesive for extra strength. Then I put the screw through both pieces. The screw acts more like a tack then an actual screw, but it has all the strength of an actual screw. This produces a more stable piece and a mechanical look.
Sometimes I also just add pieces by drilling holes and adding clasps with charms. Some parts are covered in resin for durability.
When working with recycled jewelry, I want to change the piece as much as possible. I usually just clip off the pieces that I like and add them to my jewelry in a new and exciting way. Recycled jewelry icludes: costume pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, broaches, and so on.
Where I find my parts
One glorious word: EBAY
Seriously, it is my worldwide garage sale, to quote Weird Al.
There are so many people that trade in so many different things and I can get a great deal on many vintage items.
Besides ebay, I find objects at garage sales, antique malls, flea markets, and even clothing stores in the jewelry section. Places like Forever 21 have lots of jewelry for very cheap prices.
Just keep an eye out and you will discover there are supplies anywhere you look. Sometimes even the oddest items can turn into a valuable piece to add to a necklace, bracelet, or whatever.
Caring for your jewelry
Even though I put the utmost care into making my pieces durable and long-lasting, they should still be treated with care. Many parts I use are small and can make a piece more fragile. If dropped on a hard surface, I cannot guarantee that small parts such as gears and hands will not brake off. Therefore,like any other jewelry, avoid dropping and do not wear while swimming, sleeping, showering, or doing a rigorous activity.
