NICKEL SILVER ON BRASS $38.00 – Item#BC810SONB

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

Features the Chinese symbols for “serenity.” Each individual necklace is made by hand (process explained, below) and measures 1-inch across (image enlarged to show details). Due to the creation process, pendants may vary slightly from the ones shown here. Monitors vary, so color may appear slightly different in person, or under different light conditions. Gift boxed.

Several metal combinations are available. Click on the images below to order other varieties.

Brass on copper.

Nickel silver on copper.

Copper on nickel silver.

Nickel silver, no rivets.

HOW I MAKE THEM

First, I drew by hand my own version of the Chinese “serenity” symbol, which I had made into a small rubber stamp.

In making the pendants, I begin by stamping each metal disk with the symbol, then I ink back over it by hand with a fine-tipped permanent marker to create a strong, dark image. The disks are submerged in a solution of ferric chloride, and this acid etches away anything not covered by ink. After an hour or two (depending on the strength of the acid and the type of metal) the disk is removed and the acid neutralized with baking soda.

The disks are rinsed, sanded, and then domed by hand using a ball-peen hammer and small anvil. To some of the pendants, I apply silver black, an oxidizing agent. This “ages” them, making them darker and enhancing the characters. Charms are available without oxidizing, as well.

Then I rinse, sand and polish the disks again. The larger metal disk, used for the base, is also domed by hand, and then the smaller and larger disks are riveted together — again, by hand, using the ball-peen hammer and anvil.

The resulting pendant has a more primitive, handmade look than items which are machine-made or laser engraved.

A hole is punched for the jump ring, and then the finished pendant is hung on a length of dark brown leather cord, to which a clasp is added.

From start to finish, a single pendant like this takes several hours to create.

Filed under: Browncoats, Jewelry, Necklaces, Spacepunk

Nickel silver on copper.

NICKEL SILVER ON COPPER $38.00 – Item#BC810SONC

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

Features the Chinese symbols for “serenity.” Each individual necklace is made by hand (process explained, below) and measures 1-inch across (image enlarged to show details). Due to the creation process, pendants may vary slightly from the one shown here. Monitors vary, so color may appear slightly different in person, or under different light conditions. Gift boxed.

Several metal combinations are available. Click on the images below to order other varieties.

Brass on copper.

Copper on nickel silver.

Nickel silver on brass.

Nickel silver, no rivets.

HOW I MAKE THEM

First, I drew by hand my own version of the Chinese “serenity” symbol, which I had made into a small rubber stamp.

In making the pendants, I begin by stamping each metal disk with the symbol, then I ink back over it by hand with a fine-tipped permanent marker to create a strong, dark image. The disks are submerged in a solution of ferric chloride, and this acid etches away anything not covered by ink. After an hour or two (depending on the strength of the acid and the type of metal) the disk is removed and the acid neutralized with baking soda.

The disks are rinsed, sanded, and then domed by hand using a ball-peen hammer and small anvil. To some of the pendants, I apply silver black, an oxidizing agent. This “ages” them, making them darker and enhancing the characters. Charms are available without oxidizing, as well.

Then I rinse, sand and polish the disks again. The larger metal disk, used for the base, is also domed by hand, and then the smaller and larger disks are riveted together — again, by hand, using the ball-peen hammer and anvil.

The resulting pendant has a more primitive, handmade look than items which are machine-made or laser engraved.

A hole is punched for the jump ring, and then the finished pendant is hung on a length of dark brown leather cord, to which a clasp is added.

From start to finish, a single pendant like this takes several hours to create.

Filed under: Browncoats, Jewelry, Necklaces, Spacepunk

COPPER ON NICKEL SILVER $38.00 – Item#BC810CONS

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

Features the Chinese symbols for “serenity.” Each individual necklace is made by hand (process explained, below) and measures 1-inch across (image enlarged to show details). Due to the creation process, pendants may vary slightly from the ones shown here. Monitors vary, so color may appear slightly different in person, or under different light conditions. Gift boxed.

Several metal combinations are available. Click on the images below to order other varieties.

Brass on copper.

Nickel silver on copper.

Nickel silver on brass.

Nickel silver, no rivets.

HOW I MAKE THEM

First, I drew by hand my own version of the Chinese “serenity” symbol, which I had made into a small rubber stamp.

In making the pendants, I begin by stamping each metal disk with the symbol, then I ink back over it by hand with a fine-tipped permanent marker to create a strong, dark image. The disks are submerged in a solution of ferric chloride, and this acid etches away anything not covered by ink. After an hour or two (depending on the strength of the acid and the type of metal) the disk is removed and the acid neutralized with baking soda.

