#miniature solar system

Star Box II

Well I enjoyed making the first solar system box - I had to make another.  This started as a basic pine box.  I stained it, swapped out the hinges and latch, created the “windows” and covered them with mesh and brass frames.  You can’t see it but there is a lock washer (it looks like a reverse gear with internal teeth) in each porthole illuminated by mounted LEDs.  The six sides are covered with riveted struts, brass features and vintage cut star cabs.  The central orbit field has a solid metal ring and twisted wire frame with brass claws.  I created tiny brass winders over two vintage gears with round cut outs.  Two different kinds of alarm clock winders are located on each side.  There is also vintage brass knurled nuts on the sides.  Finally there are 3 brass star cutouts above the hinged side.

The planets are driven by an internal wood disk with embedded magnets.  I also did a similar thing as the last piece - drilled holes in the lid and disk sitting above 4 LEDs.  As it spins the “stars” twinkle.  The lights and motor have separate battery packs with switches.  Sorry, I’m still not clever enough to rig a single battery pack and external on/off switch.  Next one….

I’m really enjoying this foray into these larger projects.  It’s my inner prop builder coming out.  Unlike the last one - this one will be for sale in my Etsy shop.

I’ve been waiting to make these for a long time.  Finally had all the ingredients and a bit of bravery.  What many people don’t realise is making something new is always a risk, possibly ruining expensive supplies.  Fortunately these turned out well.   A simple glass locket filled with a vintage pocket watch spring, tiny metallic “planet” spheres, a half round golden “sun” all fixed in place with clear resin. It makes for a subtle yet intriguing piece of jewelry.  Understated.

The tiny ones are seriously small - the lockets are under an inch wide.  I’ve attempted some reality to the planets: Mercury is tiny and silver, Venus earth’s sister planet is gold and the same size as Earth, Earth is silver, Mars smaller than Earth and copper. The giants start with Jupiter large in copper, Saturn slightly smaller than Jupiter and silver tone, Uranus is gold, Neptune is smaller and silver and finally, Pluto, tiny and metallic black.  I can’t keep any accuracy in relation to the size of the sun - it’s seriously huge in comparison.   

The larger one, just over an inch wide, was gold but arrived very scratched.  Instead of it sitting in my pile of rejects I decided to “distress” the patina to a brushed copper with the original gold poking through in places.  It works.  It also has a very light dusting of holographic glitter as a star field.  

If there is the demand I thought about customising these.  With a birth date, time and place I can generate a natal sun chart - where the planets were at the time of their birth. If there is serious clumping I might have to take some artistic license when positioning all the planets. It would require a 2 week build time for supplies and for the resin layers to cure.  

If you are looking for a masculine gift I can put them on a black rubber or leather cord.  

Orrery Locket

I wasn’t sure why I bought the ball locket from one of my regular suppliers but I’m glad I did. I really wanted to attempt putting an orrery model in something that small. It was far too small for arms or any rotation so it’s fixed - no movement at all. The gears are there to imply movement - nothing more. I created the black round ½ ball base in black resin. It is held there by a screw through the base of the locket and into the resin. The next challenge was finding ball head pins to represent all the planets within our solar system. Sorry to Pluto but there was no room left.

Perfect to add the wow factor to your Victorian and/or Steampunk costume but versatile (and symbolic) enough to be worn with contemporary fashion. It’s on a very long (Gatsby length) chain so it sits low on the body. This will be a great length so it’s easier to show friends and family without getting yanked or strangled.

Components:
Bought filigree textured highed ball locket
Black resin ½ ball
Assorted ball pins
Thin hollow pipes
Screw
Vintage gears
Brass washer wing
Brass tone rolo chain
Assorted rings
Lobster claw clasp

Build time: 7 hours

The pendant is just under 1 inches (2.4cm) wide and 2 inches (4cm) long including two large hanging links. The chain is brass gold tone rollo link, 36 inches long with a copper tone lobster claw clasp. It is designed to be worn low but can be altered if required.

Thanks for looking!

This small orrery inspired piece is designed to be an ornament but could also be worn carefully as a pendant or as a fob. When I bought the case it didn’t have a crown or bow so I used other vintage parts in my collection. I think they suit the piece. The whole swedge with the planets can be gently rotated.

All the small planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth are on the inner ring followed by Mars, Jupiter and Saturn on the middle ring and finally, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto on the outer ring.

It’s available in my here in my Etsy shop

I’m trying to get as many items finished in time for Christmas. Here is a basic little solar system made with resin and glass that would be a unique gift for someone interested in all things celestial.  It’s only an inch wide and half an inch deep.  The planets “hover” suspended in water clear resin above the fine copper clock hairspring.  I dusted some holographic glitter on the black background - it’s very subtle with colour flashes only visible while moving the piece around in the light.  I love sparkle but I didn’t want it to look like a cheap christmas bauble or snow globe. 

All the planets are in order and relative size within reason.  The planets are also in different metallic colours - silver, copper and gold. Saturn has her ring. It’s mounted on a vintage brass gear.  I have it on a fine brass and black ball necklace that also sparkles with movement.  If you are buying the piece for a man it can be put on a black rubber or leather cord.  It should be worn high on the body/neckline.  

It’s understated yet very unique and sure to evoke comments and break the ice at gatherings at this time of year.  It is available in my Etsy store.

Mindspace 

To paraphrase the great Carl Sagan “we are all made of space stuff”.  The carbon atoms that make us existed when our solar system first formed.  This piece is designed to make us think about our existence on our planet in our little corner of the Milky Way galaxy. 

This is made backwards, layer upon layer over 4 to 5 days.  I can’t see the end result until the final layer is cured and the resin is polished to transparency on her forehead.  I leave the facial features slightly frosted so they can be seen.  There are air bubbles but I think they work within this piece.

All the planets are there - in order and relative size within reason.  The sun and planets are sitting above a vintage copper clock hairspring. The black background was necessary for dramatic contrast.  She will be available in my Etsy store.

“Solaris” and “Venus Orbit”

I don’t want to be repetitive listing these solar system globes here but I’ve just listed two more smaller versions - “Solaris” and “Venus Orbit” in my Etsy shop.  I’m selling them for US$145 plus US$7 tracked shipping.  

  https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/606053102/orrery-miniature-solar-system-glass