Thursday, December 30, 2010

Lavalier Pins & Time Traveler Key Brooch

This gorgeous lavalier pin is made using in upside down hand wrapped lavalier style drop with antique Tibetan (?) Turkish poison eh hem, perfume vial.


These are the original Time Traveler Keys in Silver. Each key has a full metal jacket with core stabilizers and vintage Austrian cut crystal set with genuine antique watch parts. They also come in brass. I will be listing these soon on my etsy shoppe.

If you will be attending the 219 Time Machine in Toledo in Febuary 2011, make sure you stop by to see my full line of wares.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

From the Back of Beyond

Vintage Deco Style Ladies Wrist Watch Case featured a Green onyx stone set in a mainspring barrel and below hangs a genuine French 1922 Centimes Coin. The other lavalier style drop pendant features a stunning genuine emerald and 1880's doll button, mounted an a genuine watch movement, housed in a ladies deco wrist watch case with tiny treasure box dangling below.


Men's Tie Tacs featuring genuine jet black glass hand carved buttons with gold leaf embellishment from the 1800's set in brass mainspring barrels. Others are designed from misc watch parts.

Deco Cases house genuine watch movements & dials, beneath hangs vintage cut crystal Time Traveler's Keys. The other case is a bit older and features an open face with blood red garnet & crack knobs embellishing the inside with engraving exposed. Below hangs a Tibetan engraved cloisonne pendant, GORGEOUS!

Catch me @ The Phoenix Cafe & Off the Beaten Path

Monday, December 13, 2010

Inter-Dimensional &Time Travel Cyrstal Portal Keys Available for Pre-Order


For the select few that hold their license in the Guild of Inter-Dimensional Time & Space Travel, now is the time that you may secure your own High-Density cut Crystal Portal Keys.

The first and smaller key lets you easily seek out the area in which open & available portals can be located, while the larger key will carry you to your destination when used in conjunction with written commands in passage ledgers.

Two new designs are the Attachable (by pin) Winged Key Holder Medallion & The Elegant Lavalier Chain Necklace featuring a Genuine Antique Ladies Deco Watch with original movement & dial. The above picture is a small sample of my current work. For ordering information contact me via the aether web a destination spectranova@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Time Traveling Outfitters & Antiques of Tomorrow

For all of you to travel abroad and into deep time & space, don't forget your keys when you leave home to travel through the void. We have all the keys to suit your needs. All of them multi-functioning, complete with instructional guidebook on looking for key holes & device manipulating spells & codes. Features antique Watch Bits & Pieces for a look of Antiquity.

GUARANTEED to get you out of any Chronological MESS
Ensures Safe Passage when used Properly

Available Soon & Taking Pre-Orders

The Spectra Nova
Time Traveling Outfitters & Antiques of Tomorrow

Friday, November 26, 2010

10% OFF ALL ITEMS


I am offering 10% All Items in my Etsy Shoppe this Black Friday!

The Spectra Nova
Coupon Code: SPECTRANOVA10

Monday, November 22, 2010

Unisex Steampunk ::: Cirque Acrica & Cirque à Minuit

New Lavalier Pendants
Introducing the new line of lavalier adornments. Each necklace/tie is for the casual and formal engagement, depending on how you look at it. I've been attempting to keep some pieces unisex. There will be new editions to the unisex line with heavier wires and discharged brass. As far as stones goes, fossils, malachite perhaps?

.::: Cirque Acrica & Cirque à Minuit :::.

Cirque Acirca was a collaborate project done by a group of friends from Grand Rapids, MI for Artprize. It was a spectacular weekend featuring many amazing artists & performers. Destination 1111 is reminiscent of The Russell Industrial Center, where the works of Bethalnne Bejema, Myke Amend, and Bethany Grenier, were displayed with many other talented artists & crafts people from the area. Also got to see the amazing Zoe Boekbinder.

Cirque à Minuit means Cirque at Midnight, because that is exactly what happened. I recently was at a friend's house for a birthday party. It was under the stars & we watched an amazing performance featuring the lovely Sea Jae with other performers from Thee Inner Cirkus based out of Greenville, SC which combines vaudeville flair, fire arts and circus sideshow skills to provide unique and amazing entertainment for any size or shape of event.



