Written by Team Editor Matthew Krueger
original release date: July 10, 2010
updated: January 22, 2011

Back to the Future: Steampunk
Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells come to mind, you’re not far off, as what may seem to describe a 19th century flight of fancy has actually exploded into a present day movement all its own: Steampunk.

Welcome to the Steampunk Movement! "Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors". Quoted from one of our popular Steampunk blogs Back to the Future: Steampunk by Matthew Krueger.

About Metal Smith / Handmade Jewelry Designer Sally Jewett-Brocato: I am inspired by the organic textures and shapes created in nature. I particularly love designing handmade jewelry using the very textures I find all around me such as palm bark, grasses and raffia.  I also delight in the look of reticulated, fused and melted metals which you will find in much of my work.

Handmade Jewelry White Pearl and Sterling Silver Geometric Necklace This stunning modern handcrafted artisan jewelry geometric necklace is created with a single, pure white freshwater coin pearl surrounded by an organic textured half moon of sterling silver. This designer jewelry necklace is centered on a dainty, sterling silver chain with spring clasp closure. The sterling silver half moon has a black patina in the texture crevices to highlight the dramatic, organic markings. This fashion jewelry necklace measures approximately 15" so that the focal point is at the throat. It is designed to be worn as interestingly with a little black dress as with a pair of torn jeans.

While the term itself is full of mystery, you've probably been known the style of Steampunk longer than you realize. Popular video game "BioShock." is all about it. The feature film "Golden Compass" has it. Even famous literary novels Homunculus and The Affair of the Chalk Cliffs by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are heavily influenced by Steampunk.

Featured jewelry designer Holly Louen creates unique high quality handmade jewelry. For the person who appreciates the one-of-a-kind and unusual, this is the gallery for you. Holly has always enjoyed being creative and this creativity shows most in her jewelry designs.

It all began with a trip to Murano, Italy. After touring the glass and bead factories on this island, she was hooked. Upon returning home, she promptly signed up for a Lampwork class at the local glass store to learn how to make her own beautiful beads.

This is a perfect bridal shower, anniversary or "just because" gift for your special someone! A copper strip has been textured to resemble a tree trunk. Then a sterling silver heart with initials has been soldered to the copper. "Carve" away and personalize this necklace for you or a new bride!

Personalized Jewelry - Name Tree Carving Necklace

Updated: 9/26/2010
Many people have asked me how to clean their handmade silver jewelry. While there are many cleaning products out there, many are chemicals and are too caustic for the silver. Sterling silver does oxidize with time and will eventually tarnish. Some people have very acidic oils in their skin and this can cause silver jewelry to tarnish very quickly. I recommend using a sunshine polishing cloth to clean your jewelry. It’s gentle and does a good job in removing tarnish. Some people like to use the jewelry dips to clean jewelry but I adamantly do not recommend using these products because they will remove the darkening agent I use to darken the words or designs that have been stamped into the metal. More

Michael Thornton is a jewelry designer from the mid size town of Katy, Texas. His college work was at the University of Houston where his major was English and his minor was art. He first learned of jewelry construction in an art class consisting of design and building techniques, but he did not pursue the art until many years later.

Handmade Blood Red Topaz Pendant

Ever take a close look into the ever changing artwork put on currency throughout the world? Featured jewelry designer Andrew Stoffel most definitely has.

Andy is a student of Pastoral Studies in Northern California. He has worked with youth and young adults for several years now and has a passion to see them grow as individuals with strong character.

Andy has used his love and talent for music and art to work with and inspire young people. His ultimate goal is to complete school and open a youth center that concentrates on music and the arts. His continuing education will include teaching credentials and a master’s degree in counseling psychology or business administration (with an emphasis on non-profit organizations).  More

Bracelets, Bangles and Cuffs oh my! Team NativeMotif takes a look into some uniquely crafted bracelet styles of 2010. Featuring work by Sharon MacLeod, Barbara Bowling, Lana Park, Renee Lemoncelli and Roberta Hawkins.