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All the cute and the precious have been found. All the kitties and puppies have homes. The candy colored, the eco-friendly, the hipsters of the handmade are all duly covered elsewhere. Here I will find the slightly odd, the darkly beautiful, the elegant and steamy pieces of goodness. I am very particular in my tastes and though I promise you that I will share nothing but the most intriguing of my discoveries, you may not always like them. I must also confess that I have no real artistic nor fashion background to base my finds upon. These are simply discoveries dug up from the depths of etsy or perhaps elsewhere, brushed off and presented for your approval.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Oh, Man

A fine and elegant gentleman is a site to behold.
1. Pillar of the Earth papercut - thetimeisnow
2. A SINISTER GENTLEMAN - Original Watercolor Painting - ArtSnark
3. Of Men And Machines- Limited Edition ACEO Trading Card-Digital Collage Print - paperstreet
4. the devil - limited edition print - phantomwise
As my engagement with many fabulous SteamPunks at the Maker Faire draws nigh, I am imagining the many finely dressed gentleman. Elegant and graceful, but you know...in a manly way. These images reflect distinction and they seem to me to be the Victorian versions of bad boys. Those smirks, those glares..oh, man.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Chicken Legs

Itty bitty bird bones
1. Taxidermy Gothic Victorian Hairpiece Finch Skull Feather Fascinator - Lovedtodeath
2. Bird Bone and Chain - UmbilicusDesigns
3. Bird Bone Pendant - Metalwendler
4. stork skeleton book - grimm
Who knew how many things bird bones could be used for. Used naked and embellished, cast in metal or as inspiration for jewelry and functional art. I admit I do not have the stones to sport the real thing, but if I did I would own something from LovedToDeath, amazing stuff. I might be bold enough to wear them cast in metal and I do love the giger influenced backbone piece, but I'd be more likely to carry a stork skeleton book around, yeah I'm just not all that exciting.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Ephemera

That which was old, is new again.1. Steam - PENDANT- 1921 Vintage Ephemera - sushipot
2. Miniscule Earrings - German Manuscript -aminyitray
3. Pendant...Nautique No. 04 - gallimaufryarts
4. Antique Vintage Ephemera Cuff Bracelet Ornate Caravan - myhools
You'll find at least dozen different people making pendants from ephemera, but it takes someone special to make pieces of old paper look, well not new, but worthy of wearing as jewelry. Just the right images selected and expertly prepared. I found many fewer makers constructing other forms of jewelry. Earrings and bracelets were hard to find, but when I did, they were gems of creativity and simplicity sure to attract attention.

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Gadgetry

Steampunk gadgets of science and imagination.
1. Doctor Deviant Steampunk Medical Bracer - FantasiesinLeather
2. Time and Space - Steampunk Assemblage - urbandon
3. Imaginarium SteamPunk Clock - VieMecanique
4. Professor Alexander's Botanical Vasculum - Steamed 300 watter - Steamedglass
Steampunk art is always more interesting when it has a purpose, real or imagined. A leather bracer, so much more interesting for its purpose as a vital doctors accessory. A time machine disguised as an artistic assemblage. A clock created rather than disassembled for parts. My favorite from this batch the science experiment suitable for any steampunk workshop in our future past.


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Monday, May 25, 2009

Robots

I told you the robots would be back!1. PLUSH ROBOT - TragicStitches
2. Legendary Sea Battle Robot vs Squid Print 8x10 - LegendaryTigerHero
3. Toy Robot Miniature - The Horrifying Doctor Cycloptic - ImaginaryThomas
4. BUBBLE HEAD ROBOT in sterling silver -jewelsvine
I saw this adorable plush robot featured elsewhere and remembered that I had promised more robots on the wunderkammer. Here's a few notable pieces to compliment the plush. A nice robot battle with a squid for you cephalopod lovers. A frightening tiny robot menace for those who like their robots sneaky and dangerous and a cute little robot pendant for those who like their robots wearable. Hope you enjoy them all.

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Friday, May 22, 2009

Never Plain

Steamy, Gothy, Romantic, just a few different fashion picks today

2. neo-victorian steampunk vest - littlemisscrow

3. Bizarre lapel jacket - amoelbarroco

4. Historitek, steampunk inspired tailcoat with futuristic detailing - PlastikWrap

Just looking for some jackets and tops with a little character and these are some of the finds. From Gothic and Industrial to romantic and steamy, these pieces are perfect to complete your favorite, different outfit. A little historic and little futuristic and just a dash of circus to make you one of a kind.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bunnies

