SPOTLIGHT ON ... GOOD BOOK
June 2010

Our featured book this month is
Steampunk Style Jewelry
by Jean Campbell

Steampunk Style Jewelry by Jean Campbell is a treat. She is a lovely and talented author, who seems to put a great deal of time and thought into every book that she writes. Steampunk is hot these days, but this style has been around for more than twenty years. According to this book, the term was coined in 1987. So, what is steampunk?"Generally, Steampunk is a fashion, design, and popular-culture phenomenon that combines romance and technology." Jean was kind enough to show our Metallics beading wire in her book, which is a perfect match for this style of jewelry. We offer both antique brass and copper color beading wire.

From the back cover: "Steampunk jewelry pairs mechanical found objects with Old World Victorian-style filigree, charms, chains, gems, and beads to create one-of-a-kind pieces that marry romance, technology, and attitude."

In this book you will find:

• 20 projects
• Projects that are perfect for beginners or advanced jewelry makers
• Profiles of artists
• Historical information
• Fashion trend ideas
• Ideas that define Steampunk
• Photo gallery showcasing several designs by other designers, including our very own Jamie Hogsett

If you want to try this style of jewelry, buy the book to get inspired and then enter our 2010 Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest. Design entries must include exposed beading wire. All beading wire must be one of our Soft Flex Company brands - Soft Flex, Soft Touch, Extreme, Metallics or Econoflex. You may use any color or diameter in your design. There is no limit to the number of designs that you may enter. We encourage you to feature beads and findings from your local bead shop as well as create your beads and findings from found materials - clock parts, gears, washers, screws, bolts, bottle caps etc. Lampworkers, recycled glass from bottles, made into parts and components are encouraged too. Flex your creativity! If you use beads or findings from your local bead shop, let us know who they are when you submit your design so that we can credit them too!

You can buy this book from Ornamentea.

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Sara Hardin Website Beading blog Email: Sara@SoftFlexCompany.com Sara has been a Soft Flex Company employee for 11 years and is an active designer.  Besides jewelry design, she also enjoys fashion, music, theatre and just about anything art related.  Most days she is available by email or via live chat on the Soft Flex Company website for designer assistance.