An extraordinary, but delicious, affair

A figurehead

A figurehead- courtesy of Martin Soulstealer

Some of you may remember my daughter from her vivid and beautiful wedding in February.  The photo above shows her in a slightly different light. (I really love the luminous moon effect)

This weekend I was invited to a book launch in Nottingham for “Steampunk Apothecary”, by Jema Hewitt.  The above is an illustration from the book.

Apothecary Jema, allias Emilly Ladybird, is a hugely talented costume and jewellery designer who loves Steampunk.  Step by step she guides you through the mechanics of making some of her creations.  Delightful little stories are accompanied by jewel-coloured illustrations.  You don’t even have to be interested in Steampunk to admire this beautiful book. (though it helps!)

The fairy wing tiara

The fairy wing tiara

An enthusiastic role player in the Steampunk world, Jema has used many of her friends to give an authentic feel to the book.  I was looking forward to meeting a few of them at the book launch.

Lisa advised me that I should wear clothing appropriate to a Steampunk afternoon tea. (but admitted that a pretty blouse and skirt would be fine)  Phew!  She added that she would be wearing her blonde wig, as that is how she appears in the book.  The result was quite amazing.  She was particularly proud of the fascinator.  There is actual tea inside the cup, but it won’t spill!  Lisa made the entire outfit, of course.  I was scarcely off the train and we were in Hopkinson’s Vintage store, purchasing a tiny antique teaspoon to sit on the saucer.

A quick photo in the kitchen- don't you love the outfit?

My domestic goddess in her kitchen- don’t you love the outfit?

She’d spent the previous evening writing cards to accompany the cakes which would be an essential element of the event.  Remember the wedding cake?  Well, Jema had made five fabulous new cakes.  The flavours :-  Rose and raspberry Dolly cake; Blood red beetroot and chocolate cake; Vanilla rainbow Fairy cake; The Kraken’s courgette and lime cake, and The Libraries Brandy and Ginger cake (my favourite!)

At this point you’re going to want to see the evidence, aren’t you, but it did start to disappear very rapidly.

Let them eat cake. They demand it!

Let them eat cake. They demand it!  With Lisa’s pretty cards.

They were just as colourful inside, but I was too busy eating

They were just as colourful inside, but I was too busy eating

After a while I went off to make friends and take some photos.  The official photographer of the book, (and of Lisa’s wedding), Martin Soulstealer, was busy setting up some shots.  Rather alarmingly, Lisa was balanced on a chair, poised over the balcony, above Jema’s husband Nick, recreating the scene from the book.  I had to try for a quick shot, nowhere near Martin’s level of artistry.

Recreating "the figurehead" from the book

Here are just a few of the “supporting cast”.

Jema eating cake, accompanied by Mr. Woppit
Cake and fascinators were everywhere!
Distinguished gentlemen and pretty ladies abound
Rebecca looked fabulous!
More hats!
Smiling faces!
Even children!
And newlyweds!

There will be more tales to tell.  Did you see Mr. Woppit cavorting on the table?  He is adorable!  Just one more illustration from the book?  You could be tempted.

Something for the gents

Something for the gents- delicious tiepins!

So, that’s a Steampunk book launch.  Do look out for Jema’s extraordinary book.  It’s a work of art.  In September there’s a new book coming, dedicated to cakes and sweets.  I’ve had a sneak preview, but I musn’t give any secrets away!  Here is the link if you want to purchase, or just have a look around Jema’s work.   http://steampunkjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/new-books-pre-order-offer.html

See you soon.

81 comments

      1. We call it JUNK Drawer jewelry where components from EVERYTHING can be used you will be AMAZED

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  4. I had to google steampunk as I’m not familiar with the term. I still don’t think I understand completely, but your daughter is a steamy knockout in the outfit. Nice job! And great phots, Jo.

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    1. Never thought of googling it, Gem, but I don’t really know what it means either. To me, it’s just Lisa and a whole lot of delicious nonsense. Thanks for trying. 🙂

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  5. The book looks great, as a bit of a typography and design geek I love anything interesting like this. And what a talented daughter you have too – that tea cup fascinator is fab!

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    1. I loved it, Lucy- both the book and the fascinator! I’m no good at craft stuff but it’s such a beautiful book. Jema is on Facebook as Emilly Ladybird (2 l’s in Emilly) so you might want to friend her on there. 🙂

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  6. Your goddess is very talented and beautiful! And, she made all the cake, wow!! Thank you for sharing such a fun time with us, Jo.

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    1. They are role players, Viv, who mostly wear Victorian and Georgian costume, with a bit of a quirky clockwork twist- if that makes any sense? It’s good fun, anyway. :).

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  16. Wow Jo! How exciting that must have been and I just love the clothes! Really amazing! Lisa looked stunning and that book cover reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories hon. I loved every one of them! 😀 *hugs*

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    1. They do live in a bit of an Alice in Wonderland world, Sonel, but when they’re not dressing up, most of them have quite serious careers. (Lisa is a Commissioner for the local council). I do love falling down the rabbit hole with them, though. 🙂

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      1. Oh, I prefer the dressing up bit and I would most certainly fall down the rabbit hole with them as well. Who wants to work? LOL!

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    1. It was part of the plan, Meredith, but it takes Lisa so long to transform into Barbie that there simply wasn’t time. And I couldn’t possibly wear it with such style. 🙂

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  19. Wow, this is so exciting … and those clothes – your daughter is such a beauty. And what a fantastic artist Jema truly is – the cakes are too pretty and interesting to eat, what fantastic book launch – and your photos are fun … love that they all dressed up to support Jema. .

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    1. Viveka! How are you? I’m still in a whirl from the weekend. It was fantastic, even though I had a heavy cold, and was battling the cough. We can always smile! 🙂

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      1. Jo, I’m feeling a lot better today, because the practical side of this have started, but no rush .. everything in a pleasant phase. I’m at my mom apartment now.
        To get a cold this time isn’t the greatest situation – not great to have cold any time of the year – but in the summer it feels a lot more difficult – still you manage have a good time a the book launch.

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