Inspiration Gallery: Steampunk
By TwistieSteampunk is one of those styles that just seems born to inspire crafters. After all, a big part of the aesthetic is interesting juxtapositions of materials. Gears, rivets, leather, and Victoriana meld into a fun and funky style that often includes goggles. Who couldn’t love something that calls for goggles not as protective safety gear, but as an artistic statement? Okay, I know somebody out there can’t, but I have something of a fondness, and I know I’m far from alone.
So let’s take a look at what can be done with a few basic crafting tools and materials, a bit of imagination, and another reading of Jules Verne’s novels.
I love this clockwork dragon. It’s made of polymer clay festooned with steampunk gears and such. Just look at how the tail looks like articulated copper! Whether you’re looking for instructions for a craft project, materials to bring your own vision to life, or to purchase a finished product to wear on your Mad Victorian Scientist outfit, CF Originals is a great place to go. That’s where I found this adorable guy. Oh, and if you have an idea you don’t feel up to making yourself, she does commissions, too. I’m just saying.
For something more hardcore, Estonian artist Mati Karmin works with disused mine shells to create sculptures and furniture, like this chair. Go check out his website. There are some truly amazing pieces there, including a decorative baby carriage that Morticia Addams would covet.
Of course as the wife of a musician, I couldn’t resist showing you all this fabulous steampunk strat! Hieronymous Isambard ‘Jake’ VonSlott, proprietor of the Steampunk Workshop tells you all about how he did this. And in another article, he discusses how he steampunked up his tube guitar amp to go with it.
And you knew I couldn’t leave this without a nod to my fellow fiberartists! This gorgeous pattern for crocheted cogs comes to you via Vintage Stitch-O-Rama. I’m in love with the entire concept.
So fly my pretties, and craft up a cephalopod zeppelin or two! And did I happen to mention goggles?