Diramazioni

Surreal

1. Autunno Autumn 

2. Bizarre people 

3. Entrance
4. Wood

All pieces by Diramazioni

When I said strangely beautiful in the blog description, this is what I meant. 

Oh and a Happy New Year to you all!

Let There Be Light

And May It Be Interesting

1. Airship Engineer's Cabin Lamp - woskab
2. Petal Rotation - urbansherpa
3. Odd Steampunk Chimay Beer Lamp - AutomechanicaByVeska
4. Repurposed Glass Insulator Pendant Light - RizBerry
 Because a light fixture should do more than just brighten a room.

Sepia

In Shades of Brown

1. Clockwork Wings - LE Giclee Print - amyhouser
2. Problematic Mechanical Neighbors - Original Steampunk Watercolor - etchlings
3. The Fate Of A Nation - obsoleteworld
4. Mr Wicks' Hot Air Balloon Adventure - TheBoy1982

There is just something so serene about sepia.

Heavy Metal

Industrial Cuffs

1. 2 inch Aluminum Wave Cuff - studio724
2. Rusted steel, gold, sterling and diamond cuff bracelet - matthewdesigns 

3. Metal Cuff 1.25 inches, Slots, Black - GPSHardware 

4. Technical Melt Down - rmshiles

Who doesn't love a cuff that says, 'I can kick your ass and look good doing it'?

Flickr Day

Story Time

A Steampunk Night Before Christmas
© 2009 Suzanne Lazear

‘Twas the night before Christmas and the whole ship was quiet,
Too quiet for the likes of this seasoned air pirate.

The airship was festooned with frippery and green,
With nary a brass polished surface to be seen.

Their stocking were hung by the crow’s nest with pride,
Along with homemade cookies and rum for Santa to imbibe.

I didn’t have the heart to tell the crew.
That Santa wouldn’t approve of what we do.

Sure, we stole from the rich, and gave to the needy.
But he’d probably think taking a cut was too greedy.

It didn’t matter that they had hearts of gold,
Only that it was stolen goods we bought and sold.

Suddenly portside there arose such a clatter,
That I grabbed my spyglass to see what was the matter.

The deck became filled with curious crew,
As I climbed the rigging for a better view.

The sky that had moments before been silent,
Had erupted with a commotion both grievous and violent.

The black ship portside was one that even we dread,
And it looked as if it were attacking a small red sled,

Driven by a fat guy and flying brown deer,
I polished the spyglass to ensure my vision was clear.

“Dread Pirate Fred’s attacking Santa, let’s help him, quick,”
Shouted my trusty first mate old Salty Nick.

What could I do but help out the sled,
“Come on, crew, let’s teach a lesson to Fred.”

I climbed down the rigging.
“There are cannons to load,

Christmas to save,
And pirates to goad.

Let’s kick up our speed,
And give up a fight.

Even we know
Robbing Santa just isn’t right.”

With a cheer, I manned the helm, going full speed ahead,
Nick loading our cannons to aim at the Dread Pirate Fred.

“Don’t worry Santa, help will arrive,
Salty Nick, man the cannons, prepare to take a dive.”

We flew through the air quickly, with all our might,
Fred’s crew had the sleigh on board, a terrible sight

Santa looked frightened, a gun to his head,
“Give me those presents,” growled the Dread Pirate Fred.

Even the reindeer had been rendered immobile,
By a few of Fred’s men in a black dirigible.

Santa shook his head, “If you take them, they will be missed.
Certainly, you all shall make my permanent naughty list.”

“I don’t care,” the pirate growled,
“We just want those gifts,” his crew avowed.

“Unhand those presents,” I called, dashing through the air
The cannons fired, aimed only to scare.

The reindeer bucked, trying to get free,
Fred sneered, “Captain Sno, you don’t scare me.”

Quickly, we secured Fred’s ship and dastardly crew,
But Fred still had Santa—there was only one thing to do.

Fred and I grappled across the deck, precariously,
Nick making sure Santa and the reindeer went free,

“You can’t rob Santa, it’s just not right,”
I yelled as I punched Fred when he put up a fight.

“Now, now, cease that,” Santa said,
Causing me to stop punching Dread Fred.