Sarah Schneider Koning & Cindy Lee
Boheme Tribal
at Cirque Acrica


Monday, November 15, 2010

Phoenix Cafe & Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path is The Metro Detroit Area's and quite possibly the Nation's first Steampunk Inspire Book Store. I have anxiously awaited more the coming of more venues such as this and...

The Phoenix Cafe
is another great place, hosting a Steampunk Party Once a Month. Will you be there this Month (November 24th)?

:::PHOENIX CAFE:::

FOR MORE INFO
Calling all airship captains, mad scientists, air pirates, gearheads, steampunks and fellow folk of some repute...why join the rabble of drunken frat boys in overly crowded bars swilling Bud when you can attend a more civilized (and more fun) affair? The Phoenix will come alive as Up in the Aether touches down for a pre-turkey day steampunk extravaganza!

The Phoenix Cafe
24918 John R.
Hazel Park, MI


:::OFF THE BEATEN PATH:::

With OTBP, you don't just get books, you get the whole experience. Readings, Music, Art, Performers, Tea... All of the things to help bring you back from the drudges of ordinary life, inspire, and provide entertainment with substance, are rarity in today's society!

"Off The Beaten Path books and Cafe is not just any ordinarybookstore. We strive to become the place for artists and the creativeto thrive and create a sense of community. We will host workshops, gallery showings, crafts, art markets, tea drinking and readings. Wehope to become the shop that everyone has to visit if they're in Michigan. Our bookstore is dedicated to sci-fi, fantasy, horror, graphic novels, comic books, art, alternative history, paranormal romance and steampunk. We hope you check our website often, jump on our mailing list and join our Facebook fan page for the many updates on events, happenings and sales at Off The Beaten Path books and cafe. So stop by, have a cup of tea and read a good book."

Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Café is located at:

23023 Orchard Lake Rd. Farmington, MI 48336

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 1 PM to 7 PM


Monday, November 1, 2010

NEW Steampunk Unisex Jewelry Give Away ::: Photoshoot to Revamp Etsy Shoppe

In the spirit of being poor & broke, I am going to do another giveaway for the holiday season... Also want to give a shout out to some awesome locals, Bret & Jenny for being cool and helping to move things forward!


This is it, BUT what's your pendant choice?

A. Lavalier Style with connectors & chain (pictured)
B. Single Drop Style with jump rings & chain

.:::TO ENTER:::.

1. Send me an e-mail spectranova@gmail.com
2. Don't forget to visit facebook so I can announce the winners on my page

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON DECEMBER 1st

Halloween Photoshoot

This is the latest project that I did with cohort & extremely talented model Jenny Choate. We had the pleasure of shooting in the brisk fall sunlight on a inviting Halloween afternoon at a local cemetery in Farmington, MI. She is a member of the H.M.R.A.S. Valkyrie, and you can see more of these sultry pictures @Flickr or @Etsy.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Announcing New Giveaway on November 1st, 2010

In the spirit of being poor & broke, I am do a giveaway for the Holiday season. I haven't decided exactly what to giveaway, but I will be choosing ONE Unisex Lavalier Pendant Necklace to giveaway. This is just a little taste of what I have been working on. Going to add the chains soon!



BULLET HISTORY:

The bullets, as of now, are extremely limited edition because of the materials. The shaft of the bullets are made from vintage findings that are, well, hard to find. I don't have much left, and have been shopping for more. The solid design and tapered neck added with a barrel finding adds a unique streamlined look that is cold and heavy, very appropriate.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Devil's Night ::: Steampunk Photo Shoot

Well, last Devil's night, my guy and I went to see Roky Erikson at the Magic Stick in Detroit. It was one of the best show's I have EVER seen. Appropriately, Roky played all of his heavy gory horror rock and only one Elevator's song, Your Gonna Miss Me. Unfortunately the kick ass night ending with a real nightmare when we came out of the stick and discovered our Jeep was gone.

Well It's on again this Devil's night, same time same place. Only this time it's Guided by Voices. In fact, Detroit was only recently added to the bill long after the tour was first announced. We thought we had been snubbed, but I suppose they changed their mind's and decided to venture in on a night of Motor City Hell, uh I mean Heaven, as lol, we actually call it "Angel's Night" and have for years. This however, as mentioned above, isn't true...

Needless to say, I am really looking forward to this show and then a swingin' party afterwards.

