A Heart That Truly Beats... ♥️

Every so often, an idea comes along that makes my own heart skip a beat. My latest steampunk experiment, the Telltale Heart Brooch, is one of those creations.

It began as a spark of curiosity — could I make a heart that truly beats? Crafted from red translucent polymer clay, detailed with tiny cogs, bronze rivets, and a vintage alarm clock winder, this little piece hides a secret. Turn the winder, and a soft glow comes to life from within, thanks to a hidden LED light.

This is my prototype, and like all good experiments, it’s just the beginning. I’m already dreaming of the next version, with the light more central, maybe even pulsing, so it looks like the heart is really alive.

It would’ve been perfect timing for Valentine’s Day if I’d got it right first - but that’s the beauty of both love and invention. They’re messy, unpredictable, and full of trial and error.