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!

.::: 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.

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…

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!

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!

Spectra Nova on ETSY Offically Open

The Spectra Nova on ETSY

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!

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.