The disks are rinsed, sanded, and then domed by hand using a ball-peen hammer and small anvil. To some of the pendants, I apply silver black, an oxidizing agent. This “ages” them, making them darker and enhancing the characters. Charms are available without oxidizing, as well.

Then I rinse, sand and polish the disks again. The larger metal disk, used for the base, is also domed by hand, and then the smaller and larger disks are riveted together — again, by hand, using the ball-peen hammer and anvil.

The resulting pendant has a more primitive, handmade look than items which are machine-made or laser engraved.

A hole is punched for the jump ring, and then the finished pendant is hung on a length of dark brown leather cord, to which a clasp is added.

From start to finish, a single pendant like this takes several hours to create.

Filed under: Browncoats, Jewelry, Necklaces, Spacepunk

Item#SP810JB SOLD

This neo-Victorian bauble is the perfect accent when you’re attending a clockwork ball or serving tea aboard your dirigible… Created with vintage brass chain and pieces from two different upcycled belts. Slightly adjustable around 7-1/4 inches long (image is enlarged to show details). Please note that 7 inches is considered the “standard” women’s bracelet length, however your mileage may vary. Resizing is available, please don’t hesitate to ask. This is a handmade, one-of-a-kind (OOAK) item, created in my private studio. Only one available. What you see is exactly the item you will receive. Monitors vary, so color may look a little different in person. Gift boxed.

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada! Click here for more information.

Steampunk pieces are costume pieces and works of art, and care should be taken when wearing. These creations should not be subjected to chemicals, perfumes, dyes, lotions, or rigorous treatment, such as wearing while exercising, swimming, working, cleaning, etc. Please note that I have no way to 100% guarantee the condition of any vintage, recycled or “rescued” parts, in regards to being hypoallergenic, or whether they contain lead, nickel, aluminum or any other materials. Purchase and wear at your discretion. More about steampunk jewelry.

Filed under: Bracelets, Cosplay/Costuming, Jewelry, Relics, Steampunk

$25.00 – Item#SP810VIAL

Wear your own little jar of steampunkery… This pendant is a small glass vial filled with old watch parts, sealed in Ice Resin and hung on an unusual style, machine-like chain. Mixed metals, silver and brass. Necklace is adjustable between 16 and 18 inches long with lobster claw clasp. Vial is 1-inch high (image is enlarged to show details). This is a handmade, one-of-a-kind (OOAK) item, created in my private studio. Only one available. What you see is exactly the item you will receive. Monitors vary, so color may be slightly different in person. Gift boxed.

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada! Click here for more information.

Steampunk pieces are costume pieces and works of art, and care should be taken when wearing. These creations should not be subjected to chemicals, perfumes, dyes, lotions, or rigorous treatment, such as wearing while exercising, swimming, working, cleaning, etc. Please note that I have no way to 100% guarantee the condition of any vintage, recycled or “rescued” parts, in regards to being hypoallergenic, or whether they contain lead, nickel, aluminum or any other materials. Purchase and wear at your discretion. More about steampunk jewelry.

Filed under: Jewelry, Necklaces, Relics, Steampunk

I met, hung out with, pestered and enjoyed talking with several lovely people this week at the North American Science Fiction Convention. I’m not necessarily so sure they enjoyed talking to me, but I appreciate their indulgence. I met…

* Craig Cummings, the gentleman pictured above, left, creator of marvelous steampunk regalia and impromptu master of ceremonies at the Steampunk Fashion Show.

* John G. Hemry, author of the Stark’s War, Paul Sinclair and Lost Fleet series, and just the nicest, most unpretentious and genuine person. Thank you, Mr. Hemry, for being so gracious, open, and not making me feel like a peon.

* David J. Halperin, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the UNC-Chapel Hill and author of “Journal of a UFO Investigator” (coming in 2011). Another incredibly nice, very gracious individual, a true gentleman.

* Mary Robinette Kowal, author of “Shades of Milk and Honey,” VP of SFWA, and puppeteer. Yes, puppeteer! Plus, she gave away beautiful sandalwood fans to promote her book. I love the smell of sandalwood.

* Bull Spec editor Samuel Montgomery-Blinn, who is incredibly nice and knowledgeable about local sci-fi writers. Kindly check out his magazine. He works very hard on it, and uses Linux cuz it’s free, of course. Team Linux!

* Raleigh sci fi author Mark L. Van Name, author of “Children No More.” Proceeds from the book go to Falling Whistles: Campaign for Peace in the Congo. He is also a self-professed fan of Serenity. I’m hoping we can convince him to come to our next CSTS.

