April 28, 2008

One of a kind

Years ago, my grandmother gave me her stash of black glass buttons.

After becoming enamored with Steampunk, I decided to take apart a clock and create something fabulous with the parts...

After staring at the pile for awhile, I contacted Susan at Callooh Callay to see if she'd be willing to do some bartering. Happily, she said yes! So I sent her these goodies in trade...



and she made me this Steampunk necklace.

Susan also identified the button she used as the focal piece as a mourning button...so appropriate as I'm still mourning my grandmother's recent passing.

27 comments:

Rosebud Collection said...

What a neat necklace..Very interesting buttons..I am so sorry about your grandmother's passing..
My mother has been gone four years and it is still hard..but I always try and think of the wonderful memories and that way she is still here with me.

Captain Skulduggery Dug said...

That's such a beautiful collaboration and a great way to remember your grandmother.

It's inspired me somewhat to take a few of the ancient computers of my fathers and use some of the parts to create something new. My father was an electrical engineer and he was team manager of a R&D group that designed and created many house hold items that people take for granted now days.

He was the kind of man that never threw anything away, as he was sure that each item would either inspire him to invent something new or would be the perfect item needed to finish some kind of design he had on the go. The computer is so old that it will never be of any use to anyone but he had kept it in his bits and bobs stockpile for so long we couldn't bring myself to throw it out when he died. Now I think I'll dismantle all the parts and do what he would have done and use it to create other things.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Holy Moly that's the most fantabulous necklace! Great bits n' pieces + great talent= superfantastic.

Hey Harriet said...

That's cool! & I can't wait to see what YOU create with the remaining parts of the clock, mixed up with your awesome buttons :)

Penelope said...

Holy cow! That's beautiful- I just took apart a clock for it's intestines myself, nearly beheaded myself when the spring steel unwound!

High Desert Diva said...

Lynne-
I've seen some really cool stuff (on Etsy) made out of old computer keys and the circuit boards...let us know what you make!



Sparrow-
I know what you mean...I had a piece fly up at me while taking mine apart...still haven't found it.

Elizabeth said...

What an amazing funky necklace.
I always adore old buttons.

StaroftheEast said...

I'm sorry about your lost...
a very beautiful way to remember her!

Anonymous said...

Your sweet Gram would approve of your beautiful new-old necklace completely! You had a wonderful tribute to her created, and I hope you can wear it and feel her heart close to yours...
You're a doll, and I'm sure she thought so too. (Insert big heart here).
Again, I'm so sorry for your sadness.
xoxo
Karen

Victoria said...

Beautiful necklace. Very fitting how all the elements came together, the passing of time, and the mourning button from your grandmother. A true heirloom piece.

Unknown said...

Wowwy wow wow! That is one incredible necklace! And what a great way to honor your grandmother.

Unknown said...

Clock parts are so intriguing. I think your necklace is really cool. Do we get to see a photo of you wearing it?

decadentdiamond said...

Oh my, that necklace is stunning. I love jet buttons! I recently bought a black coat and thinking of replacing the buttons with some of them.

Stacy said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. That's an incredible necklace and a great piece to remind you of your grandmother.

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

What a stunning necklace! That's such a unique way to honor your Grandmother's memory.

Unknown said...

i saw this on her blog and said what lucky and most creative gals you both are. what a lovely tribute to your grandmother.

Mrs.French said...

Wonderful treasures! The necklace is perfect. I hope you wear it and all the fond memories of your grandmother come flooding back.

T.Allen said...

what a gorgeous tribute. i wrote about my grandmother today as well, she's still with me. but as the days near inevitably i'm reminded of how much of her is within me. grandmothers are in essence immortal.

Unknown said...

what a necklace!! never seen anything like this for sure, sorry about your grandmother's passing and it would be nice to wear something that you like from her. am still amazed with all the creative people like you..how nice, imagine wearing this and everyone will be asking where you got it. So cool :)

picciolo said...

what a wonderful way to remember your grandmother, the necklace looks fantastic!
: )

Anonymous said...

Fabulous! You caught the essence of steampunk.

Simply Wired Custom Jewelry said...

Wow...what a cool, funky, necklace! Even better that it commemorates your grandmother. Beautifully done.

Anonymous said...

Bwwaaa.... *gasp*

That's gorgeous!!!

Unknown said...

So cool! She is a master of her craft & how perfect to use the mourning button. You will smile thinking of your Ommie every time you put it on :~)

Recycle
Reuse
Reduce

You are the pioneering diva of the green movement girl!

Megan McGory Gleason said...

That is a lovely way to remember your grandmother! Very beautiful piece :)

ppdesigns said...

wow that amazing necklace! i love seeing the bits before and then the final outcome!!

Callooh Callay said...

Wow, Charmaine, I missed this when you posted it and was scrolling back through looking at your house (I love Oregon) when I came upon this post. How sweet, and what lovely responses from your loyal blog readers. Hope you're enjoying the necklace and that it helps you remember your grandma.