EPBOT

(Sent in by Jennifer D., photo by the AP)

(Photo by my friends Chris & Laura R.)

via cocodot

Hey Mishka has some fabulous close-up shots like this:

...which is no easy feat, since everything in these windows is in constant motion!

In fact, the pictures can't do any of this justice, so here's a video:



(When I first saw this, I was all "what? Ten whole minutes?!" And then the next thing I knew, the video was over. There's just so much to see!)

There's also a slick edited version by Hey Mishka here, but it's mostly close-ups and made me kind of dizzy to watch. Still, it will give you all the major highlights if you only have a few minutes to spare.

As you can see, the theme is kind of a rocket ship/fairy/steampunk mashup, which will probably anger the purists but is a perfect example of why I think rule-breaking is awesome. It's art - how can you have rules on art?

Evidence:

[sniffle]

OMG PONIES!

And out of 100 blurry photos, I somehow managed to snag this one clear shot of Cindy & the prince through the carriage window:

[through gritted teeth] "The hand stays on YOUR side, buster."

It looks like this:

Squeeeee!!

(Actually, half these guys are looking more hipster than nerd, don't you think?)

Best. Christmas lights. EVER.


Plus my favorite shots of the fireworks:



And the special holiday edition of the new castle projection show, which is ahhhh-mazing.



John even scored a little video of the Christmas part of the show, so I'll try to upload that soon.

In the meantime, you can see the rest of my photos here.

I just had two links posted one right after the other on the Epbot Facebook page, and the resulting combination was too funny not to share.

First, my new favorite song, found by Kristy J.:

(Love this SO HARD.)

I'll just echo Elisabeth here by saying I am so, so sorry.

:D

Kidding aside, I should tell you I'm not really a steampunk purist, so I don't mind bending the "rules" and personalizing the genre to fit your sense of style. (I actually love an occasional ray gun or nixie tube with my gears and goggles.) So I would never lecture anyone on what they can and can't use; if it looks cool and has some heart in it, I'll probably love it.

I, er, still don't love the Bieber video, though.

(Why does he get the sweet arm gauntlet? WHY?!?)

First, a nice touch of gears and brass on a traditional ornament:

$19.95 from Lala Dangerous


Next, a filigree wrapped vacuum tube!

$15 from Mad Scientists Designs


These are the ones I was most sorely tempted to buy:

$21 for all 3 by Designs by Friston

I think I actually swooned over that orange hot air balloon. DO WANT.


This set of gear ornaments by Dreamful Designs has since sold out, but it remains the only set of gear ornaments I've been able to find online:

They're also made of leather, which means they have a good side and rougher, "bad" side.

Frankly, I'm amazed no one out there is manufacturing large brass gear ornaments! I thought steampunk had gone mainstream enough to warrant it, but sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe next year?

Of course, since we're not willing to wait, John and I are in the process of making our own gear ornaments. More on that in my next ornament post, though.

Moving on, I managed to find these beauties by way of Hawksmoor's Bazaar, which has a lovely post on all kinds of holiday steampunkery.

Those snowflakes are each made with clock hands. Aren't they gorgeous? They're available in white, brass, and black, and - the best part - are only $5 each over at Antickquities. I love how it's an oh-so-subtle steampunk touch - and also how each design is different!

I happened to mention on the Epbot Facebook page my quest for steamy ornaments, and the next thing I knew, I had some of you lovely readers bringing me handmade beauties like this:

This is a clear craft ornament filled with a clock spring, gems, a tiny locket, gears, beads, and even a smashed penny or two. The tiny silver beads clinging to the "glass" (it's actually plastic) roll around like a snowglobe, revealing all the treasures inside as you turn it.

Here's another angle:

This is the handiwork of readers Heather & Elizabeth. Thanks again, ladies!

Oh, and the ornament isn't a traditional ball; it's flattened and relatively thin, as you can kind of see from the second photo. I'd love to find some myself for craft-ventures, but so far, no dice. Anyone know where I can buy them?

[Edit: looks like these are available at Michaels and maybe Hobby Lobby. Thanks, everyone!]

Reader J. G. went so far as to mail me a few Victorian- style ornaments, so I had them waiting for me when I got home. Here's my favorite:

Hit the pic to see the big version; the texture and detail is stunning.

And finally, hold on to your top hats, because Sharyn made me the Ultimate Steampunk Pine Cone of Craftiness:

Every bit of it is hand made and designed.

Just look at this detail:

The top hanger has a wire sphere with a gem inside:

And one more beauty shot, since you can tell I was having too much fun with my photo cube:

Preeeeetty.


Mad Scientist Steampunk:

Glass test tubes (fill with wire, colored water/oil, glitter, etc.)
Copper wiring/tubes, twisted into simple shapes
Metallic/copper Cyberlox for garland
Small clear glass bottles, mirrors, monocles, lenses
Vintage bubble lights
Tree topper options: Plasma ball, goggles, more copper wire, antique brass microscope


Aviator Steampunk

Rope knot ornaments (research sailor's knots)
Hot air balloons & dirigibles
Birds: hawks & owls
Mini brass telescopes (available as a necklace on Ebay)
Thick cotton rope garland
Globes, maps, & atlases
Astrolabes
Other brass nautical equipment
Topper ideas: globe, astrolabe, model dirigible


Deep Sea Diver / 20,000 Leagues/ BioShock

Miniature divers helmets (available as a necklace on Ebay & Etsy)
Any and all nautical items mentioned above
Bosuns whistle
Octopodes! :D
Tentacles, seahorses, exotic fish
Coral
Lots of clear/iridescent glass ornaments (to look like bubbles)
Topper ideas: Diver's helmet (lit from inside?)


Stylized Steampunk (Generic - useful in all genres)

Pocket watches
Clock parts, hands, gears
Antique keys
Brass wings
Typewriter keys
Goggles


Victorian influence - mix with any/all steampunk genres

Velvets, satins, furs, & corset lacing
Lace, netting
Feathers
Rich colors (purples, burgundies, bottle greens, and other jewel tones)
Top hats & fascinators
Crystals and other sparkly gems
Topper idea: Top hat with feathers/googles



Can you can see these fitting in with a steampunk tree?

Ok, I know it's a stretch, but I was totally willing to try. They're just so stinkin' cheerful, you know?


So tell me, guys, what did I miss on my inspiration lists? Let me know in the comments!