The following day I will be with shooting photos with the lovely Penny Dreadful: Weapons Officer of the H.M.R.A.S. Valkyrie. The shoot will include snap shots of my own work as well as some of the vintage items that I have in my collection with her donned in all of her Steampunk Finery. My ETSY shop REALLY RELALY needs some serious revamping. I am working on putting together a new light box as well. My other, a cardboard box, wilted under the heavy weight of my industrial spotlight after quite a long run. CHEERS to all and have a SUPER FUCKING SWEET HALLOWEEN!

OH! I am getting a Dremel Tool Today too! If only every day could feel like Christmas...







Monday, October 18, 2010

Drawings Drudged out of the Depths of my Closet ::: Inspiring Wooden Objects

Looking to branch into other areas of three-dimensional art, I decided to pull some inspiration from the past and uncover some of my earlier works. The theme of these pen and ink drawings (using micron pens) was plant life. The human figure was a chief inspiration for many of my works.

The top is the Ocular Bulbarrous Appendae Plant. All Ocular plants are bulbous in nature and consist of a single domed light sensitive iris. A sweet smelling flower producing a potent nectar grows on this plant which is caught with rain water and stored into "death cauldrons" where insects are lured and trapped for food once the water is evaporated.

The second is entitled "The Rose" and was part of a larger sketch. This type of plant nymph draws it's life force from the rich earth in the ancient forests of the "earth". It is mobile and can speak. It prefers to perch on the trunk of trees near it's limbs so that it is safe from predators below.

The third is an interesting study trying to combine the anatomy of the human arm to resemble plant anatomy.

In addition to these works, there are others that I am not yet or rather not willing to release, as most of them are studies. Yet, inside my head there are many things that have been sitting around, waiting for the right moment to be born into existence.

The reason that all of this is so important, is because I've had a crazy idea in my head for a long time. I love old wodden boxes and other type of small interesting type of wooden furniture, lamps, shevling units, shadow boxes, and the like. The other day I was at the thrift store and found this really bulk jewelry boxes with 15 drawers line in blue velvet. I had to redo it. I plan to pull my own art work into the box by painting it perhaps in an Egyptian Steampunk Steam, or perhaps Nouveau (as I have a really cool Mucha Stamping that I need to polish up and use)

I hope that I will have the time and motivation to come through on such a huge task. I leave you now with this sad quote in lieu of motivation....

"It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive. " - Henry David Thoreau

Don't Stop....






Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Possibilities

I decided that not all of my focal pieces will be something to hang around the neck. There are many possibilities and options for tiny works of art...

Pocket Watches were mounted on some type of metal plate. These plates were fitted with various mechanisms, gears, pinions, and the like by way of screw and other small fittings made of rubies, garnet, or metal. So when the movement is dismantled you are left with holes all around the inside and outside of the circular unit.

Most of the plates that I work with are steel and engraved. The holes are around 20 gauge - 24 gauge and are small or big enough to fit wire or perhaps even the occasional needle and thread through. Sewn, soldered, or glued, they can be used as buttons or any such adornment.

The above picture is a type of hat belt/corset/sash if you will. The hat is vintage leather and was my grandfathers.

Monday, October 11, 2010

WINNERS!!!

I am pleased too announce the winners of the contests are Jarret Diamond who has won the Diadem Pendant.

&

Ana Maria Seaton who has won the Nior Madame Earrings

If you are disappointed you haven't won, stick around and I'll have another giveaway up before X-Mas.

Until then.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!


Monday, September 20, 2010

Steampunk Wall Mount


This is the second installation that I have made. The first was actually a rack for the World Steam Expo earlier this year. The assemblage was quite simple. The fringe is bullets hung from raw brass chain. I made them from brass tubing and exquisite mirror/cathedral black glass beads. The main focal pendant is made from a partial pocket watch movement and other various watch parts. The "stained glass" setting is cutout of an original stained glass window installation by Louis Comfort Tiffany. If I am lucky, this will appear at Cirque Acirca is Grand Rapids in the coming weeks.

Monday, September 13, 2010

.::: STEAMPUNK JEWELRY GIVEAWAY :::.

As promised I am giving something away. This is my first but not my last. These are the prizes:

1. A Diadem Pendant with Labradorite Cabochon set in a mainspring barrel made how you want it. On a Chain -OR- wired with chain (Brass or =Silver Chain & Wire)

2. A Pair of The Nior Madame Earring (Featured on my Shop)

The Spectra Nova offers Eccentric Elegance in Steampunk & Neo Victorian Styles. My work consist of earring & heavy to medium weight focal pendants adorned with handcrafted gemstones from garnet & onyx to the fire lit labradorite stone. I use vintage stampings, brooches, coins, findings and the like to create a theme.

