Sunday, April 14, 2013

Steampunk Gear Organizer

This ornate box is actually a transformer.  It opens up to reveal an array of hidden boxes within boxes to store and organize anything you wish (provided it is small enough to fit of course).  It is the third such box put out by ReviveGifts.  

Seller's Description:
"She's back and prettier than ever! This Organizer is perfect for sorting clock gears, sewing notions, jewelry, or anything you can think of!  This is the Third Steampunk Gear Organizer Puzzle Box we've made. Each unique in their decorations and embellishments.  This one has Vintage Jewelry Filigree 'mushroom' with Vintage Watch Face and movable Dial Hands. Two hooks to hang chains from, and detailed embellishments including a wide handle for the bottom drawer with an imbedded watch movement.

Organizer has 6 divided sections in the top, plus 4 fold out sorting trays, and a large bottom drawer, as well as a wooden handle on top.

Box is 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" by 5" when closed."

Trevor's rating of the Steampunk Gear Organizer: 79% (worth a look)

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Steampunk in Oxford

This youtube video provides a fairly simplified explanation of Steampunk for the uninformed.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Steampunk Light Up Bottles

These cool bottles are filled with various forces which are commonplace in the collection of a serious steampunker.

Seller's Description:
"Our new line of "Once Upon a Fantasy" bottles are pure magic held in your hands. Simply twist the top to ignite the bottle in shimmering light!

Bottles look amazing in the day light and glow brilliantly in pure darkness. Whether adorning a shelf in your home, hanging from your satchel at a convention or part of your painstakingly chosen outfit to the biggest rave of your life these awesome little bottles will let you carry their magic!

Each bottle is attentively hand assembled. Each is a little different. Light runs on a triple button cell battery that is replaceable. Comes with factory battery that lasts about 8 hours. Bottles are wearable!!! Leather loop makes them easy to slip onto your belt or hook onto your pants."

These would look great attached to a belt or perhaps some contraption that utilizes the fascinating power of steam or the elusive force known as Antimatter.  Visit LiveSteamy for more details.

Trevor's Rating of Steampunk Light Up Bottles: 87%

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Steampunk Goggles

These Steampunk Goggles are perfect for the serious Steampunker who requires quality materials and care in their accessories.  At $160, these goggles are not cheap enough for the casual wearer.  The Etsy Seller, SteampunkCorporation, has a number of unique, handmade versions of this product to check out at their shop.

Seller Notes:
"Whatever you do in the post apocalyptic age, be it Airship Captain, Lady Adventurer, Sky Pirate or Victorian Gentleman Engineer, steampunk goggles are a necessity. Complete with range finder graduated lenses to enable the gentleman or lady explorer to estimate distances and precisely target objects these goggles are similar to our original eyewear, but feature a unique brass 'telescope' on the left eye, essential for those yearning to see the world beyond their immediate horizon."

Though there are cheaper models on Etsy, few match the quality and look of SteampunkCorporation's work.

Trevor's Rating of Steampunk Goggles: 94%

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Steampunk Industrial Lamp

Edison Lamp
This is a reproduction of an industrial architect's lamp from approximately the 1950s.  The twisted pair wire is truly vintage, adding a little something to the overall look and feel of the lamp.

The Seller (Timberson) notes: "One of the things that sets this table light apart is the vintage style cloth-covered wire I use. Take a good look at the pictures and you'll see that both the copper and red color of the wire add a striking element to the overall piece... yet doesn't take anything away. Sure, the lamp is the focus, but you'll never want to hide the cord because it dresses this light up."

The lamp would be perfect for a classic steampunk study, complete with leather-bound books and displayed oddities from the world over.

What do you think of this Industrial Architect's Lamp?  Will you let it light your room?

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Industrial Lamp: 85%
What is your rating?

Monday, April 8, 2013

Steampunk Teapot

Imagine drinking tea aboard an airship, soaring through the clouds on a ship powered by aether.  richardsymonsart has created this ornamental (note: not functional) steampunk teapot for your viewing pleasure.  This classic piece would look great in a steampunker's collection.  The level of detail is quite impressive.

Seller notes:
"Please note that although I will make them in the same style as the one shown they will all be unique and different.

These are unique one off sculpture and no two are the same. a machanical teapot marvel

it measures 8 inches, 20cm tall"

I'm very glad I stumbled upon this artist, as his work is stunning.  If you like this piece, check out his steampunk piggy bank or Techno Mask, also great works of art.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Teapot: 89%

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Steampunk Mechanical "Winner" Watch

Winner Watch
I was doing some research on steampunk watches and found this brand on Etsy.  Winner Watches is a Chinese company, much like Caifu (which I've mentioned in a previous post).  Their watches are generally pretty cheap to buy and from positive customer reviews, it seems they hold up just fine.

