I made these faux pocketwatch charms for a steampunk swap. Can you guess what I made these pendants out of? I’ll give you a hint: I got some of my supplies in the office supply store, and some of them in the hardware store. I didn’t want to buy readymade “steampunk” parts and pieces at the craft store, so I worked with what I had on hand, and a couple of generic jewelry-making supplies. Okay, did you figure it out? I used metal washers (hardware store), and rhinestone brads (office supply), as well as jump rings and a link from an oversized copper chain.
Now, if you’re not sure what steampunk is, or how to evoke it in your creations, Beading Daily had some good info on capturing steampunk:
One of the differences between steampunk- and vintage-style is the more mechanical aspect of steampunk elements, using pieces which once functioned rather than which were purely decorative. The exception would be fantasy charms and references, especially winged creatures such as angels and birds, which are characteristic of the Victorian times in general…
Try giving your own work this look with some of these other objects popularly considered to evoke a steampunk era:
- Civil War-era military trim
- Military buttons and buckles
- Leather straps
- Insignia, such as medals of honor
- Nautical symbols of the time period
- Fantasy charms, especially winged creatures: birds, angels, and fairies
- Old interesting keys and locks
- Watch parts and watch faces
- Gears, wheels, and cogs
- Fancy hinges, hardware, and mechanical bits circa 1900s
- Typewriter keys or printing press-type pieces
- Old monocle and eyeglasses lenses
- Chain with links, especially brass, steel, and gold colored
- Scientific ephemera: pieces of machinery, lab gizmos, glass vials, etc.
So now that you are more familiar with steampunk, I’ll tell you how I made my steampunk pocketwatch charm.
Project Materials:
- 1 metal washer (package of 25 for about $2), $.10
- 2 rhinestone brads (package of 100 for about $3), $.06
- 1 link from a copper chain (strand for about $2), $.10
- 2 jump rings, (package for $2), $.10
- E6000 glue, on hand
Total: about $.36 per charm
16 Comments
Whim Wham
Neat idea! Love the metal stamping on the washer that makes it look like a clock. Too cute!
Great article link defining steampunk too. =)
The Answer Is Chocolate
Oh thank you for this. Last month, I bought a “bag o watch parts” at a street fair and have only used a fraction of them for one project so far but want to do some more so this is great inspiration!
Mich L.
Those are so so great! I am dying for that bail idea. Brad into clock hands?!?!? Too smart for words. I love that you didn’t use pre-made steampunk components. These are also such a nice size, and I love the simplicity of it while still keeping that clockwork feel. I kinda really want one.
Rachel
These are so cool! I love tiny things. Thanks so much for the how-to, I’ll be linking.
Jenny
Oh my sweet thrifty Jesus. I must make this immediately.
Bridgette
Oh…..I am sitting here trying to decide how to tell you how much I LOVE these! Maybe I should just give you my mailing address! hahaha Just AWESOME! LOVE THEM! ~Bridgette
donnalee
VERY VERY CLEVER! just what i needed to make charms for a swap. THNAK YOU SO MUCH!!! blest be :)
shelbi
Omg these are amazing! And just what I need! Trying to plan a mad hatter tea party wedding on a tight budget and these will make amazing accents without breaking my budget!
Krafty_Karasu
hey! I have one of those!!! lol. I thought this charm looked familiar!!! I still love it!
nykke
How do you get the little numbers on there? Leather stamp?
Jan
I am wondering where you got the over sized copper chain for the steampunk necklace??
heather
@Jan I got it at Wal-mart. You should be able to find something similar at Michaels, Joann, or a local bead store.
Jan
thanks for letting me know.. I have not been to a hobby lobby as we don’t have one closer… but have checked at our only craft store ..JoAnns.. not any.. but will be on the lookout..!!
Jan
thank you for the info.. there is only 1 craft store near me.. the rest are about 2 hours at least.. but will check when I can get there…
Jan
thanks for the info.. I can’t wait to make these…