Steampunked Skeleton Key

Steampunked Heart Skeleton Key

Besides working on my Use The Muse IV piece (more on this next post, but check out the link!), my Steampunked Key is the only thing I finished last week!  I have been taking a jewelry metal working class and decided to give this idea a go -

The filigree heart on the right and the watch part on the left are both soldered on.  The little teensy-tinsy gears and that adorable drop of a ruby are epoxied on. Painstaking work, but not bad for just learning!

I imagine this is one of the few pieces I have made that would appeal to both sexes, as a guy could just tuck it in his pocket or wear it on a chain or strand of leather.  It can be equally as flattering on a woman.  I have toyed with other Steampunk designs, but this is the first one I have finished, photographed, and posted!

Have a great week!

-Blanche

Winter Rose Designs Contest

My Beloved
Winter Rose Designs had a short, but sweet contest going for using their Woodland Brass pieces.

My entry was my interpretation of Victorian mourning jewelry - jewelry worn after a loved one has passed and typically is comprised of materials such as jet, gutta-percha, vulcanite, pressed horn, crepe stone, black glass (French Jet), black enamel, hair work, bog oak, pinchbeck, and gold. * I used Crystalized Swarovski Elements as my 'black' beads - Cosmic beads, Rounds and Pearls.
The picture used with permission is from Missing Branches Ltd. .

I won second place and couldn't be more thrilled! Here's the lovely stash of beads Connie sent me - Thank you Winter Rose Designs!