* Christiana Ellis, local podcaster extraordinaire who interviewed me in 2008 for my role in coordinating our local Can’t Stop the Serenity. Now she has a book out, “Nina Kimberly the Merciless,” and after talking to her about it, I can’t wait to read it!

* Sara M. Harvey, steampunk author and costumer, as well as a professional historian, fan of Serenity, and just an all-around delightful person.

* With an effervescence which borders on mania, Davey Beauchamp is an author, librarian, and editor of the book Writers for Relief, an anthology to benefit the victims of hurricane Katrina.

* Michael D’Ambrosio, the author of the Fractured Time trilogy and Space Frontiers series. I was in the “very good audience” mentioned in his blog, and I’m so saddened to hear he had to cut his con time short due to a death in the family.

* James Maxey, author of the Dragon Age fantasy series and the superhero novel Nobody Gets the Girl, and most excellent pirate.

* Chris Jackson, friendly and enthusiastic author, speaker and seafarer, whose spouse Anne was extremely sweet.

* Phil and Tim. I don’t recall their last names, but they know who they are. You guys are dynamite!

I also discovered John Claude Bemis‘ steampunk book for kids “The Nine Pound Hammer,” picked up several brilliant shirts by Off World Designs, bought a copy of Richard Dansky’s new book “Firefly Rain” (no relation to anything Browncoaty, it’s a paranormal thriller set in NC), purchased some books from Orielis Quality Used Books from Chapel Hill, and I saw a Klingon. Everything’s better with Klingons.

Filed under: News, Spacepunk, Steampunk

In addition to creating adornment art and my work in the book “Steampunk Style Jewelry,” I am also an associate member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Last year, my short story “Wren & Wood: Oak Moon” won the 2009 Andrew Britton Short Story Competition.

“Oak Moon” is a fantasy story set in a re-imagined Dark Age period, where a raggedy wizard and his shillelagh-wielding beloved cling to the edge between civilized and wild, religion and magic, starvation and survival, by accepting dangerous and often preternatural employment.

If you’re interested in joining their adventures, here’s the story link (pdf file):

WREN AND WOOD: OAK MOON

Mention in Raleigh Metro Magazine (scroll down the page, or hunt for “Hilton”)

Filed under: Freebies, News

$15.00 – Item#E710AART

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

Altered Art is a broad term which refers to any of a variety of techniques … but generally a collage or recombining of old, vintage and found items which are given new artistic life. For these earrings, I used Scrabble tiles rescued from an old game, and applied found images of flowers under a slightly domed coating of Ice Resin. Tile is 13/16-inch across (image enlarged to show details). On brass earwires, accented with faceted Czech glass. Designed and handmade in my studio. One-of-a-kind, only one pair available, what you see is the item you will receive. Monitors vary, so colors may not be exactly the same in person. Gift boxed.

If you like this item, you might also like…

Filed under: Earrings, Jewelry, Relics

$12.00 – Item#N710POETRY

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

Another of my “Pieces of Poetry” designs, this pendant plays tribute to my favorite book of poetry, Katherine Mosby’s “Book of Uncommon Prayer.” Her poems are in the form of prayers which celebrate life, accept imperfection, and plead for joy in a lonely world. I own a copy, and I’ve given several copies as gifts. I found a damaged copy in a used book store, and tore this bit of verse directly from its pages. It reads, “a little grace the comfort of this gift.”

The pendant is made with the verse on one side, and a found image on the other. Both are under a coat of Ice Resin. “Found image” means that I did not print it off the computer or Internet, but rather rescued it from some bit of packaging or ephemera destined for the recycling. This particular image is by Emma Garner, and I believe it came from the packaging of a tarot book and deck set I received a few years ago as a gift.

Pendant is 1-1/8 inches across (image is enlarged to show details). Hangs on a 24-inch ball chain. Designed and handmade in my studio. One-of-a-kind, only one available, what you see in the pictures is exactly the item you will receive. Monitors vary, so colors may not be exactly the same in person. Gift boxed.

Filed under: Fairy/Mermaid, Jewelry, Necklaces, Relics

$16.00 – Item#N710KIND

An altered-art affirmation of a very underrated virtue. Made with a Scrabble tile rescued from an old game, featuring a mini-collage with an image of flowers and the word “kind” under a slightly domed coating of Ice Resin. Tile is 13/16-inch across (image enlarged to show details).

On a brass chain, accented with faceted Czech glass. Measure 17 inches long, with trigger clasp. Designed and handmade in my studio. One-of-a-kind, only one available, what you see is the item you will receive. Monitors vary, so colors may not be exactly the same in person. Gift boxed.

Free first class shipping & handling to the U.S. and Canada is included with all items! Click here for details.

If you like this item, you might also like…

Filed under: Jewelry, Necklaces, Relics