Hop, hop little fancy bunny pants.1. Mr Bunner the Rabbit Master - Limited Edition Print - SirMitchell
2. Hot Digital Dog Bunny Boy - HotDigitalDog
3. Fancy Rabbit Field Bag - Deadworry
4. Steampunk Clockwork Bunny 1o1 - BabetteBistro
I used to have a pet rabbit. He was big and fluffy and he chased our dog around the house. So Chester, these awesome bunnies are for you. Top hats and goggles, gears and suits, fancy bunnies just make me happy.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Pretty On The Inside

Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones1. Nervous - Pendant - visioluxus
2. X-Ray Woman Skeleton Pendant - sweetheartsinner
3. X-Ray Project Hand Necklace - snowshoe
4. BEAUTY is on the INSIDE pendant, lacing corset - HModine
My recent corseting decision has got me thinking about my insides. So naturally I began a search for X-Ray jewelry. While some of these pieces appear to be actual X-Rays, others seems to be manipulations of multiple images to create a similar effect. However they are created wearing your insides on the outside is bound to get you a little more attention than usual.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

ClockWork

There is something almost magical about the complexity of clockworks.1. CURIOSITY SERIES No 2 'Clockwork' - piggiespinion
2. Delve -- an original oil painting, framed - paynesgrey
3. The Engine Fine Art Giclee print - kirikomoth
4. Clockwork Dragon LE Print - ColorsmithArt
Dark and Gothic or sepia toned steam, the clockwork as an element in a piece of art adds both mystery and complexity. Just as unfathomable as modern technology is to the masses, gears spinning in a ballet seem more like magic than engineering. I have great respect for those who understand their inner workings. For now I shall appreciate them in the form of photos and art, from the super talented Paynesgrey who I've admired for quite sometime to these new pieces just recently discovered.

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Cicada

I don't think I've ever seen this beautiful bug in person, but luckily it has been the subject of so much art.1. Black Cicada Necklace - madartjewelry
2. 12x12 Print, Plans and Diagrams No. 1 - triciamckellar
3. Specimens - Cicada 1 - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph - nancyrose
4. STEAMPUNK Brass wire CICADA sculpture - catherinetterings
I've been looking for a good theme to showcase one of MadArt's pieces for a while and one of her signatures is the cicada. Like all her pieces it is bold and dramatic. Equally bold is the piece of art by CatherinetteRings. The cicada all alone is dramatic enough really, as it is photographed or as an element in a printed piece of art. What a beautiful insect.

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Friday, May 15, 2009

So Shoot Me

Now if you'd rather be an Airship pirate, you're gonna need a gun.1. Raygun - blackmojoart
2. The Gentleman's Electron Disruption Pistol - dontstoprockit
3. Steampunk Gun The Soldier 6180 - RiverWraith
4. Handmade Raygun (X-4K Reliant) - obotek
I am staunchly anti-gun. I do however make an exception for the raygun. Part sci-fi, part steampunk, part crazy artist conception, these rayguns are both visually interesting and, well just cool. You simply cannot be an airship pirate without one, let alone roam the wastelands. So get your gun!

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Curiosity Cabinet

It's about time I shared some cabinets on the Wunderkammer.1. Altar Cabinet of Curiosity - MadameZaleska
2. Curiosity Pendant - aminyitray
3. Curiosity Cabinet - aldetha
4. Miniature Antique Cabinet of Curiosities - LDelaney
Whilst this space is a virtual collection of handmade items that strike my fancy, these are real collections of the bizarre and visually interesting. Hand them around your neck, on the wall or place them in a dollhouse. Where ever they end up, they are certain to be conversation starters. Of course you could always start your own cabinet complete with fantastical stories for each item and if you do, be sure to show them off to me!

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Patterns

Stripes and Plaid, yep really.1. Gray and Black Stripe Couture Dress - Ivizia
2. HARLEQUIN Victorian Shoulder Wrap Shrug - Countessa
3. Blue Plaid Waist Cincher Underbust Corset - Shrinkle
4. Tartan Corset Layered Skirt - gloomth
I'm partial to plain black, it allows me to blend into the background. For a kick of drama that grabs attention, why not add some color in an unexpected way. Plaid and stripes in just the right concentration create so much character. If you can pull of the color, these pieces are certain to get you noticed. If you want to start a little safer, I submit gray and black stripes as a good first step.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Animals Addressed

Are you an animal?1. Meerkat print - berkleyillustration
2. Hattie Albino - Print - amberalexander
3. I Heard The Gnus Today - Pigeonandtonic
4. Cat Woman Tintype Greeting Card - maclancy
Why on Earth are we obsessed with becoming animals or animals becoming human? I guess the reasons matter not. Cats and rabbits, meerkats and gnus, animals everywhere are wearing Victorian garb and some of them are doing it better than some humans I know.

