Touch of Steampunk...

You may ask what is Steampunk??  There are so many elements and definitions depending on the person asked.  So I will try to explain without loosing your attention.  The "Steampunk Movement" is a social movement characterized by the the return of 19th Century fashion coupled with pre-modern imaginative technology. I would call it “Post-Retro Fashion.” Here are the major themes of Steampunk Fashion.

• Victorian Era garb. Corsets and waistcoats, top hats and mini-top hats, bustles and brocades. In Victorian days, “off the rack” meant you received a reprieve from torture. Everything was custom-tailored. Buying a “Steampunk” outfit from The GAP goes against everything Steampunk stands for. Fashioning a Steampunk outfit from Value Village ups your Steampunk cred immensely.
• Goggles. Preferably crafted in brass, these are the sign of a active lifestyle and that steam workshops require eye protection.
• Gears and Clocks. This is a rejection of modern industrial manufacturing, and takes you  back to a time when everything was hand-crafted. No digital watches, solid-state drives, wireless communication, or web sites. Although, of course, the modern Steampunk social movement is highly driven by the internet, but since it’s a social movement, there is a high degree of human contact, exemplified by crafting workshops, Steampunk Balls, and entire Steampunk conventions. (sounds crazy but they have them)
• Customization. You can “Steampunk” almost everything, by creating handcrafted laptop cases or iPhones, or redecorating your home or office, all using 19th Century materials and processes.

 So long story short it is taking something old and mixing something new into it making it a brand new functional item with old world charm.  I have always been drawn to the Victorian Era, but being the tech geek I am I love modern technology.  SO what could be more perfect the Steampunk.  I started incorporating old time watch gears and vintage finds into most of my work.

 I too have a love of Bling and all things shiny.  I took this large crystal I found at a wonderful antique shop that is up the street from me, I can't begin to tell you how much I love this place.  I added some pearls a few charms and a bullet casing (not loaded), to give it that edge.  I love this piece.

One day I hope to get to a Steampunk convention for ideas and to see what people can really do with fashion and their personal style ( wonder if it's like a trekkie convention..oh I hope not.)..

Until next next keep steaming along.

Pumpkin Head in VA!!

Today I am leaving for a girls weekend with the girls from church. I wanted to treat the girls to something fun so I thought I would bring all my nail polishes and makeup.  I too wanted to do something fun that too would represent this time year..what better way then a pumpkin mask! Pumpkins aren't just for carving and pit.  You can use pumpkin puree as an effective exfoliating mask to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin..  I thought I would share the recipe..Enjoy!

Harvest pumpkin exfoliating mask

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon green tea, brewed
• 2 teaspoons pineapple, diced
• 4 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
• 1/2 teaspoon sunflower oil (olive or canola oil may be substituted)
• 4 teaspoons cornmeal
• 4 drops cinnamon extract (optional)

Directions

1. Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool.
2. In blender or food processor, puree pineapple and place in medium-sized mixing bowl.
3. Add pumpkin, honey and aloe. Mix well.
4. Stir in sunflower oil, green tea and cornmeal. Reserve remaining green tea for another use.
5. Add cinnamon. Stir.
6. Apply small amount of pumpkin mask to cheeks, forehead chin and neck.
7. Massage in circular motions gently buffing skin. Repeat.
8. Apply more product as needed.
9. Leave a thin layer of pumpkin mask on face and neck for 15 to 20 minutes.
10. Rinse with tepid or cool water and pat dry with soft towel.
11. Follow with appropriate moisturizer for your skin type.
12. Store remaining mask covered in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Makes two applications

In Time..

Gosh where do I start??  This last week has been amazing, stressful, fun, crazy and God sent.  First and formost I have been spending time with a wonderful friend.  Missy and I haven't know each other long but feel like it has been since childhood. We are SO much alike from our past to current.  We had a wonderful lunch/tea time yesterday in Wake Forest.  She treated me what a sweety she is.  She is so sweet, we sported hats (tea house tradition).  I had the most amazing strawberry tea. YUMMY!

Are we not the cutest..lol..

Below is a picture of some of the things I found on my outing the other day, they will turn into something fun.  I found the "SHERRY" decanter charm and was so excited, well due to that it is my name after all.  But because I have been looking for vintage decanter charms/tags.  The picture below the tag, is of items from a vintage bracelet.  Little purses (my favorite) and some beads.  I will be making new whimsical creations out of these items soon. Stay posted.

Below is a new cuff I made from a vintage door pull from a Victorian house.  I attached it to an Upcycled leather belt and added some glass beads.

I will be adding more pics later of different items I have made..We are heading to beach so again the inspiration will be limitless..God Bless

Anitques.

I had a great day yesterday just taking it all in at Suzzanne's Antiques so many new contributors. SO many beautiful colors that capture the true beauty of fall.  I could of stayed all day and I am sure I would not of seen everything.  I got a few new items to upcycle into new items..More on that later..here are a few pics of my outing.

I always feel so welcomed...

One of the many dealers...so many new ones now...it is amazing.

This is a bird house...if I had the backyard for it I would buy this..LOVED it!!

I love the little dress form...I have a very small one I use for my jewelry..would love to add this one to it.

Fall inspiration..

Heading out to Southern Pines today...never know what I could find out there.  I found some cute things yesterday, I will be adding pics to what I make soon.

A Refreshing!

The weather is amazing today, when it's like this I feel the creativity start to boil.  I have decided today to make a move and submit some of my creations to a publisher (Bead Trends) for possible submission this spring.

 It's exciting, I have never done this before but so excited about the possibilities. Today I think I will be going to Suzanne's Antiques to look at all the treasures.  Just walking through her shop is inspiring.  From the colors to the vintage find to chit chatting with the staff, whom by the way are the best...I will post pics later of the treasures you can find there.  Until then enjoy this beautiful day God gave us to enjoy.

Create, Explore, have fun!!

Some fun things have happened since my last post. I have been making vintage inspired jewelry and selling it.  Which is something that goes outside my box.  I like to wear my own things, but to see someone else wear and like them was different for me.  It is inspiring for myself to see others wear the things I create.  This is a new path and I love it.  I have been researching many styles, materials  and techniques.  I am self taught and I am finding I LOVE working with metal and leather. Combining the two to make whimsical creations.  I am starting to use more religious relics in my leather work.

This last week I had my first Trunk Show through a friend.  The first day was real slow but the next day was great.  The feedback was great.

This item is one the vintage items I have created. The cross is from WWII, they use to hand these out to the new soldiers.

I used gold sheet metal to make this heart then stamped "Beloved" on front and again using religious relics and crystals so accent the pendant.

I love to ride my Harley this just seem fitting to include something that would reflect that.  SO this is where this creation came from.

I find myself wanting to search and look for things to inspire me.  I love the colors of fall this is where I have brought in copper to bring out those colors I see.  I am so in love with things vintage...crazy to think that what is considered vintage is things in the 80's.  That's what the experts say is the starting point.


Please visit my etsy "Fun in The Small Things" site to purchase items.  I add things often.