::: TO ENTER :::

For a chance to WIN ONE of the TWO items shown

1. Go HERE and "Like" on Facebook

2. Send me an e-mail spectranova@gmail.com with your name that is shown on Facebook
(Specify which one you want)



WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 11th 2010

The Steampunk Entomology pendants are my main focus as of right now. I have pillaged my way into many endless treasure troves to find timeless treasures that are made into Sleek & Steamlined One of a Kind Priceless Heirlooms.
I have been collecting, scheming, and hoarding for a new round of projects for my etsy shop, which I will share on my blog.

In addition to my own work, I have many vintage items that I have yet to list in my shop. Many of these items have the aesthetics of the Victorian Age, as that has been my taste for many a year. Growing up with grandparents who collected antique clocks, dolls, furniture, jewelry, and clothes has primed me for all of my endeavors.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Aesthetic

Aside from the literature, art, and fashion aspects of Steampunk that I do so enjoy, I also try to live in the aesthetic and fantasy as much as I possibly can. The one room of my house that is dedicated to the style is my room. I have a gorgeous vintage/antique bedroom set (had it since I was a kid) and have added various found items to complete the scene. Found the shadow box on the wall at the thrift store for 20 bucks. I have a large collection of essential oils in the background and the lamp (which really needs a dusting) I got 1/2 price (it's cracked) from my sister in law when she had her store in downtown Mt Clemens. There are many other items I have found that I will share in the near future.

Thinking thinking about what to do for the giveaway. Gearing up to take some pics of my new super stash to post on Monday. Picnic this weekend, and of course I'll be dead from work!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

.::: Cirque Acirca :::.

The minds behind the madness, the inspiration, and the finger on the pulse of generations. This project has struck a nerve within me, as the message, meaning, and motivation behind the circus lies in dealing with depression, suicide, and mental illness.

.::: Cirque Acirca :::.

"Through art, performance, sculpture, music, fashion, circus arts & more we hope to take this message to young people & show them that they are not alone, there is a way out & mostly to tell our own stories along with hundreds of others (yours) as we Live, Laugh & Love..."

From the time of my youth I have dealt with depression and anxiety among other things and having a close family member living with schizophrenia, I often believed that my own mental health would just get worse until I wasn't the person I knew. Once I hit rock bottom and I snapped, with the heaviness of my body and breath, I didn't know what to do. So I wrote endless nothingness and began to create. It was this that saved me and this that stabalized my mind. Now, there is no going back.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Back to the Grindstone

It's been a long time coming for artistry. Finished school, got a job, and neglected my jewels. Now I am back to the work bench. This little beauty is one of my latest works.


With winter on the way, it’s time to say adieu to the pure slivers of crystal sunset that dance upon my wall. Detroit’s forecast is gray skies for most of the winter, dread…. So this means I have more time to sit around and be board. So you know it means shopping.


There are few things that can spark a huge dose of pure adrenaline pulsating through my veins. Yet at anytime of the day when I am about to hornet in on some auction, it hits me and lasts for a few minutes afterward and is extended when I win. Losing, to say the least, is like coming down hard after a sweet rush.


I have been withholding a secret from everyone who pays attention, due to lack of time and resources. So if you care, you will see what I mean… From Sneak Peaks to Giveaways, stay TUNED…

Saturday, June 19, 2010

A Little Closer

WHOA! Hey there! It's been a while. I've really been thinking about my blog lately and how I've neglected it so. I was thinking about a topic in the midst of a "LIFE STORM". I figured to put up something a bit more personal.


Then

And Now
I've been partly busy doing nothing, swimming in the pool with the rug rats, studying, and listing all of my stuff on etsy, and a few things on eBay.

Ah, there have been some other things going on too. Right after the Expo, we had a death in the family. My son was really sick and had to go to the hospital. Poor Kid! Monday, starts the internship!

I have some more stash photos to list of some of my new finds.
Stay Tuned!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Thrift Score ::: HUGE Scavanger Lot

Well I can’t say that I was a bad girl this time. I had legitimate rights to spend the money, and I did it with pride, much to some old lady’s annoyance. She must have had her hearing aid in or I was just talking to loud as I announce which item I wanted to look at.


