Steampunk and its growing following

[Rani Zemirah]

Quite possibly even a third, and for a very fortunate few... a perpetual childhood!  

I am sooooo envious that you two will be getting to meet the Foglios, and get to experience The Weasel Queen up close and personal!!!    Not to mention all the other really cool fun stuff...  Gaaaahhh!!!!!  It's driving me crazy that I don't get to go this year!!! 

[Taffy Saltwater]

I got a great watch on eBay - it's a watch set into basically a large marble.  I am crazy about these ball watches:  

http://cgi.ebay.com/Crystal-Ball-archaize-mechanical-necklace-pocket-watch_W0QQitemZ220485169171QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPocket_Watches?hash=item3355f0b013

I actually got two of them since I'd like these to be earrings; they'll probably have to be clip ons because I'm afraid they'll be too big & heavy for pierced earrings.  If they are really too big for earrings I'll be working w/my mom to make a pendant out of them.  In any event I'll replace the tacky little bells w/Swarovskis.

[Rani Zemirah]

Oh, Taffy... I might just have to get one of those myself!!!  Those are gorgeous!  They do look a little heavy for earrings, though. 

I've been busy working on some punky jewelry the last couple of days, and I'm pretty pleased with what's developing.  I'm thinking I could even do the Etsy thing with some of it, or maybe explore this R/F storefront thing I've been reading about lately. 

I guess I'm about to get into leather crafting pretty heavily, also, since I just splurged and bought a gorgeous piece of brown leather... a rather large piece... but I've been looking for just this type for something I've had in mind for a while, and I want to get started on it before TRF so I can get some feedback from all of you that will be there.  I want to see if my idea is marketable, and since it's geared toward time travelers, what better bunch to test it on, eh? 

[sealion]

I got a great watch on eBay - it's a watch set into basically a large marble.  I am crazy about these ball watches:  

http://cgi.ebay.com/Crystal-Ball-archaize-mechanical-necklace-pocket-watch_W0QQitemZ220485169171QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPocket_Watches?hash=item3355f0b013

I actually got two of them since I'd like these to be earrings; they'll probably have to be clip ons because I'm afraid they'll be too big & heavy for pierced earrings.  If they are really too big for earrings I'll be working w/my mom to make a pendant out of them.  In any event I'll replace the tacky little bells w/Swarovskis.

If that's the same one I bought (and it looks to be) you definitely don't want them hanging from your ears! Too big and heavy. I expected something smaller myself. Lemme see if I can find a pic of me wearing it............................

[sealion]

You can see the ball watch hanging from my belt near my left hand.

[sealion]

Oh, Taffy... I might just have to get one of those myself!!!  Those are gorgeous!  They do look a little heavy for earrings, though. 

I've been busy working on some punky jewelry the last couple of days, and I'm pretty pleased with what's developing.  I'm thinking I could even do the Etsy thing with some of it, or maybe explore this R/F storefront thing I've been reading about lately. 

I guess I'm about to get into leather crafting pretty heavily, also, since I just splurged and bought a gorgeous piece of brown leather... a rather large piece... but I've been looking for just this type for something I've had in mind for a while, and I want to get started on it before TRF so I can get some feedback from all of you that will be there.  I want to see if my idea is marketable, and since it's geared toward time travelers, what better bunch to test it on, eh? 

Rani- You are a tease! LOL Care to tell is a little more about this leather project you are planning?

[Taffy Saltwater]

That's the one, Sealion!  & here I was thinking I was sooooo original!  My mom's a beader so these will be made into a double-drop pendant w/beads & crystals & all sorts of pretties.  Your outfit is stunning - I love the black/blue combination.  I'm a black/red girl.

Rani, you are such a tease - can hardly wait to see you & your project!

[CelticOne]

I'm so bad I just signed up with Dr. Steel's Army of Toy Soldiers....in other words his fanclub....wonder if there is one for Abney Park hmmmm*goes wandering off to go see*

[Rani Zemirah]

LOL  I'm not gonna say, because I don't want any of those sneaky lurking idea nabbers to scoop me on this!!!  Let's just say I haven't seen anything else like it anywhere on the web, and I'm hoping I can actually market it to steamers.  I'll debut it at TRF, and a few lucky steamers will actually be taking one home with them, as well as carrying it around and showing it off at Faire!   

I promise I'll post pics on here after AHE, though... 

[Selkie]

I'm looking forward to seeing your project, too, Rani. I'm so looking forward to the Steampunk Invasion!

[Fergus]

Fergus here.
Ya know last year at Texas Ren Fest was my first year to dress. Been working on my archer costume and then appears this steampunk thread  and WOW. It seems much more interesting than an archer. Now I have to start again. I have no clue about costume character or accessories. Some one please give my guidance. I have been on line searching and checking links but, you know decisions,decisions, decisions! I have until Holloween weekend to get it together. Right now I have goggles, Stonewashed flowing denim duster, kneehigh boots for a starter kit.
Praise me or beat me but please guide me.
Bill

[Rani Zemirah]

Fergus, with your duster and boots, I'd say do some research into Dustpunk.  It's more American West with a bit of riverboat gambler flair.  Think James Garner as Maverick, or Robert Conrad in Wild, Wild West, only a bit more rough-n-ready... Here's a good site for garb/costuming, if you have a budget. Western Emporium... If not, it's still a great place to get ideas, and you can look in thrift stores and consignment shops for clothing and accessories, and pay a fraction of what you would online.  This site has complete costume suggestions, but they sell each piece separately, so look at everything, find what you like, and develop a look that's uniquely you.  

If you get the chance, rent the movie The Golden Compass, and pay particular attention to the character Lee Scoresby, played by Sam Elliott.  

His character is the epitome of Dustpunk, and a really great starting point for ideas...  

Hope this helps a little!

[Tammy]

I LOVE Sam Elliott!!!!!

I can't make it to TRF...and I can't find anything in my area to do with Steampunk...but I'm intrigued.
I'm gonna make myself some Witchy Steampunk garb. I've found a pattern for a skirt, got the mini-witch hat (below), and I'm not sure what else yet. I'm thinking of making my broom with a bit of an industrial feel to it.

I just LOVE this lil hat!!

[sealion]

Oooh! Love your idea Tammy! I can see a broom with a bundle of thin copper tubing instead of broomstraw and some kind of gear component on the handle.

[Taffy Saltwater]

Fergus, not to worry.  Unless I'm sorely mistaken this will be the first foray into steam punk for many of us, including me.  Your current garb items screams "wild west" to me & Rani has given some great starting places. Let me add the recent movie version of Wild, Wild West - what it lacks in movie making skill, it sorta makes up for in costumes & weaponry, etc.  A modded Nerf Maverick would totally rock w/your garb, too.  Accessories!  Are you going to join us on All Hallow's Eve in your punkery?

Tammy, Sam Elliott *sigh*.  Love the witch's hat & an SP witch is brilliant!