The Watch Recyclers Wife

One day, I asked Joshua a simple question...

Have you ever heard of steampunk?

He hadn't. I barely had either, but had seen it around blogs and Etsy and wasn't exactly fond of it at the time.

I started to show him what it was...knowing his interest in pulling things apart and working with small pieces.

{He had previously begged me to let him pull apart our very old typewriter so he could 'make things' with it. That was a firm no.}

But after he got a good handle on what steampunk was...now he wanted to take apart all of my old pocket watches. Again the answer was...No. No. No.

I started to wonder why I had even wanted to spark his interest in this 'steampunk thing'?

He was certainly going to ruin all of my old things that I loved and collected.

So he was on his own...to get his own pieces...and grow his own collection...

and that he did...

It was very hard for me at first, to watch him take these things and use them to make new things {I tend to like to keep them around just to look at them...Josh is more practical, however, and enjoys turning them into something that can go to another}...

But once I started to see the beautiful things that he could do with them...

I became a fan. His biggest fan, in fact.

It's so inspiring how can take these...

and some of these...

and create these stunning pieces... 
 

He has made almost anything you can think of by now...rings, necklaces, cuff links, tie tacks, bracelets...and my personal favorite...his line of Remnants of Time earrings...

He uses crystals and pearls...

And is even branching out on a new line that I dubbed Reclaimed Relics {yes, I am the creative force behind the names of his collections and pieces}....to create vintage necklaces mixed with old finds...

And the answer to his question of whether he could use my small collection of vintage religious medals for these pieces? NO. Absolutely not.

So what did he do?

Went and got himself all of these...

Sigh. Maybe I can start hiding them one by one so he can't use them...{just kidding my love. I would never. Or would I? ~grin~}

But I suppose I only have myself to blame for all this. I did ask him that simple question that got the ball rolling.  

Just goes to show you never know where one little question can lead...
 

If you are interested in his work, I highly encourage you to take time to browse his Etsy shop. You might just find something that strikes your fancy. {But then again maybe I hope you don't so I can keep them all ;) }

Till next time...

{Jewelry photos courtesy Joshua Wingerden}
 

Comments

[Victoria @ Whimsy by Victoria]

What an artist! I love his pieces...enjoyed looking at his Etsy and now will know where to find unique one of a kind whimsy items. :) Great post Alice!

Hugs,
Victoria

[Zuzu]

I've seen a few artist's steampunk and LOVE it! Joshua's work is gorgeous!

[Charlene]

His work is amazing! You should be so proud of him but, I sure would watch my "STASH" if I were you. :) Off to view his Etsy. Charlene

[Lolo]

So glad that you let everyone know about his Etsy shop. It is definitely a hidden gem on Etsy!
I am the lucky Owner of his beautiful "reclaimed relics" skeleton key necklace that you have shown :)
I cant rave enough about the two of you!!

Happy Wednesday~
Lolo

[Joanne Tuchman]

I love that you are so proud of your Joshua's art. I think his steampunk is extraordinary and you are a part of that creative process by asking one crucial question. I am more like you...hanging onto my small treasures and looking at them as precious in their own right, but Joshua proves that sometimes a change in purpose is even more beautiful than the natural state.

[Laura]

Wonderful steampunk pieces! You will have to tag along with him to see where he finds his materials! :)

[katy]

how gorgeous im extremely jealous :P

thought i'd inform you of a...

*GIVEAWAY*

on bellefaintaisie.net

hand embroidered heart hairband inspired by the huge pastel and nude trend features vintage lace, pearls and buttons. Lovely for yourself or a gift. Good Luck

Katy xx

[Jackie]

What beautiful things!! He's really talented - I have such a soft spot for anything religious and I love the medals with other vintage finds!!

[Rose]

Alice amor, what beautiful pieces he creates! I love old watch pieces too, but I love just seeing them in a lil box or bowl, that is as far as my talent goes...although...I have something he would probably love...I have an antique watchmakers desk with tons of tiny drawers :) I am currently filling it will all my treasures :) Hope your having a wonderful week! Besos, Rose

[Dana]

I found you first and your beautiful pictures, and then his amazing work. I can't say I like ones more than the others because I love everything you, both of you, have created.

[wendy]

Those are absolutely AWESOME
I can never figure out the "genius" behind some of these creative minds I see

[Janine]

I love my SIL's work!!! haha and I want that watchmaker's desk of your follower Rose, there! tee hee

Great pics again honey!!!

LOVE YOU BOTH and thanks for the invite for ICE CREAM!!!

LOVE,
MOM & (MIL) xxxooo<--hugs and kisses for all 3 of you!

[Joan]

Your blog is breath taking. I love your photos! Many blesdsing.
Namaste,
Joan

[barbara jean]

these are amazing!
beautiful work.

barbara jean

[Kim Klassen]

amazing, truly!!!

i'm in love with your blog. :) ♥

[Claudia]

Joshua's work is amazing. And I'm glad you spoke about what Steampunk is - I had been curious!

xo
Claudia

[Leah C]

I had never heard of "steampunk" before...but I like it:) Your hubby's creations are stunning and amazing!

[susan]

what a fun story! his work is just beautiful! i hope everything is going well with you, we are enjoying the sunshine :)
susan

[Counting Your Blessings]

One of these days I'm going to get one of his rings. They are so, so cool! Way to rub off your genius on him (or was it the other way around? *smiles*)

Blessings... Polly

[Andrea - Faded Plains]

Josh has amazing talent...I love that he's giving new life to old things...now...I'm off to check out his etsy.

[Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic]

I have one of his rings and just LOVE it...I get so many questions about it when I wear it ;-) It is very special...made by a very creative man who loves a very creative woman!!

[bleudelavande]

Oooohhhh I'm in love with those creations!!!! He's very talented!!!!
Have a nice weekend

[Tee of Dragonfly Cottage]

oh my! They are gorgeous! Really... I have loved steampunk for some time, but these are by far some of the better pieces I have seen!!!

And what an inspireing and beautiful blog you have. The colours and "feel" is just magical!!! :) I will be back!!!

[Linda]

that is great. lovely story. and pretty pieces.

[Koralee]

Oh I love his pieces...sigh...I am in love. Thank you so so much for sharing. xoxox

[lorraine lewis]

his work is beautiful and I love how you encourage him- so sweet.

[donna joy]

beautiful work!

[Andrea Villarreal]

Hi Alice and Joshua~
I just ordered two rings off St. Joshua's site. I can't wait to get them. I even did a little research on this whole steampunk thing:) Not really into that all that much but I love watch faces!! I am so excited. These are so different and fun:) When I get them do you mind if I put them on my blog. I would give you full credit and link to you of course. Also may I use the pictures of the two I bought from the Etsy site? My blog is http://www.freckledstar.typepad.com/ It's nothing fancy but I have made a lot girlfriends big fans of Etsy!! Let me know.
Thanks, Andrea

[replica watches]

what an amazing old design they have,i really liked that watch with the "valencia" on it!
amazing!

[jean]

amazing,and for more choices please hit the adress below:
http://www.albatouristik.com
http://www.rosetta-stone-shop.net
http://www.itunes-gift-cards.org