I can’t tell you exactly where I went, but I will say that when it happens, once a year, it’s like vultures out to pick at the carcass. It’s crazy, people fight, give nasty you nasty looks, there might even be a bit of name calling, and you’ve got to get there early. They even have security just in case things get ugly. But, it’s so much fun…



This is my new catch, and in fact I have some stuff that I purchased a while ago from another secret source. I actually saw her where I scored all of this stuff. She needs to get a hold of me so I can hook her up!


Well if you see something that you MUST have, contact me, we’ll work something out.

And as always, I take custom orders, weather is be something you have or something I have, IT CAN BE DONE!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Spectra Nova on ETSY Offically Open



As with the passing of the World Steam Expo, I have promised to list all of my unsold items in my New Etsy Shop. I will be listing items gradually for promotional reasons. If you were at the Expo, and there was something that you would like listed STAT and reserved in your name, please do not hesitate to ask!




The World Steam Expo was a blast! The entertainment was top notch. The staff, guests, and con goers were extremely nice & cheerful. While I was setting up, I actually had a piece that was stolen from me. I thought for sure that I had just misplaced it, but that wasn't the case. It was sitting on the table and was obviously swiped somehow when I had my head turned. I didn't want to think that, so I confided this issue with a few friends and promised to look for it. Within minutes the staff was there wanting a report on what it looked liked and that they would spread the word about it and have all the other staff members come over to get a look at the pieces that were similar to the one that was stolen. I never got the piece back, but the staff was so willing to help out, I was very impressed.

As for my set up, I got everything I needed at the thrift store. I vintage doll case provided the look and feel I craved and wished to convey to con goers, as well as ample display room. I also found an unfinished shell of a clock that I painted, fixed some shiny metal object & dials to it, and added nails to hang my earrings. The large case was provided by my ever awesome and amazing sister in law who sells vintage goods (Mary's Vintage Rose on EBay). I added a palm and peacock feathers for warmth and a natural looking aesthetic.

I was lucky enough to see Abney Park & Repo: The Genetic Opera after the vendor's room closed. Abney Park was scheduled to play a bit earlier, but was pushed back, which was a huge plus. Mostly I stayed at my booth, but I was able to take lost of pictures of people in their costumes and a few contraptions as well!

Needless to say, I can't wait until next year!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

1000 Steampunk Inspirations ::: A Call for Art

I have been extremely busy the past few weeks. When one day starts, the next is already upon me. I will not even think of boring you with all of the minute details, but I will say a few things about the highlights of my days

1. I just submitted some pictures for a book by Barbe Saint John called 1000 Steampunk Inspirations being published by Rockport Publishers /Quarry Books (http://www.quarybooks.com). Rockport Publishers /Quarry Books is an international publisher of high quality visual & Idea books for design professionals & creative enthusiasts -- crafters, artisans, and designers.

If anyone reading this blog is interested in submitting their works, you'd better hurry because submissions are due by June 1st, 2010. Visit Barbe's website below for more info.

Steampunk Inspirations Submissions
A Call for Art


2. I have been accepted and confirmed as a vendor/artist and will be appearing at the World Steam Expo 2010 this memorial day weekend. I am hoping that is any of my readers are going to be there, that they will drop by and say hello. Anyone mentioning this blog post will receive a special 10% discount.

3. I will be adding more pictures of my work to my Flickr page by the end of this weekend, hope everyone can take a peek! Spectra Nova's Flickr Set

4. Cramming like MAD for school and internship this summer... daily, hourly, as we speak.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Entomology Necklace ::: World Steam Expo Update

I have always been taken by the sheer elegance of insects.

Entomology: Greek for, that which is cut into pieces, engraved, or segmented.

Hence the insect, and perhaps these pieces. They come together in pieces & they are engraved. Visit my flickr page and you shall see more of my creations. They embody the essence of fasntasy, mysticism, and sheer beauty. All the components are cold and hard, from gems to metal, the weight of these objects proves their worth. Let one encompass your neckline today!


The other day I recived word that I shall be attending the World Steam Expo as an artist/vendor. This will be my first major show as an artist ever. If you happen to be there on Memorial Day weekend, make sure you drop by my booth. Mention you read this blog, and receive an discount!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Spectra Nova Featured on Lilly's Work Shop Blog

Out of all the Corsetry on Etsy, in my own opinion, Lilly's Workshop has the most versitle, well made, aesthetically pleasing corsets all wrapped up in one. In addition to sexy waist sinchers, they have awesome bags & satchels too!