“Now Dread Pirate Fred, trying to steal presents in wrong,
but Captain Sno, punching him won’t stop him for long.

Christmas is about sharing and caring, not fighting and stealing,
and doing what’s right, not wheeling and dealing.”

Fred and I looked at each other, hanging our heads in shame.
The jolly old man had a good handle on our game.

Both crews made sure the gifts all went back
Into Santa’s giant red velvet sack.

Cook fed the reindeer carrots, and Santa cherry pie
I looked at the Dread Pirate Fred and gave a sigh.

“Why did you do that? That’s low even for you,
to attack Santa and take his presents on Christmas Eve, too.”

“Those presents would fetch prices that are sky high.”
But the look on Fred’s face told me that was a lie.

“There are better ways of getting a present from Santa’s sack,
then trapping the reindeer and staging an attack.”

“You’re one to talk,” Fred replied.
Nodding slowing, I looked at my crew, and again I sighed.

“I’m afraid, Santa, neither Fred nor I have been good this year,
but please, don’t forget our crew, they could use some cheer.

They don’t meant to be bad; they’re just following orders
They’re good men at heart, not drunkards and cavorters.”

Santa said, “Thank you captain, for rescuing me,
I think I my sleigh might hold an extra present or three.

You too,” he added to Dread Pirate Fred.
I shook my head. Was that what he actually said?

“Fred and his crew tried to steal your gifts to sell,
now you’re giving them presents as if all were well?”

Santa winked. “Now, Sno, remember what Christmas is all about.”
Getting in his sleigh, he gave his reindeer a shout.

“Just try to stay off the naughty list, the both of you, from now on.
Now, I have to be off, to get these delivered before dawn.”

Both crews looked up, as Santa took off.
“Merry Christmas, Santa,” my voice went soft.

With a wink of his eye, and a flick of his hand,
Presents flew out of his sleigh; onto the deck they did land.

“Thank you, Santa,” the crews did shout.
“There’s not one for me,” Dread Fred did pout.

“All I’ve ever wanted is a present from Santa, just one.”
I scoffed. “But not enough to stop having all your plundering fun.”

“Stop it you two,” Santa added with a call.
“But I didn’t forget you either, no, not at all.”

Two more presents floated down from the sky.
Turning mine over in my hands I looked up. “But why?”

Santa just smiled. “Just remember what I said.
And for once, Sno, can you stop plaguing Fred?”

With a hearty laugh, the sled flew through the sky,
Both crews waving, tears in their eyes.

“A present for me?” Fred’s eyes gleamed.
I knew deep down, he wasn’t as dreadful as he seemed.

Taking a box from my pocket, I said, “And there’s another.”
Giving it to him, I smiled. “Merry Christmas, brother.

I’m sorry I plague you, but it’s so much fun.
Let’s make next year a much better one.”

Nodding, Fred said, “For once, Sno, you’re right.
I think this should be the last time we fight.”

Santa sped by, doing one last turn.
“I hope there’s a lesson tonight you all learned.

Merry Christmas to you, and remember my lads,
no one says air pirates have to be bad.”

Thanks so much to Suzanne for permission to post her story! The original can be found here on Steamed!

Santa

The Wunderkammer Rests

No new picks this week, but please enjoy some photos, art and a story while I'm off!

For The Fans

Are You A Fan

1. Brass Fan - LadyChaggsworth
2. LENORE - Victorian Print Origami Fan with Guinea Feathers & Antique Button - DecoNouveau
3. Necklace - Steampunk Fan - amth13
4. ORIENTAL OPULENT FAN - thegoldenturtle

I think we should brings back fans, you?

Flickr Day

Darker

And Darker

1. AGONAL ABSTRACT II. - ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING - ArquebusStudios

2. TECHNOLOGICAL CRUCIFIXION Canvas Print - JasonHite
3. King - MeqStore
4. Giclee Print on Paper - The Future Is Invading My Pasture III - jasonbrammer

This is what happens when I've had just a little too much holiday cheer.

