To add steam to the oven, throw some ice cubes in a pan on a lower rack at the same time you put the bread in. Add some more about halfway through.
Good idea! My grandmother taught me to use a few dish towels soaked in water, and set in a small pan in the oven. They release the moisture at a slow rate as the towel slowly dries out... Tossing in a few ice cubes when the towel dries out sounds a LOT easier than pulling the towels, re-wetting, and putting back in!