Friday, February 15, 2013

Steampunk Emporium Book Review and Giveaway

Contest is closed.  The winner is (taking into account, several repeat comments)
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Kim Redden who said:
I have always loved trinkets and gadgets, adore buttons of all sizes and shapes, and all types of watches and clocks. The little gimmicky do-dads on things just make me buy them. To be able to put these items together in jewelry creations just blows me away. With some guidance and ideas some truly fantastical pieces could be created! Your give-away is an inspiration! Thank you!
Kim, I'll be contacting you for your address to get you your book. Congrats everyone.
 
Back in December I was contacted by Interweave/F+W Media, On Sale Now about 3 books I was wanting to review.  Nicole Miller and then Tommy Semosh e-mailed me and sent me the book Steampunk Emporium by Jema "Emilly Ladybird' Hewitt.  Miss Emilly Ladybird, Adventuress, is Jema's steampunk alter ego.  She travels the world searching out artifacts for her employers, Dickens and Rivett.  She lives among the rolling hills of Derbyshire in the United Kingdom with her husband.
I've been interested in Steampunk Jewelry for a while, but wasn't quite sure what all it involved and how to make it.  But this book has been very interesting.  The intro on the front cover says "Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios".  Although I'm not really into Science Fiction (which is what I would describe this book as) it was a very interesting read.  Jema Hewitt has written this book as 'Miss Emilly Ladybird'.  You will follow 'Miss Emilly' in her harrowing antics as she records her adventures with intergalactic space pirates, undersea voyagers and Jurassic explorers.  As she encounters each of these, she will make jewelry to dazzle you from 'keys, devices, jewels, etc.' all given to her or found by her on her travels.  She uses a wide variety of gems, cogs, lace, suede, polymer clay, resin, bezels, etc. to design wonderful Steampunk jewelry.  There is sure to be something in here to catch your eye.  Two of my favorites are "Clockwork Princess's Chatelaine" and the "Cog Button Choker", both very unique pieces.  In the back she has an appendix of "Useful Items and Practical Methodology" where she describes different jewelry techniques, how to take a watch apart, how to use/make polymer clay, tools, findings, etc.  If you really love Steampunk or are just wanting to get into Steampunk Jewelry, you'll find this book a great read.

Because of a problem with my Post Office (they marked the books as delivered and then put them in a bin where no-one noticed them for about 2 weeks, and without leaving me a notice to come pick them up), F+W Media sent me a second set of books.  So one reader will receive the extra copy of this book as a gift.  Leave a comment her telling me what interests you about Steampunk.  Extra chances for following my blog, 'Liking' my facebook page, KayzKreationzGlassKreationz, or hearting my Etsy shop.  Leave a separate comment for each one. Giveaway will end Friday, Feb. 22nd at midnight.

It is available for purchase here at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or North Light.

(The book above was provided by F+W Media for review. The author of this blog has not received any other payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.) 

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I love science fiction and I love making jewelry... I just need help putting the two together!

Amy B. said...

I love bead embroidery, and while that is not the essences of steam punk, I know the two can be combined seamlessly. I just need some ideas & inspiration!!

What a nice give-away!!
Thank you !

kmorgan said...

I think steam punk is very interesting. Sort of reminds me of vintaj. Sounds like an interesting book.

Unknown said...

I love the marriage of the mechanical and the beautiful. I would love to be able to create those looks. I have dabbled with it, but would love to be able to have some inspiration and direction to take my craft. To improve my skills is always a plus!
Thanks for the give away!

Unknown said...

I love the marriage of the mechanical and the beautiful. I would love to be able to create those looks. I have dabbled with it, but would love to be able to have some inspiration and direction to take my craft. To improve my skills is always a plus!
Thanks for the give away!

Unknown said...

I love the marriage of the mechanical and the beautiful. I would love to be able to create those looks. I have dabbled with it, but would love to be able to have some inspiration and direction to take my craft. To improve my skills is always a plus!
Thanks for the give away!

Unknown said...

I joined your newsletter. :)

Unknown said...

I hearted your etsy shop, and added you to my circle. :)

Unknown said...

I have liked your facebook fanpage.:)

Unknown said...

I am following your very informative blog.
I have added it to my favorites!:)

Happy Beading!

vovsblog said...

stopping by all the blogs taking part in the bead soup blog party. cant wait to see what you make!

Unknown said...

I have always loved trinkets and gadgets, adore buttons of all sizes and shapes, and all types of watches and clocks. The little gimmicky do-dads on things just make me buy them. To be able to put these items together in jewelry creations just blows me away. With some guidance and ideas some truly fantastical pieces could be created! Your give-away is an inspiration! Thank you!

Unknown said...

I have always loved trinkets, watches, clocks and buttons of all types and sizes. The little gimmicky do-dads on things MAKE me buy them. To be able to put these things together in jewelry creations sounds fascinating. Your review was most helpful and with some guidance and ideas, some truly fantastical jewelry pieces could be designed. Your give-away is truly generous! Thank you so much!

Unknown said...

I follow your blog with my reader.

Unknown said...

I signed up for your newsletter.

Shai Williams said...

I just love the steampunk style so this book is extremely attractive.

Shai Williams said...

I follow your blog as Shaiha

Shai Williams said...

I liked your FB page as Shaiha Williams