Steampunked Out by Witch Works

Steampunked out is a wonderful website and online store run by Roger Tinkerton. Mr. Tinkerton has been working with leather for over 12 years, and got his start in leather-working in the renaissance fair circuit.  After many mistakes and a broader knowledge of his art form, Roger began working with a company who sold leather goods. As time passed Mr. Tinkerton was able to hang up his traveling hat, and don his crafting hat full-time focusing on the one of a kind, hand-made craftsmanship that we, at the Monocle, adore!

“I love working with my hands and creating new and different things, so when I was asked to make a steampunk styled leather cuff for a prop in a play at the local university, I was happy to do it. The design was well received and it was suggested I do more to sell. One thing led to another and I opened an Etsy shop in September of 2010. I enjoyed the style and design of the steampunk genre so much, and the shop was doing so well, I made a full website to retail an ever growing variety of goods “(Tinkerton 2012).

After establishing his presence on the web, Tinkerton has now branched out to some of the larger cons that the Steampunk culture is involved in, including GearCon and SteamCon which Tinkerton attended in 2011. Both Tinkerton and his better-half will be sitting on several panels in the upcoming GearCon, so definitely stop in and listen to their panels or buy their wares! If you miss Mr. Tinkerton at GearCon however, they will be at SteamCon again this year and you can find him in Artist’s Alley peddling his beautiful bracers and other fantastic works of art. We did get one little steamy tidbit according to Mr. Tinkerton you definitely need to keep an eye out this fall for the new “Supernatural Defense Systems” from Tinkerton Scientific which he is hoping will debut before SteamCon.

Maybe you can’t catch Roger at the cons, well then be sure to check out the links below and take a look at his amazing products. Remember, Mr. Tinkerton crafts each of his items by hand, so do not expect  shoddy workmanship and speedy delivery – art like this takes time and effort, and it is definitely worth the price!  Most of Steampunked Out’s products take 3-4 weeks to craft, so when placing your order keep that in mind, and be sure to tell him the Queen sent you!

Steampunked Out on Etsy. Steampunked out on the web. Steampunked Out on Facebook. Steampunked Out on Twitter.

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Steam at Harper’s Ferry

Beautiful Harper’s Ferry has been a tourist attraction for thousands of people every year in search of a glimpse into the past. The historic Civil War location recreates the feel of what life during a pivotal part of American history was like. Tourists venture into General Stores, antiquated buildings, museums, and so much more. Harper’s Ferry is set in the hillsides of West Virginia with one of the most breath-taking views you can ever imagine. Life almost seems to slow down in Harper’s Ferry, and if you close your eyes for long enough you can almost imagine that you are walking through the streets of this living monument during the 1800s.

Photo by Matt Armstrong

Now one of the most historic places in America is home to a unique exhibit and store that features Steampunk items. Steam at Harper’s Ferry is the brainchild of Cynthia Gayton who is the owner and proprietor of Steam at Harper’s Ferry. Cynthia wanted to bring the beauty and fun of Steampunk to this historic part of town through her exhibitions, prints, and other wares. Gayton plans on exhibiting local artists from the tri-state area in her quaint establishment including the work of Leigh Anne Cassell, Jason Edwards, Scott Little, Christopher Loggie and Sue Parker.

Gayton posts insightful blogs about the local area whether it is the history of John Brown’s land or lovely cards and photos surrounding the Victorian-era of the Harper’s Ferry vicinity.

Steam is also requesting local artisans to participate in the exhibit entitled “Steampunk Leisure” which runs from October through November of this year.  Steam is also working on an artist/creative series of workshops and promotional opportunities. The first “Shameless Self-Promotion” program and seminar for creatives will be held in late September. Gayton also requests that any Steampunk indie authors or publishers  who are interested in having their work sold in the gallery contact Steam, and if there are any authors who are interested in having their books (including chapbooks)  in the gallery, please send a review copy to Steam at Harper’s Ferry, P.O. Box 1292, Harpers Ferry, WV  25425. Steam also has the facilities for book signings.

