Saturday Steam 6/1/13

File this under "When I Win The Lottery:"

"Walktopus" is a 20 inch bronze sculpture by Scott Musgrove, and can be yours for a mere four thousand dollars.  It's based on this five FOOT tall version, though, which is even more impressive:

And while we're furnishing our dream homes, I'd also like to add this bar cart, please:

It's from Restoration Hardware, and is made from a 1920's Light Bulb Voltage Tester, whatever that is. Only two grand, though, so hey: CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?? :D


Shilo linked me to a really fascinating article this week on something called a "chatelaine:"

The chatelaine is "a device popularized in the 18th century that attached to the waist of a woman’s dress, bearing tiny useful accessories, from notebooks to knives." So kind of like a Swiss army knife, only cooler.

Considering that they're both decorative and useful, I'm amazed this is the first time I've ever heard of chatelaines; we should totally be incorporating them in our steampunk and Victorian cosplay, ladies! Go see more examples and read about their history over at Collector's Weekly.


Oh, and here's another great article Amber L. found on the same site - and quite relevant after my corset-for-cramps post, too -  Everything You Know About Corsets Is False. (Well, assuming you think they're bad, anyway.) More than just addressing common misconceptions, this article actually gives a quick overview of the history and development of corsets, which is really intriguing.


And now some more amazing Victorian age gadgetry, this time spotted by Genevieve over on io9:

Pocket watch camera! See a few more Victorian-era spy gadgets at the article here.

Julie M. found an etsy seller with the COOLEST handmade "pocket holsters":

"Steampunk Metamorphose Holster," $220 by Chateau Nifty Pop

Its convertible, too, so you can wear it on your hips or as a cross-body bag:

Lots more designs and finishes at their shop, and all about the same price.

Next up, here's Cassandra rocking her steampunk Wonder Woman costume:

Her lasso even lights up!

Oh, and I got a neat surprise the other week from May B., who e-mailed to show me her own steampunk, Darth Vader inspired cosplay! Hers is based on Victorian mourning wear, and she tells me my Lady Vadore mask was just the inspiration she needed to add that finishing touch:

 Amazing, right? And check out her mask detail:

May used conductive thread to add LEDs to her necklace - which is SO going on my craft "to-do" list.

John saw May's pics first, and he told me it was surreal to open an e-mail and see such a familiar "face" on someone else's costume. Ha! I like how she used all silver accents, though, and really made it her own. Fantastic job, May! (Oh, and May makes and sells some gooorgeous fairy wings - you should totally check 'em out.)


And finally, remember that awesome steampunk AT-AT I featured a few months ago? Well, Mark - aka Captain Bayley - is back, and this time he's made that steampunk AT-AT a baby:

D'awww. An AT-ST! So perfect!

Mark also put a website together since my feature, and it's fun to see how his engagement present to Caroline - along with all the positive attention it received - has catapulted him into a full-blown... hobby? Obsession? Career? ONLY TIME WILL TELL. :D 'Til then, I look forward to seeing what else Mark dreams up! (More pics here, and thanks again to Mark and Caroline for sharing the steamy fun!)

Hope you're having a great weekend, everyone! As always, please share your own steamy finds/creations in the comments or over on the Epbot Facebook page!