Not once, but twice, the Spectra Nova has been featured on their blog (under the guise of The Thrifty Sparrow) and this post is just to give a big thanks to them!

I want this corset....

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Cabochons & Such


Labradorite :: A blue, gray, green, or brown triclinic mineral that is a variety of plagioclase feldspar. It occurs in igneous rocks.

If you should venture to the extreme North of Canada, to the Labrador Peninsula, perhaps you would stumble upon this brilliant stone.

This is one of my favorite stones and I will continue to do everything in my power to get my hands on this ethereal-like gemstone that has the most breathtaking qualities. I owned a piece of this stone long before I knew what it was. These cabs are hard to come by and well worth every cent.




Green Onyx ::: Green onyx is a mineral of the Earth that is a compacted and colored form of quartz. Unlike ordinary quarts, the crystalline structure is fine and compacted, making it ideal for gemstones, and cameos.

It also makes it ideal for this exquisite Steampunk Owl brooch, pendant, whatever you fancy, or, I haven't decided yet.

I love that this stone rarely has any inclusions and has a smooth clear texture to it. It's color ranges from a light lime green to a vibrant forest green seen here.

I have just received some vintage raw brass chain the the mail, can't wait to post updates on my work.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Facebook Fan Page


Time is of the essence, a vital commodity. Do not waste it! I try to get as much done in a day as I can. The Spectra Nova has been a slow go, with so much going on, but here it is, my Facebook Fan Page. Fan away, I shall be forever grateful!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Waltham, Rock, & Wine ::: Empty Spaces II



I have recently come across the most exquisite mahogany chest gleaming with exceptional brass work. Trapped inside a sort of reinforced eight walled dungeon, this box lay for who knows how long. As I cracked the lock and peering inside, I feast my eyes upon emerald, garnet, labradorite, carnelian, and green onyx. As I filled my pockets, the Spectra Nova was set ablaze, as my secret had been exposed and i was transported home. Safely it was that I found my work space that eve. Finally after years of searching, I have found this missing components to my work. Now fair readers, let your eyes feast upon beauty and imagine what the future beholds. These nights shall be accompanied by a scarlet wine to calm my mind. Thither to my chamber shall I keep, and I shall meet with you in a fortnight, perhaps sooner.

For a crude glimse of three setting visit my flickr page
The Spectra Nova

Saturday, March 20, 2010

World Steam Expo


I just sent out my application for the World Steam Expo, which is to be held this Memorial Day Weekend in Dearborn, Michigan. I am keeping my fingers crossed. If by chance I do not get into the show, I will post my wares on Etsy. Will keep everyone posted.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Empty Spaces?

Did you ever notice the empty spaces that you might see in my Steampunk Pendants? They look like shinny silver or brass gears, but in actuality they are Mainspring Safety Drums, minus the cover & spring. The mainspring is what creates the tension in order for the clock to work and the gears to move. Placed deep inside a hand wound watch, it usually has a safety cover and then another pinon on top, the spring hidden insde. I soon found out that just because those springs don't have a fair amount tension on them, doesn't mean they won't come flying out at you in a hurry and attempt to blind you at the same time.


Well I have a plan for these empty spaces. In the coming months you will see gorgeous cabochons of garnet and perhaps jade set inside these drums. Keep your eyes peeled for the very first sneak peaks of these on my blog!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Thrift Score ::: Steampunk Viking Ship


Ah, the thrift store, I go to you when I have money, and when I am bored. My kids love you as much as I do, I can hardly concentrate through the screams on I want this, what's that, It's MINE! Yes, you allow me to be stressed and de-stress at the same time. I could spend hours or a matter of minutes, and yet I find countless treasures that someone else considered trash.

Yet in all my travels, I've never seen anything so obviously Steampunk. I came to wonder why someone had given it away. They must have thought that it was old and useless. Thank goodness they did because, well, it wouldn't be hanging on my wall now. The back is covered in a brown paper that is a printed reproduction of items from a Victorian Dry Goods catalog.

Since I have so many vintage and antique items from the thrift store that I plan to incorporate into my Steampunk & Neo Victorian Jewelry, I have decided to post sneak peaks every now and again. Look for the on my etsy shop

http://spectranova.etsy.com