Ladies

Of Steam

1. The Keeper of Mushrooms - vacuumslayer
2. Skyliner archival print - six06
3. Steampunk mechanic pin-up POSTER - croaky
4. The Pale Insects and Angels Halloween Brides 8x10 Metallic Print - ettadiem

You can never have too many beautiful steampunk beauties around.

James Ng

Chinese Steampunk

1. Imperial Sheriff Chinese Steampunk Print
2. Imperial Airship Chinese Steampunk Print 

3. Court Band Chinese Steampunk Print

4. Night Patrol Chinese SteampunkPrint

All pieces by James Ng at JeffersonTrader

Wow, right?

Gadgets

Big And Bold

1. Steampunk Personal Computer: "The Timekeeper" (TM) - VictorianSteampunk
2. SteamPunk i-pod dock - samuelseitler 

3. Icarus Wings - DentonAirshipCompany 

4. HAND MADE Brown Leather Aristocrat Buckle Steampunk Boots - Pennangalan

When price is no object, but awesome is.

Flickr Day

Man

That's A Fine Gadget

1. Brass Key Shaped Pocket Knife Necklace - contrary
2. Handmade Dip Pen Steampunk Brass Antiqued turquoise stone - HarryShotton
3. Personalized Harmonica USB flash drive - 4GB FlashHarp - BackyardBrand
4. steampunk MECHATOPIA 2 antique style watch - revolt70

Just some gift giving ideas for the fella in your life...though I'm pretty sure they'd work for the ladies as well.

Holiday Party

Anyone?

 1. Red Off the Shoulder Christmas Dress - priscilladawn 

2. c. 1890 Vampire Victorian Gothic Costume Ensemble - PeriodCorsets

3. The Santa Baby Peplum - TrappedInTimeDesigns 

4. Ruffle Skirt - darkfusionboutique
Keep that holiday feeling while embracing that Wunderkammer sense of style.

Gothic

Have An Elegant Black Christmas

1. Meatspider Christmas with Cthulhu v152 - Meatspider
2. 3 Black Ice Snowflakes, MHA - handmademom
3. Purple and Crystal Beaded Christmas Ornament Cover - Room3designs
4. Gothic Christmas Ornaments set of 3 - SimplyExtravagant

There were a lot of 'gothic' ornaments to look through, but I wanted things that would actually work on an elegant holiday tree, except the cthulhu of course...those are just awesome.

Harem Royal

Wow Factor

1. Susanoo - Neo Victorian Taxidermy Jewelry 

2. Nichnytsia - Neo Victorian Fairy Jewelry
3. Allegra - Neo Victorian Gothic Jewelry 

4. AYA - BLIND - THORN - Neo Victorian Gothic Jewelry

All pieces by HaremRoyal

I saw someone share this shop with a mutual friend...I immediately began picking pieces to feature. Since I couldn't pick just one, the shop gets a whole feature.

Flickr Day

Steam

For Your Tree

 1. Whimsical Steampunk Widget ornament - FlightsofIndustry
2. Steampunk Robot Ornament - tomtaggart
3. Steampunk Christmas Ornament- Silver - ModernMuses
4. Silver Steampunk Airship V2 Wood Christmas Tree Ornament Dangle - buildersstudio

It's not to late to get your halls decked with Steampunk goodness, so I found you a few to start with.

Steampunk Couture

But, Look At The Art

1. http://www.etsy.com/listing/61896442/original-art-print-fashion-illustration 

2. http://www.etsy.com/listing/61373194/original-art-print-fashion-illustration 

3. http://www.etsy.com/listing/62060973/original-art-print-fashion-illustration 

4. http://www.etsy.com/listing/61557821/original-art-print-fashion-illustration
 

All pieces by SteampunkCouture

I bet you've seen her clothes, but I just saw her illustrations and I adore them. They are not named, thus the direct link text. Be sure to check out the shop for steampunk supplies, clothes and accessories.

Why?

I Really Need a Reason to Own These

1. Cha Cha Crinoline in Minty Malone - MacabreMarilyn
2. BLACK HIGH WAIST AVIATOR SKIRT - blackmirrordesign
3. Shipwreck Gown Sample Sale - designbyccs
4. Steampunk Lolita corset dress, underbust, steel boned - corsetwonderland

Seriously, I'll accept any reason at all.