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In Steampunk news, there is a recently revived effort to construct Charles Babbage's steam computer. For those who don't know Charles Babbage, he was a Victorian mathematician, inventor, philosopher and otherwise foresighted brainy guy. He essentially conceived of the first computer in a steam-powered age - and is a central inspiration of the steampunk and cyberpunk movement, including authors William Gibson and Bruce Sterling.In 1991, the London Science Museum made a replica of his Difference Engine No. 2, complete with 8,000 mechanical moving parts. Really rather impressive that he conceived of computing machines well over a century before the technology...

I've finally gotten my holiday show schedule up on the Compass Rose Design Jewelry events page, just in time! I also celebrated my one year anniversary working with Modern Eden in North Beach, San Francisco!There was a recent article "All That Authenticity May Be Getting Old" in the New York Times which essentially stated that handmade just another fad. Below is the photo and some of the supporting evidence presented in the article:"Major retailers sell vintage or handmade objects, or produce items with that look. Clockwise from top left: artisan-made felt ornaments and a mass-produced mug adorned with an owl,...

We had an excellent time at the Handcar Regatta - not only was the entire crew amazing, but the world of costumes and contraptions was beyond inspiring. Very Ren Faire meets Burning Man Lite. Sort of a reminder how much we all really want to dress up - and need more opportunities to do so!Summer show season is coming to a close - just one show left before Christmas Season kicks off with the Bizarre Bazaar in December.Come visit Compass Rose Design Jewelry this Friday from 3pm until 8pm in San Rafael for a North Bay Etsy event!There will be...

New - Exclusively for him! So, I've noticed that men like wearing jewelry, but I think that the mix of women's and unisex necklaces can - well, freak some of them out. Is it for guys, is it for girls?, they ponder. Also, I've gotten some feedback, mostly from my tolerant husband, that chains get caught in chest hair and men have larger necks than ladies (on the whole). So - I've started doing more cord style necklaces in an array of upcycled and reclaimed pieces - railroad luggage tags, clockwork beetles, and yes, a vintage R2D2 pendant. This weekend...