spankyspanglerdesign

I recycle broken watches/bulbs and turn them into wearable pieces of art. I use vintage and antique clock and watch parts, movements and cogs for my creations, along with vintaj brass and sterling silver charms, chains and findings and anything else I can find.

Steampunk has changed my lifestyle quite a bit as I spend almost every spare moment making bits and pieces and sourcing new materials (and old ones). I also sell my items at craft fairs and even conventions, especially if it has a science fiction theme. My more elaborate designs can be found on display in art galleries across the North East.

I must admit, I'm a bit of a geek. I first discovered Steampunk through my interest in Cyberpunk, a kind of futuristic version of Steampunk. I particularly liked the evocative look and design of the neo-Victorian style which I try to apply to my work. My jewellery, sculptures and anthropomorpic illustrations - are all influenced by the sub-genre of science fiction in some way, with its prominent elements of fictional technological inventions. I started out experimenting with some old watch movements, turning them into earrings which sold quite well, I then moved on to necklaces, these designs took inspiration from traditional Victorian mourning necklaces and chokers. After that I became interested in and moved on to Steampunk militaria, my collection includes pocket watches/kilt pin brooches made to look like old military medals. My latest creations incorporate old lightbulbs, these are used to create clockwork creatures, which include dragonflies, wasps, spiders, bees and flies.

The look and technology of the Victorian era sitting alongside impossible machinery or fantastic creatures is inspiring. Manga and films such as Howls Moving Castle, Steamboy, Metropolis, Iron Giant, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events and Return to Oz have all influenced me in some way. Also books by Victorian authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and HG Wells along with graphic novels such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Neotopia.

My anthropomorpic illustrations take influence from whimsical childhood memories; Alice in Wonderland, Brer Rabbit, Wind in the Willows, Rupert Bear and Tales from Fern Hollow, along with my obsession for collecting Sylvanian Families!

My work has been featured in various blogs and online magazines. One of my insect bulb brooches was purchased by a CEO of a Japanese recycling company and the image used in their promotional material. The BBC used one of my brooches for a presenter (Hannah Fry) to wear in a documentary. My work is also included in the collection by Victoriana Lady Lisa in her book International Steampunk Fashions.