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Steampunk art is truly subject to the eye of the beholder. It doesn’t have to be a specific image or design, but any creation that utilizes a Victorian-fashioned style in a modern setting can qualify as steampunk art. In fact, you don’t even need to be an artist to pull off this creative endeavor! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to creating some amazing steampunk crafts in no time at all.
How to Make Steampunk Goggles
Steampunk goggles are a great way to finish your steampunk costume and add a little extra flair. You can make them yourself with a few simple materials. They’re also a fun project for anyone who likes to make things with their hands. The goggles can be made out of any material that you like, but some are better than others. Leather is an excellent choice because it looks great and will last for years if cared for properly.
The first step in making your goggles is to cut a piece of leather for the frame. You want it to be long enough that it will wrap around your head, but no longer than about 2 inches past the top of your ears. Cut two pieces out of cardboard and wrap them around your head so that they fit snug. Use a ruler and pen to mark where the pieces overlap at the top of your head, then cut them out. Use these two pieces as patterns for cutting two more pieces out of leather. Next, cut two pieces of leather that are wider than the cardboard pieces and slightly longer. The size will vary depending on your head size, but make sure that you end up with a shape that wraps around your face comfortably. Cut two pieces of foam the same size as your leather pieces, and glue them to the inside. You can use any kind of glue that works on fabric and foam. Then cut two more pieces of foam so that they fit snug between the two leather pieces, and glue them in place.
How to Make Kaleidoscope Goggles
You can make your own kaleidoscope goggles in just a few minutes with some household materials. All you need are two small pieces of cardboard, tape, scissors, and something colorful to cut into shapes. Cut two pieces of cardboard that are about 3 inches by 5 inches. Place them on top of each other and tape them together at the bottom edge with masking tape. Cut two more pieces of cardboard so that they fit snug between the two pieces you taped together, and tape them in place as well. Cut two small holes in the top edge of each piece of cardboard to hold your eyes through. Cut out shapes from the colorful material and place them in between the cardboard pieces. The more colorful the better! Your kaleidoscope goggles are ready to use.
How to Make a Steam Machine From a Tin Can, Copper Wire, and Cooling Coil
Creating a steam machine can seem overwhelming, but the steps are actually simple. First, you need a cooling coil, which is basically just a copper wire coil that will cool the steam down and make it condense into liquid water. Then you need to place your cooling coil inside of an empty tin canister (like a coffee can), add boiling water and salt, seal the lid shut with duct tape, and place your steam machine in a safe place outside. When you’re ready to use it, simply pour cold water over the cooling coil and watch as it turns into steam!
You can decorate your steam machine however you want, and it will make a great science project for people of all ages.
How to Make Steampunk Guns & Weapons
To make steampunk guns and weapons, and by that we mean not actual weapons but rather props and accessories, you’ll need a lot of copper plumbing pipe, some PVC piping and fittings, a few basic tools (c clamps and a drill), a thermometer, some wood for the grips or handles of your gun (we recommend pine), electrical tape or wire wrap for decoration, and paint. First, cut your PVC piping and fittings to size. You’ll need to have a barrel section, the handle (which will be two pieces), and a trigger mechanism with a button that you can push down. Next, cut your copper piping to size. The barrel section should be about 18” long, with a larger diameter than the handle. You’ll also need a smaller piece of pipe for the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism should be about 1” long, with an opening that can fit over the copper pipe.
The piece of PVC pipe for the handle should be about 5” long, and it should have holes drilled into it at regular intervals to allow for air flow. You may want to consider adding a T to the end of this section so that your gun can hold two darts instead of just one. Once you’ve cut your pipe and made all of the necessary holes, it’s time to assemble your gun. First, insert the larger copper pipe into the barrel section with a rubber washer between them to ensure that they don’t leak. Then, attach the trigger mechanism to one end of this pipe with another rubber washer between them. Finally, place a smaller PVC pipe over this assembly so that it fits into place.
How to Make Steampunk Jewelry
With the popularity of steampunk fashion, you may be interested in making your own accessories. Jewelry is a great place to start, especially if you’re looking for an easy project that can be customized by changing the materials used and creating different designs. Here are some basic instructions for making three types of steampunk jewelry:
- Charm bracelets
- Necklaces
- Earrings
For this project, you’ll need:
- A variety of charms (beads work well too)
- Jewelry wire or chain
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
To make a charm bracelet or necklace: 1. Start by choosing the charms you want to use and arranging them on your wire or chain according to size, shape and color. 2. Cut off a piece of wire long enough for your wrist plus about 3 inches extra (if you’re using chain) at both ends of the bracelet. 3. Use the needle nose pliers to bend one end of wire into a hook shape that will fit through one hole in each charm. 4. Take the other end of your wire, and use it to thread each hole in the first charm. 5. Continue threading each hole with a new piece of wire until all charms have been attached to your bracelet. 6. Use needle nose pliers to bend the ends of your wires so they can’t fall out or snag on anything else in your jewelry box!
To make earrings: This is a little different, first you need to find the middle of your wire. Use a ruler or measuring tape, and measure from one end to the other. Divide this measurement in half, and make a mark on each side with your marker. 2. Cut your wire at each mark, and use needle nose pliers to bend the ends so they can’t snag on anything else in your jewelry box! 3. Take one end of your wire, and thread it through one hole in each charm. 4. Take the other end of your wire, and use it to thread each hole in the first charm. 5. Continue threading each hole with a new piece of wire until all charms have been attached to your earring posts.
Incorporating some of these features can really give your art a steampunk feel.
- Use a lot of gears—they’re an iconic element of steampunk art!
- Add some brass chains, which are also common in steampunk jewelry and accessories
- Take inspiration from Victorian fashion and clothing styles —they’re often used in steampunk art.
- Make sure you use a lot of copper, brass and gold in your jewelry—these are popular materials for steampunk accessories!
- Try using other metals like silver or steel as well; they can add texture to your pieces if you combine them with copper, brass or gold!
Conclusion
To read more about steampunk fashion and jewelry, check out more articles on our website Yield To The People. As always, we hope you enjoyed this article and happy crafting!
