Steampunk and Glamour

Jean Campbell arrived in San Diego on Friday as the guest of the San Diego Bead Society. She was invited to give a talk on Steampunk jewelry, a subject she is well versed in after writing Steampunk Jewelry:Victorian, Fantasy and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings.

There was a huge turnout for the meeting including some in full steampunk regalia. As Jean got up to speak she donned her bowler hat complete with goggles, and tucked the steampunked raygun into her belt. And as I clicked my first picture, the screen read, no memory card, sigh.......

Jean's talk gave the background of steampunk which was an education for many. I'm thinking we may see some more jewelry inspired by the style.

She brought many of the pieces from the book created from found objects and imagination. They were in huge contrast to her other pieces from Creating Glamorous Jewelry with Swarovski Elements: Classic Hollywood Designs with Crystal Beads and Stones. As always it is exceptional to be able to see pieces like this in person. I can tell you the cover piece for Glamourous Jewelry is stunningly beautiful.

After a relaxing evening Jean gave a class for the Bead Society on one of her classic designs the Star of India. A nice group of happy, accomplished beaders joined in and were well on their way to their own Star of India's
The necklace Jean is wearing is Quincy Street, a first in a series called Harvard Gates. It's a great combination of wire and seed beads, with the perfect amount of shine for me.

Here are some of the happy faces from class, Viola, looking her usual mischievous self.

Susan and Jean having a bit of a consult

and Ellen sporting a pair of Valerie Hector inspired earrings which were lovely
It appears that beads were enjoyed around the world as I watched facebook post of friends who were at BeadFest in Philadelphia and in Hamburg Germany. For me, it was a wonderful weekend of beads and friendship, just the way I like it!