#planisphere
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.
Well I’m sitting in hospital unexpectedly - nothing too serious. I was going to post this last night but I was in too much pain.
So this is a proof of concept. The word “magical” is used far too much but that was my ambition. Something of unknown use and unknown provenance.
Proof of concept is the build I make all the mistakes on - motor too fast, planets too large and high, LEDs wiring wrong and ugly battery packs. Internally this might not be saleable quality.
The video isn’t great, sorry. When I get home I will take some still photos of all the decorations and detail. It was inspired by those magnetic ballerina jewellery boxes from the 1960s. She would dance around a mirror when the box was opened.
I initially covered the neodymium magnets and attached the planet on a post. Wrong. They fell down, stuck to each other with such force they ended up broken. So I’ve gone for simple using the magnetic force to hold the metal spheres. I will include several spare magnets and planets.
I hope you like it!
Steampunk
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.
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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.
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“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
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