Saturday, September 15, 2012

Saturday Steam 9/15/12

You guys, I've decided I need to learn leather-working. And yes, Emily L.'s sending me a link to these amazing steampunk bags MIGHT have had something to do with it:

Awwwwesome. These are by Iza of Iza's Art Shop over on DeviantArt, but lucky for us some of them are available on her Etsy shop.

I don't see that style listed right now, but this next one is!
 $139 on her Etsy shop

Oh, and remember how I talked about making a hip bag that hangs from a belt by two straps? Well, check this action out:
 Those clips are genius: you can add a strap, or clip them to your belt loops! (Or make smaller straps to hang off your belt.) So cool!

Hit the links up there to shop, gawk or both.


Next up, Erick H. found the most astounding reproduction light bulbs:


These are from Ferrowatt Productions, which sells more styles of old-fashioned filament bulbs than I've ever seen. That one on the right is called the "Ball-O'-Fire," and I totally want one. Or maybe a dozen. (Hit the link to see a vid of it in action - flickery goodness!) Of course, you have to "request a quote" for all of Ferrowatt's bulbs, so I'm pretty sure that means I can't afford 'em. Poo.


For you Whovians out there, Norma E. spotted a fantastic steampunk sonic screwdriver:

Made by Danny Ashby of Outland Armour


And while we're at it, how about a steampunk K-9?



 Desiree spotted this delightful "K-1889" by James Richardson-Brown, and when I went to grab the link to his gallery, I found he'd made a gold and black version, too!


I stumbled across Nerfenstein Blaster Mods & Props by way of SuperPunch, and this gamer girl is my newest hero. In addition to making amazing homage blasters to games like BioShock and Portal, she also has a healthy steampunk obsession. Check out this Tesla she made, inspired by H.G. of Warehouse 13:

 Gooorgeous

You can see more at her site (link above) or her DeviantArt page.


And finally, the original steampunk computer guy himself, Datamancer, has made a new laptop that goes beyond breathtaking:
Would you believe this is a laptop?? (Don't worry, I didn't either, at first!)

WHOAH.

If you've never seen Datamancer's other work, do yourself a favor and go check out his site. (If you've ever drooled over a steampunk keyboard, odds are he made it.) I still have a less-than-half-done keyboard tucked away inspired by his work, but if I ever win the lotto I'm totally commissioning one from the master. :)


Seen something steamy this week? Then show me the goodness! Link me up in the comments or over on Facebook!

15 comments:

  1. saw this video and thought you would like to see it, thought you would like the look of it. http://bit.ly/PBR7st

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  2. A Steampunk K-9? ... I think my life is now complete!

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  3. I look forward to Saturday Steam like I used to look forward to Saturday morning cartoons (and frankly still would if they had any good ones.) Even got hubby in on the act this morning - he NEEDS a steampunk sonic screwdriver and wants me to get right on it! Thanks for another great post!

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  4. I'm dehydrated from the drooling.

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  5. If you're serious about wanting to play with leather crafting, check out Tandy Leather Factory (tandyleatherfactory.com). It looks like they have a location in Orlando. I know the 2 stores in Phoenix offer free workshops, and they have kits, videos, and pretty much everything you'd want. And wa-hey! Lookie here: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/leathercraft-projects/steampunk-style-round-belt-bag.aspx

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  6. Dang it ! I want everything in today's post ! I wonder if I could commission a Roomba to be put in the K-1889 when I hit the lotto ...

    So much WIN in this. My head's gonna asplode. :) :) ;)

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  7. My dad learned leather-working - taught himself!
    You are crafty and creative enough, I know you could do it too!

    And yes, check out Tandy Leather - my dad orders all sorts of things from them.

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  8. Check out some Al Stohlman books. You can find them at Leather Factory and Tandy stores. Great for learning the basics of leather work and leather carving. And if you start buying tools there are loads of ways of finding the exact equivalent for cheaper (buying upholstery needles instead of "leather" needles-they're exactly the same, buying round punches at Harbor Freight, etc).

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  9. It really has nothing to do with steampunk, but any mention of Tesla always reminds me of the Spider Robinson Callahan books. They are hilarious stories about the most awesome bar in the universe, featuring aliens, time travelers, mythical creatures, perfect coffee and other impossibilities, including Tesla, still alive after 130+ years after having faked his own death. I can't recommend them enough.

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  10. I'd forgotten about K-1889! He was included in the British Library's Science Fiction literature exhibit last year.

    I believe there are K-9 builder groups out there if you want to look into making your own.

    And please share any potential future leatherworking tips! : D

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  11. If ever this is true, I'll be the first one to hop on the Steamless-Eurostarpunk
    http://www.thefoxisblack.com/2012/09/14/christopher-jenner-reimagines-the-eurostar-interior/

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  12. I don't do Facebook anymore, so I can't leave this there, and you've probably had a zillion tips on this, but what the hey; Simplicity Patterns has an awesome new "Steampunk" pattern set for the ladies, that's just come out for this season: "#1819 Misses' Steampunk Costume
    Misses' Victorian era steam punk inspired costume sewing pattern includes skirt in two lengths, bolero, top and bustier." VERY cute, very versatile/mix n' match, and looks to be very simple for the beginning seamstress, as opposed to pattern #2172, which is cute as hell, but looks a li'l more complex, while not being nearly as versatile as 1819. I'm sending away for it this week; I'll report back on how it works. Simplicity has yet to fail me, unlike McCall's and Butterick, whose patterns are complex and instructions are lacking needed details.

    Also, either you and John or your lovely parents (or all y'all, as a group!) would look TOO darling in pattern #2581; it's a "motoring couple" matching outfit, too adorable, with his hat! I see you guys in grey and lavender. ;)

    Cheers, thanks a lot,

    Storm

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  13. Hi Jen, ITS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've managed to turn a 50+ yr old couple into complete Dr. Who geeks! Thanks :)

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  14. Hey Jen,

    I guess somebody already told you,but I can't find any reference to the Paralympics closing ceremony? It had al kinds of awesome steampunk drives and costumes. I giggled all the time because the german tv moderator had no idea what steampunk even was and wondered every few minutes about "those weird britains" ;-)

    pics here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/steampunk/the-epic-paralympics-games-steampunk-closing-cerem-3n9d.
    At the end of the post is a video - fair warning: after about an hour it gets less steampunk, more coldplay concert.

    And I second kperantie's recommendation of the Spider Robinson Callahan books! ("wonders! just for pennies!")

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  15. I recently got hooked on Doctor Who (after hearing for years how great it was). I decided I wanted a Sonic Screwdriver. While I first looked up ones to buy, I think I might try making my own. My goal is to make a sonic screwdriver that lights up and also can be used as a pen (with refillable ink, of course). The latter is so I have an excuse to whip my sonic screwdriver out during meetings. ;-)

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