This is a Steampunk post. Just thought I should give you guys a warning label.
Not like that. But close enough, I guess.
I realized just now that I haven’t not only not written a post in a long time, I haven’t written a steampunk post in a long time.
I was hoping to have some crafting tutorials up by now, but I’m usually too busy to actually make them. But from now on, I’m going to start doing some videos of crafts for you guys.
Well, I don’t have a ton of stuff to tell you guys about Steampunk, but I will be giving you a quick guide to getting around in this universe without getting laughed at.
Okay, first: If you’re making things, be it costumes, props or dirigibles, you need to remember three things.
- Everything has a purpose. Don’t just randomly stick on cogs if you don’t need them. Things can be totally Steampunk without having a single cog in sight. When designing stuff, go for functionality, then decoration. And when you decorate, think Victorian.
- Screwed is always better than glued. (Got this from Thomas Willeford, mentioned later) When you’re making props, screw everything you can. The reason for this is two-fold: a) it allows your pieces to be taken apart, put back together, and b) it’s both more durable AND more realistic. Also, side note: when using screws, go for a flat head whenever you can. Philips heads weren’t invented until the 1930s.
- Metal over plastic. Simple. It’s more realistic. There are a few rare cases where making things out of metal would be dangerous/impractical, which are the rare times when there is not other option.
Now, on to other fields. You’re going to need a place to learn about new stuff, get ideas, and generally get in the know. Below are some websites you might want to check out.
https://steampunk.wonderhowto.com
(My personal favorite)
Reddit (not personally recommended- I’ve heard bad things about reddit)
Brass Goggles (A site for steampunks by steampunks. Couldn’t be more perfect.)
So that’s taken care of. You have your ground rules, you have your inspiration, but there’s a couple of things missing…… MUSIC and MEDIA! (And yes, I count those two separately.)
Music: I suggest Abney Park, plus the playlist I complied for you guys a while back. Some good ones from Abney Park:
Steampunk Revolution (First one I listened to) Airship Pirates (This will get stuck in your head FOREVER) Sleep Isabella To the Apocalypse in Daddy's Sidecar The Circus at the End of the World (Self explanatory)
These guys were the very first all-Steampunk band, and they are one of the best. (Also, warning label: I do NOT recommend Steam Powered Giraffe, they are very abrasive and not for beginners.)
Now, media! This involves books and movies, most of which you can find on various sites online.
Books Jules Verne. Any and all Jules Verne. I don't care if he's old, he's amazing. Also, happy 193rd Birthday, sir! The Lost World, Arthur Conan Doyle H.G. Wells. A lot of his books are Steampunk. The Steampunk Bible, by Jeff VanderMeer and S.J.Chambers Steampunk Gears, Gadgets and Gizmos, by Thomas Willeford (My first, if you were wondering....) The Art of Steampunk, by Art Donovan (beautiful, inspirational, also has Thomas Willeford) The Golden Compass, By Philip Pullman The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club, Books 1-3, by Theodora Goss Movies and Shows The Wild Wild West (1965) It is literally the most Steampunk thing ever. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, any and all forms and spin offs. Captain Nemo could not be more Steampunk if he was actually trying. Atlantis:The Lost Empire, (2001) Yeah, I guess so. Treasure Planet, It's got airships, which makes up for the animation. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,(2003) Once again, Captain Nemo, ladies and gentlemen. Plus a bunch of other literary characters. P.S. If you don't know Allan Quartermain, just type in his name and 'king Solomon's mines' and it'll all make sense. Sherlock Holmes, The one with Robert Downey Junior.
So that’s pretty much it, except for one thing: I need to introduce Thomas Willeford and his girlfriend Sarah Hunter. He is the founder of Brute Force Studios, a company that makes steampunk art and fashion. He was one of the first people to get into the movement, back when it wasn’t really a thing, and he’s quite famous nowadays.
Sarah is his model and partner in crime. I’m not sure if the first part is willing or not. Below is a picture of the two of them, just so you can recognize who I’m talking about.
Kay, that’s it for now, but I’ll be back! -evil maniacal laughter-
Ta-ta!!