We highly recommend stopping into Harper’s Ferry to really experience what life in the Victorian era was like, learn more about American history, and of course pop in and say a friendly hello to Miss Gayton. Steam at Harper’s Ferry features the exhibit ” Gadgets, Guns and Gears” on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm through August the 26th or you can find all the pertinent details on www.steamatharpersferry.com

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PBS Off Book Steampunk

Stumbling upon this lovely exposition on Steampunk art and culture I was astounded by not only the artistry involved in the the PBS short, but the amazing people behind the work. Hearing from artists across the world including Dr. Grymm, David Bruce and the Third Rail Projects was quite insightful and inspiring. The imagery of the film is astounding, so definitely take time out of your day to watch this clip. From amazing musicians to performance artists the film packs quite a wallop in just a few moments. However, the Queen must admit her very favorite part was the Steampunked My Little Ponies.

We here at the Monocle love to see so many of our favorite artists out there get the accolades they deserve, so make sure you too support your local Steampunk communities by adding events, projects, or pictures to our site. We would love to feature any work, event, or composition that you would like to submit!

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The Ladies of Steampunk

Like the Suicide Girls, but want your women less depressed and more Steamy??? Well then this is the post for you! The Ladies of Steampunk is your pinup central when it comes to the hotties of the Steampunk world, and let me tell ya it isn’t just the lab steaming! The bombshells pose for calendars, posters,  websites, and soon an absinthe table book.

While not all of the pictures are deemed “safe” for work (we wouldn’t want you getting carted off the grounds by the office security guard now would we) there are many pictures that are gorgeous and considerably tame. While the calendars have sold out you can still purchase posters of any of the lovely ladies from about 8 USD.

So who are these voluptuous vixens?  You will just have to go take a steamy peek for yourself! The ladies range from vampires, gunslingers to scientists. All they need is a Queen 😉 and the calendar will be complete.  To learn more about the individual ladies click here (this link does have nude shots so put the wee ones to bed).

The creators Sean McCaffrey and Dr. Beauregard Belegana team up to create the lovely images with their Steampunk themed backgrounds and boudoir styled website. The team will also be introducing The Gents of Steampunk, and I am hoping they can get Johnny Depp in there! So go and show the ladies some love and send the boys a thank you.

You can find the Ladies on their Facebook page here or on the LOS website here.

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Davinci Scientifica

In reviewing Davinci Scientifica’s site I found lots of fun goodies with neat little text highlights throughout the images to let buyers know a little more about what they are getting. The site is pretty straight forward with the selections easily visible on the homepage. The tour dates of the wizards behind this sites magic are also included, so you can track them down in person or on Facebook to take a gander at their goods (not those goods sigh). I want to unwrap all the fun stuff in the little canisters so badly, but I am not going to spoil the surprise – you will just have to get your own!

The great thing about Davinci Scientifica is there are so many marvelous textures and depth to their products. A great balance of the old and new is definitely representative of the Steampunk movement. I love their medical kit, and as any great surgeon knows you definitely need “close-up glasses!” I just think the products offered by this original shop bring a bit more fun and frivolity to the Steampunk scene. I recommend you find them on Facebook or catch them at one of their venues – you won’t regret it. Pick up a Monocle from them for me would you?

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SkynzNhydez Wearable Art

While you know I am always looking for the latest and greatest Steampunk artist’s to spotlight, but when I cam across Ian Finch-Field of SkynzNhydez wearable art I was amazed at his work. Ian has been working with Steampunk couture for quite some time, and if you want to look AMAZING -buy from him!

I love the way he integrates the bold colors of his leather-work with the brass and metalwork it is simply breath-taking. Now of course when you want the best you are going to pay for it, but I personally believe you cannot go wrong when buying from SkynzNhydez wearable art and leather. Many of the artwork can be found on Etsy or the company’s Facebook page which are linked below.