However, I've seen a number of Etsy shop owners selling "Winner" watches for well over $100.  Some of these shops declare that they are "handmade in the Pacific Northwest."  The only difference I see in these watches is that they added a thicker leather band.  The core of the watch remains the same.  So I say buyer beware.  You can get a "Winner" watch for well under $50 and assemble a band separately for far less than the Etsy retailers charge.  This is an Etsy shop owner that sells direct from Hong Kong.  The watches are generally under $30 and look great. 

The moral of this story: when an item states "handmade," you should also conduct your own research.  If not, you may end up paying $119 for the watch below, versus $29.99 for the watch above.
Winner Watch

Trevor's Rating of "Winner" watches: 90%
Trevor's Rating of Etsy Opportunists: 9.2%

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Steampunk Robot Arm Gauntlet

SkinzNhydez
You could become the proud owner of a robot arm, custom made by Etsy seller SkinzNhydez.  In just around a month, he will take your ideas and arm specifications and craft this steamy gauntlet just for you.  At the price tag of $2100, it is no small investment, but the workmanship speaks for itself.

The maker, Ian Finch-Field, states that his gauntlets are made with:
8oz Veggie tanned Leather
Brass sheet
Rivets
Studs
LED light
Odds and Ends
Dyes and Finishers to give it that well worn and aged effect.

I need a lot of people to click my ads before I can afford one of these, but it will definitely remain on my list.  What do you think of this item?  Comment below!

Trevor's Rating of the Robot Arm Gauntlet: 92%

Friday, April 5, 2013

Tinque Designs

Deep Roy
Photo by Christine Solomon
Check out Tinque Designs!  Based in Oceanside, CA, this designer has amassed a following in all things steampunk.

Seller's Description:
"Once upon a time...there was a tinkerer of sorts, a gatherer of bottom-drawer-trinkets and a cannibalizer of forgotten treasures... and the result was steampunk couture."

Follow Tinque on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.  You can also visit their official website.

Hats off to Tinque for the photo shoot with Deep Roy, one of my favorite under-known actors. The guy is 4' 4" and has appeared in a ton of movies in small roles.
Alyson Melrose
Photo by Christine Solomon

If you're in the area, you can find Tinque products at Dr. Watson's Steampunk Odditorium or Rebel Rebel Hair Salon, both in Oceanside, CA.  If not, Tinque has a large selection online at their website and on Etsy.

I'm really liking all of their products, especially the ones relating to airship and sky pirate fashion.  What do you think?  Leave a comment below!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Steampunk Felt Robot Plush Doll

Robot Plush Doll
Some people steal all the creativity for themselves.  The seller describes this piece as "...about 4 inches tall sitting, not including hat. It is made of premium wool felt, cotton embroidery floss and poly-fil. His eyes are made from vintage buttons. His vest and hat have lots of embroidered details including French knots."

At $30 this unique Plush Doll is a steal.   I especially like the gold strips on his chest.  I'm told they are made of real gold.  (false)

For some reason, the robot reminds me of the street urchin robot from Futurama.  I'm crossing my fingers the seller will make a Steampunk Bender Plush Doll.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Robot Plush Doll: 88%

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Steampunk Plasma Teleportation Device

Plasma teleportation
Imagine being whisked away to magical places, like...Delaware...

In all seriousness, the manufacturer states this device is "our most marvellous invention to date, one that even Telsa himself would be proud of. A teleportation device which can transport the user distances of up to 500 yards!"  So, the only way you'd be transported to Delaware is if you're already within 500 yards of Delaware.  Which would suck any way you look at it.

Apparently, "The device has a 99.7% chance of turning the user inside out on re-assembly through teleportation. Teleport at your own risk!"  Something about rearranging my matter doesn't sound appealing to me.  Fortunately, at $130, I can't spare the cash for that fun ride.  Perhaps you want to take a spin?  Visit Etsy to find out how.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Plasma Teleportation Device: 80%

Steampunk Iron Man Helmet!

Steampunk Iron Man
Nerd Alert!  This full-sized, adult Iron Man helmet is not only weathered, but battle-damaged!  I can't think of a better way to usher in the release of Iron Man 3 than arriving at the theater wearing this.  At $200 it's not exactly an instant buy for the casual cosplay enthusiast, but for a die hard fan it's certainly doable.

With the previews of Iron Man 3 showing the utter destruction of many of the suits, this helmet is even more appropriate.  If anyone decides to buy it, please comment and send me a picture!  I'll be at Comic-Con this July and it would be cool to see it walking around on someone's head.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Iron Man Helmet: 86%