Until recently, I had no idea what 'steampunk' jewelry even was! Now, I'm completely sold - I love how each piece is so unique and whimsical. I've had a wonderful opportunity to interview the fabulous and talented seller behind
The Steampunk Trunk on Etsy - and test out a gorgeous necklace she sent me. She's also generously offered to give one of you lucky readers a special surprise, which you'll find out at the end of this post.
Interview: Let's meet the mastermind behind the gorgeous jewelry available at this shop.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?I'm a stay at home Mother of 3 wonderful young men whom I am very proud of. The oldest (22) is in School for plumbing, the middle (19) is in the US Army stationed in the states but with every phone call from him my heart sinks at the thought of him telling me has been deployed...Thankfully that hasn't happened yet. My youngest is 10, he is so much fun and loves to try to help me in the studio which is right smack dab in the middle of our home.
You have such beautiful and unique designs. What inspires you to create a piece?I let my components inspire me, Ive never been on to sit down and pump out a bunch of pieces just because I have the parts. I will let pieces sit for months before they are complete and trust me there are many pieces get torn apart if they are not just right, esp the pocketbooks. The actually take months to complete from conception to listing.
How long have you been creating steampunk jewelry and accessories?I have been making jewelry for about 15 years and really had no idea what steampunk was. I had made many, many pieces of what some would call steampunk but at the time I called it altered art. An Etsy customer of mine steered me straight, I thank her often:)
Do you have a favorite piece?I sold a piece many months ago that I just adored, it was an antique pocket watch case which I filled with a pocket watch face, a small main spring, the gorgeous gold hands from the watch and filled it with Jewelers resin. It was called Pieces of Time...it pained me when it sold but I was proud too.
In your opinion, what's the coolest thing about the Steampunk Trunk items?The coolest thing about "The Trunk" is that my pieces are so unique. I have some very cutting edge items that you will only find here...the pocketbooks and the Extreme Rotating Cufflinks are just a couple. I am working on some new designs that will hopefully be released over the next week or so...stay tuned. "You never know what you'll find in The Trunk."
The Review:
She is absolutely right - the pieces are so unique and gorgeous! I absolutely love them. I was sent a vintage typewriter key necklace that I think is so unique. It has the vintage look I love and has gotten so many comments on it's uniqueness and beauty.
Isn't this really cool? Mine had an asterisk and I think the fact that she sent the typewriter key necklace was perfect, since I'm a writer. It's a necklace that I'm really going to cherish for a long time! I have to tell you that the quality of the jewelry from The Steampunk Trunk is fabulous. You can certainly be sure that it will last for a long, long time.
The Giveaway:
One of you are going to get the same necklace I got - but with a special twist! She's going to customize it for you so you can add initials of your kids or your 'special someone!' It will come on a 22 inch 18k white gold chain, too!
- How to Enter: Visit the Steampunk Trunk and browse through the awesome treasures there and come back here and let me know what you think is the coolest! Make sure you leave a comment for every entry and your email address if it's not public in your profile!
Extra Entries:- Follow this blog publicly or let me know if you already do. (1 Extra Entry)
- Subscribe to this blog via email. (2 Extra Entries)
- Enter any of the contests over at Champagne Wisdom, then come back here and let me know. (2 Extra Entries)
- Leave a comment on any blog post here that is not a giveaway. (1 Extra Entry)
The contest will end February 16, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be selected by Random.org. Good luck, everyone!
I was sent an item to review free of charge by the sponsor of this giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinions and they are 100% mine and honest!