I started out with the whole steampunk idea of making collages of watch parts--cogs and gears and bits of one kind or another. Then I hit upon the entire watch movement. I tell you, there are few things more gorgeously shiny and mechanical than a vintage winding watch movement. It's an art that's more or less lost at this point in time.
So, I've found a few complete watches to rip apart! Here is one of my latest. It's from a gentleman's Waltham watch, circa 1930s. I was able to keep the stem intact, so you can wind it. The gears still work. How cool is that! And the little gold cogs will spin and move, as well. I set it on a simple silver bail, and kept the beading fairly minimal. It's so gorgeous and impressive on its own that it didn't need a lot of extra ornamentation.
You know that feeling--when you find a supply or medium in your art or craft that really speaks to you? And you want to make gorgeous things worthy of it? That's what this one is. Hopefully, it will speak to someone else and find a good home with someone who loves it as much as I do. . .
Oooh pretty. :0)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about watches. My uncle does watch repair and he's been slowing down for years because everybody buys throwaway watches these days. Kinda sad.
ReplyDeleteThat is so neat that you've found a special material to work with. For me, lately it's been pressed leaves and wood tiles. Something about putting them together makes me feel so happy inside! :)
PS You should put "shiny watch guts" in the listing title. That will reel them in ha ha :)
:) I may list the next one as "shiny watch guts"! I don't know why I always have to give my jewelry these romantic movie or lit titles. Shiny Watch Guts is much more descriptive.
ReplyDeleteSome people gave me new watches, and they're all plasticky and cheap inside.
And thanks Dyche!