First, a little bling:
Found by Lisa R., Astrolabe Necklace by dragonweave, $39.95
Astronomical jewelry? Yes, please!
- Hannah F. found a flash program I had way too much fun playing with: a steampunk "costume creator:"
It's kind of like virtual paper dolls, except everything is customizable, right down to the skin tone and makeup. Here's what I came up with:
Seriously: so fun.
- Speaking of costumes, who wants to see Epbot reader Jason dressed as steampunk Buzz Lightyear?
Woohoo!! Rock on, Jason!
He tells me my photos of the steampunk Wizard of Oz gang helped give him the idea. Ah, I love having a part in inspiring greatness like this.
- Someone sent me this amazing short film, "Bird: A Decent Animal," but I've managed to lose said person's name. I'm sorry, someone! Anyway, the film is kind of like Bride of Frankenstein, only less B monsters and more haunting steampunk. It's beautiful, but also dark - and there's a brief surgery scene - so it's not for the extremely young or squeamish:
More info at the film's website.
Eric found this DIY Steampunk Singing Bird over on Instructables, and I totally want to make one. Isn't it amazing? Kind of a clockwork Tim Burton vibe. Hit the link for in-process photos and instructions, and then visit creator Keith Newstead's site for tons of jaw-dropping automatons.
These jewel encrusted beauties aren't actually pistols; they're a form of automata. When you wind them and pull the trigger, a tiny bird pops out of the barrel and sings:
The bird's movements are astoundingly lifelike - if nothing else, go to 1:25 on the video below to see it in action. You will be amazed. Especially when you consider these were made in 1820.
And as is the case with most short films, I was equally fascinated by the making of:
And now for a little whimsy!
Eric found this DIY Steampunk Singing Bird over on Instructables, and I totally want to make one. Isn't it amazing? Kind of a clockwork Tim Burton vibe. Hit the link for in-process photos and instructions, and then visit creator Keith Newstead's site for tons of jaw-dropping automatons.
Which is a great segue to this:
- Gena C. found something for my fellow history buffs: Check out the world's only known surviving pair of singing bird pistols:
- Gena C. found something for my fellow history buffs: Check out the world's only known surviving pair of singing bird pistols:
These jewel encrusted beauties aren't actually pistols; they're a form of automata. When you wind them and pull the trigger, a tiny bird pops out of the barrel and sings:
The bird's movements are astoundingly lifelike - if nothing else, go to 1:25 on the video below to see it in action. You will be amazed. Especially when you consider these were made in 1820.The pistols sold last month at auction for over five million dollars. WOW. Visit Christie's for more info.
- And finally, there's a steampunk group planning an airship Nautilus float for the New York Mermaid Parade next year. Awesome, right? If you want to get involved (or chip in for supplies) head over to their Facebook page.
Well, I think that's enough for today - the rest will have to wait 'til next week. Hope you guys are having a great holiday weekend!