SkinzNhydez features half torso pieces, masks, bracers, gauntlets and much much more. Leather and brass are the materials that are the most abundant in Ian’s work, but he loves to customize! Just look at this amazing gauntlet with the clockwork and brass goodies! I just keep waiting for the brass to turn into a spider and bite annoying people at my behest! Okay, a bit too far moving on… In case you are wondering, that is in fact Justin Bieber sporting one of SkynzNhydez amazing creations. Don’t worry all you die hard purist Steampunks the teenagers won’t be flooding our scene, and if they do I am sure a few of you have some steam-powered pistols that will do the trick.

The incredible beauty of the oak mask is astounding and by far one of my favorite pieces. So let’s say you do not have a few grand lying around that’s okay SkynzNhydez has budget-friendly art available that won’t have you listing your entire Justin Bieber t-shirt collection on eBay (you know who you are).

Mr. Finch-Field is currently trying to raise funding for his new workshop, so feel free to donate or check him out on indiegogo (here) to help support this talented artist. You will receive perks or gifts with your donation depending on what dollar amount you choose to donate. I hope to see some of you wearing this art at the upcoming Steampunk events.

http://www.facebook.com/SkinzNhydezLeather

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkinzNhydez

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Troll Bridge Studio Review

 

Betty Bead owner of Troll Bridge Studio creates magical accessories and hats using her myriad of talents. Betty proclaims on her Facebook page Troll Bridge Studio, ” I am a jewellery, millinery and assemblage/collage artist. Sometimes I combine all three with stunning results!” Does she ever! If you have seen any of Ms. Bead’s work you can see that from her jewelry to her beautiful Imaginary relics line that she is an amazing artist. Betty is not simply a diva of the jewelry world, but the creator and designer of hats galore.

 

Betty tours Florida selling her wearable wares and even fits her couture on pint sized pooches. come on you know yall are all wanting to mod your dog just admit it and give Betty a call.

 

The best place to find Troll Bridge Studio is on Facebook where you can peruse the variety of work that Betty has created and see what shows she will be at next. The gracious feathers, Steampunk watch parts, and other mixed media will definitely make your cogs swirl for these lovely items. My personal favorites are the Imaginary relics in which Betty uses mixed media and her amazing collage skills to create masterful works of art with Steampunk flare.

 

Her designs are gorgeous and can easily be viewed on the Troll Bridge Facebook page which you can find here. Now , don your top hat and go grab a nice hot cuppa.

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No Human Intentions Review

Today, I am going to throw aside all my humanity and review the shop No Human Intentions (see what I did there) which offers a variety of accessories and Steampunk clothing. No Human Intentions a couture and accessories shop based out of Missouri provides buyers with gorgeous gifts at reasonable prices. Looking for chunky Steampunk jewelry or fashionable long sleeves to drape your corsets? Well Miss Nikki will be happy to accommodate. NHI or No Human Intentions has been featured in many blogs, fashion shows, and can be found online through Facebook or their homepage. The shop offers a variety of gear from clothing, goggles and accessories including guns! Yippee! The store does not solely focus on Steampunk styles, but carries many genres from goth to Cyberpunk. The diversity and availability is really nice, as are the prices. Something that should really focus your monocles on No Human Intentions, is that almost all the clothing line is custom made. The fact that this clothing is made to suit you personally is really something that you cannot pass up, especially if you are anything like your Queen of Steam, and have a little more flounce in your petticoats well then this is the shop for you!

The clothing style is absolutely gorgeous and depending on the look you are trying to achieve can be either Steampunk goth, vamp or Victorian. Being a self- taught seamstress and jewelry designer Nikki Fizer is free to follow her passions without being weighed down by traditional thought or teachings. All the items in her shop are custom made to order, so for the price you really cannot beat the quality you get.

The only drawback at all to shopping with the No Human Intentions site is that the pictures are a bit small and it is difficult to see the detail on the mannequins, but the Ebay store link more than makes up for what the website store lacks. A little revamp on the website’s online store would definitely showcase these lovely items in a better light. The rest of the website is clean and easy to navigate with easy to read listings of upcoming shows, events, and links to media about No Human Intentions. You should also check out Nikki’s past work to gauge how fantastic her clothing line is – you really won’t regret it!

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