Cu (Copper) - Metallics Collection (Part VII)

Part 7 of the Metallics Collection is Copper...

More photos on Etsy.

I've had these geometric glass coins for quite a while, unsure of what I wanted to do with them.  The silver ones I used in the Sn (Tin) Set, these ones however, mixed with acrylic copper beads and spikes, created a contemporary steampunk look that I really like.  I resisted continuing the design all the way along the necklace and bracelet, so the spikes wouldn't become uncomfortable. 
I don't have any copper coloured nickel-free earwires or clip-ons, so I'm afraid I can't offer those options on this set.

Until I can find some similar glass coins, I won't be able to sell the pieces separately.

Buy on Etsy: £70.00

Industrial Steampunk Set

I said I was going to do more steampunk styled jewellery and this is what I came up with:

While browsing some designer jewellery, I came upon a spectacular design by Paco Rabanne, featuring chains, metal loops and black pearls.  I loved the simple looking construction which on closer inspection, you realise how intricate it truly is.  I've just bought a load of steampunk cogs and vintage chains, so I decided to simulate the design.  It kind of reminds me of a ribcage, especially the way it hangs, which I think adds to the steampunk effect.

As I layed out the materials for the design, however, I realised I wouldn't have enough of some of the cogs to finish the earrings as well.  But such is the beauty of steampunk, I grabbed some other metal rings I had and mixed and matched with different chain and various shaped cogs until I had this gorgeous "inner workings" look.  The "black" beads are actually dyed coral, and I love the way the vintage hammered chain contrasts with the normal silver chain.

Finally, I used a metal push clasp with a black acrylic bead to match the coral beads.

The earrings were a little trickier.  I'm not sure if the metal pieces are that were used on the Paco Rabanne ones are smaller than the cogs that I have used, but if I had copied the design exactly, I think they would have been hanging past your underarms!  The earwires are nickel free.

But this wasn't about copying, it was more or less doing what I always do - Taking a piece that I like, and putting my own flair on it to make it into something that I love, and I hope you will too!

This is obviously a one-of-a-kind piece, as I'm not Paco Rabanne, and don't have access to all these materials again! ;)

SOLD!

Steampunk Junk Necklace

I think the whole Steampunk style is absolutely fascinating and innovative, but it still hasn't captured me completely.  This was my first go at something Steampunk-ish, made from mostly junk and again old necklaces pieces and a few bought items.

Steampunk Junk necklace

 I'm really pleased with how it turned out for my first go.  The cog-wheel pendant I put together myself from an old travel clock belonging to my Gran, strung together with copper-esque wire.  The hands belong to another clock.  They are actually painted black on the side that's supposed to be showing, but I preferred the silver against the brassy colour.

Cogwheel pendant

I'd bought a really cool collection of assorted mint glass beads, with these interesting copper stripes painted on, I hung those from headpins and added some Antique Bronze metal spacer beads to add length.

The "connectors" were part of an old necklace that was given to me from my Grandma.  I wrapped more copper wire around them to keep with the "inner-workings-of-a-clock" theme.

Mint w/ copper stripe glass beads
Copper wire wrapped connectors

The royal blue beads were also a part of the stripped necklace.  I added them to the second strand, with more of the antique bronze spacer beads.  The nut I found lying around the house and I have a terrible feeling I'll be missing it off something, one of these days!  The key charm you can just about see on the right and the padlock charm (which you can't), belonged to an old charm watch bracelet; that I hated.

Nut pendant

This used to be a pendant from a old necklace of my Mom's.  I've always thought it matched my royal blue beads!

Pendant used as a connector

This is an old chain that I hated.  I love putting old things to new uses.  I think the pendant and the chain both make really cool, odd connectors.

Chain used as a connector

The "pendant" on the third strand is a circuit board from an old watch.  The gold and copper lined beads I bought.

Circuit board pendant

Finally is the Antique Silver clasp; which again is from an unwanted necklace.

Antique silver clasp

So, that's my first attempt at "Steampunk" style.  Eventually I plan to mke some earrings to go with it.

Obviously this is a personal item, and there is no way I could recreate it.  I will be making more Steampunk styled jewellery, and probably many more made from "junk".

Tomorrow I'll be showing you the jewellery I have for sale.  See you then...