Making Steampunk Jewellery

September 1, 2017

Jewelry designer Druce specializes in steampunk accessories--a style combining elements of Victorian style, gothic romanticism, and machinery. Although steampunk design is ornate, the basis for most projects is ready-made items that have been altered and embellished, as well as standard jewelry findings such as chains, clasps, and jump rings. Druce expands her view of steampunk accessories to include gauntlets, goggles, and epaulets, as well as tips for designing a full genre-inspired outfit. Unlike similar books on the subject, Druce provides history and context for the steampunk aesthetic, presenting it as more than just a bunch of brass gears glued to a broken pocket watch. VERDICT Fans of steampunk style will discover a bounty of ideas; cosplay aficionados may also find projects adaptable for a variety of fandoms.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Steampunk, a genre of science fiction or science fantasy that combines Victoriana and anachronistic steam-powered technology, is an aesthetic that remains popular with a devoted audience that's generally known for taking pride in creativity and the ability to DIY. A dozen tutorials for necklaces, rings, pins, brooches, and fascinators are featured here, with step-by-step photos illustrating each one. Another dozen tutorials address items beyond jewelry, and include instruction for customizing gauntlets, gloves, goggles (a staple of steampunk style), epaulets, ray guns, hatbands, pocket watches, and more. Druce also offers a wealth of information about putting together outfits, hairstyling, corsetry, and other aspects important to creating a whole look. This book is more text-heavy than many genre-specific craft books, with background details that will help the keen enthusiast. Fashion shootstyle photos of fully kitted-out models provide inspiration for creating one's own steampunk ensemble. With the increased reach of comic-cons and other cosplay opportunities, the demand for instruction for this particular style is likely to extend to most public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)