What is steampunk? Steampunk is a style that can be characterized as romantic yet edgy; industrial but artistic. Steampunk is the combination of your favorite science fiction book and your favorite romance novel with equal parts metal and lace. Steampunk jewelry has captured the imagination of jewelry makers for the last few years now, and it's not a trend that we see going away any time soon.

You might feel intimidated at the thought of creating your own steampunk jewelry, but the style is really very easy to create. Part of the fun of creating your own steampunk jewelry is finding the supplies - the beads, buttons, fabrics and decorative components that go into a steampunk jewelry project are as close as a trip to your local hardware store and a good dig through your bead stash.

Still feeling a little overwhelmed by steampunk? Relax! Let the bead artists here at Beading Daily take you on a steampunk journey and watch them create four beautiful steampunk jewelry projects.

First, Leslie Rogalski explains exactly what steampunk is, and tells us about its origins in the science fiction world. Next, use your favorite vintage or funky fabrics to make your own steampunk-style bead embroidered buttons with Michelle Mach's Bead Embellished Buttons. These bead embroidered buttons would make great clasps for a steampunk necklace or bracelet! If you love using metal clay, Helen Driggs' Multi-Metal and Cold-Connected bracelet project is a perfect example of the industrial side of steampunk jewelry. For a fun twist on steampunk jewelry, try Jean Campbell's Sassy Sisters bracelet - it uses tiny keys, buttons and charms to create a personal steampunk statement bracelet. Finally, create a graceful beaded steampunk necklace with Marlene Blessing's Funky Romance from our very own Best of Stringing: Steampunk eBook.