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Monday, May 11, 2009

Mad

Oh, yeah I am a scientist. We try to live by science alone.1. The Young Mad Scientist's First Alphabet Blocks - XylocopaDesign
2. Clockwork Edison 4x6 Print - synchronicity313
3. Bio Hazard Lab Coat - artlab
4. The Scientist - Print - Mizzdraconia
Who doesn't love a mad scientist. I know I do. Why not start them young with these adorable alphabet blocks or simply show your respect for the scientific arts by displaying some art of scientist. Of course, if you're really serious about discovering a way to take over the world, you're going to need a lab coat with the proper gravitas.

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Friday, May 8, 2009

Deep Sea Adventures

Before we could fly, we could sail and dive. The sea was our adventure.1. Explorations 8x8 TTV Fine Art Photography Collage - xenya
2. Teacup Travelers - WinonaCookie
3. Sea Urchin Ring - OctopusMe
4. Lake. - jdmphotographs
The ocean still holds so many mysteries, it calls to us with deep sea creatures, high sea adventures and the thrill of the unknown so close to us. The deep sea diver braves dangerous waters. Perhaps his maiden went on a fruitless voyage to find him. All that remains of him now is a heavy metal helmet and the bits and pieces of sea life he collected preserved for all time.

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Little Black Dress

Every girl needs a little black dress, even if it's not so little.1. Dragon Summer Dress - rawkz
2. Black Backless Sexy Halter Dress Gown - lifeisonlyillusion
3. Urban Alice in Wonderland - clairelafaye
4. Raging Raven Floor Length Gown - LOVEKARLAK
As you might have already guessed, I wear a lot of black. Black does not have to mean boring though. From a cute short summer dress to amazing floor length pieces, each of these has a character all its own. To play a dress up lolita or a sultry goddess all you need is the perfect little black dress.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Geared Up

Finding original SteamPunk jewelry is hard, really hard.
1. Wondering - rhinestonesandrust
2. Flux Capacitor Industrial Steampunk Earrings No.7 Limited Edition - insectus
3. Love Steamed - Steampunk bracelet - CatherinetteRings
4. Keyed up steampunk necklace - dayslonggone
You've seen them, the same old recycled watch adorned with a jewel or two. They've been made into necklaces, rings and cuff links. You know what, I'm sick of them. Almost every piece done the same way. It's boring, so I went on a quest through over 650 pages for something different and I did find a few. They are still adorned with the obligatory gears, but something is unique about these pieces, they each caught my eye in a sea of gears. They offer different silhouettes than the norm and I hope you like them too.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Do You Compute

Steampunk meets computer.1. Steampunk Copper Flash USB Drive 2GB Gearing Detail - qacreate
2. Big Brain - XtraLarge hard drive clock - purle green shifting color - The Blue Kraken
3. The Pump Table 001 - brooksbot75
4. Vinyl Laptop Decal. Steampunk Aught-One - thosmhicks

Whether is purely a decorative touch or a functioning piece, computers and Steampunk go together. Sure, it seems like an unnatural fit, but my laptop is sporting the black version of thosmkicks vinyl decal and I know more than one person who would proudly carry a tricked out USB drive. Perhaps it's not functioning as a hard drive anymore, but the re purposing of it as a clock seems very steamy to me and sure you could argue whether that table computer is steampunk or not, but it is definitely cool.


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Monday, May 4, 2009

Running The Gauntlet

Warm weather is coming and that means bare arms that need adorning1. Aniela- Pinstripe scallop leather gauntlet w/ buttons and chain - ashesandempires
2. Women's Fashion Gauntlets- Vinyl Split-Armor - komachine
3. Drow Bracers - LandchildArtisans
4. Leather and Steel Wasteland Wrist Guard - DirtyandDistressed
You might think that gauntlets and bracers are the stuff of ren faires, just for dress up. I think that you can add drama to any outfit with the addition of one or two incredible arm pieces. They can be soft and delicate like ashesandempires or metal plated battle armor like the pieces from komachine and DirtyandDistressed. Or for a little extra extreme just go ahead and embrace the ren faire and embody the Black Knight with Bracers like LandchildArtisan offers.

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Friday, May 1, 2009

AirShip Pilot

After seeing his first dirigible, a boy grows up to be an airship pilot.
1. Zeppelin Vintage Mixed Media Digital Art Collage - galeriedeilluminata
2. NewIndustries LTD corporate Airship brooch/pin - SteamsmithWorks
3. Steampunk Polymer Clay Airship Sculpture - ajoydesigns
4. A Boy and His Dirigible - industrialfairytale

Oh, to be an airship pilot. Almost as prevalent in steampunk culture as the goggles, the mighty dirigible represents the technology to fly with the most basic of mechanical elements. It is both romantic and a testament to the ingenuity of of the past that never was, but might be in SteamPunk culture. Along with these amazing pieces of art, I discovered the image of the airship all over etsy and those will be shared in the future as well.
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