What no steampunk

[Grimley]

Just wondering why the are no real suppliers of steam-punk costumes or props considering how popular the subject has become. I would have thought it would have been everywhere this year. I only remember one vendor at Transworld and he was new to the show.

[jakprintsHAUNT]

I think one reason is that there is a definite finesse and craft to Steampunk. It is a lot harder to make "mass producible" items that have the same flair as the hand crafted stuff.

There are a lot of artists out there that make costumes and such as well as things like computer components, guitars, hand props, "home decor" etc.. etc.., but it is all REALLY expensive. If you have seen the show Warehouse 13...one of the bigger artists does a lot of the props and such for that show. He sells similar stuff in upwards of $1000+ for items like a steampunk keyboard. However I understand some of the pricing based on the fact that they are made from pieces of vintage items and 100% crafted by hand, each being a work of art. That keyboard for example has machined metal parts, keys from actual vintage typewriters, etc... I mean in the end you could reproduce the pieces and assemble them all in the same way, but again there is a definite fine art to making steampunk look really good. It's almost like a reverse and elegant "Mad Max" kind of style.

[jakprintsHAUNT]

One artist that is more on the affordable side and is already within our community who makes some really neat and more macabre Steampunk and "tech punk" art is Brian Demski of Demski Creations and Creature Corps.

[Speculo]

We are Demski fans, and have lots of his stuff. I also recommend Nethercraft as well, here is one of his panels we have just painted ready for install.

Thanks!

[Jim Warfield]

"Holy Battlestar Gallactica!"

Remember how they made those space ships? Opened numerous plastic kit boxes (ships, tanks, aircraft, cars) and robbed pieces and parts, slapped them onto a base shape. I picked out parts hung on Battlestar Gallactica as tank tracks, muffler systems, tank sproket wheels and an assortment of shapes, sometimes reproduced over and over again for the overwhelm factor of seemingly mechanical complication.
Lots of fun stuff..creating using other , dissassociated items.

[Jonathan]

There are actually many Steampunk providers and a full all out Steampunk Haunted Attraction. (I interviewed them on RFR last year) But also here are some vendors I like to deal with and make great product.

http://www.bruteforceleather.com/sto...ts/default.asp

http://www.steamedpunk.com/

http://www.steampunkemporium.com/ste...FQfyDAod9i2f3Q

http://www.clockworkcouture.com/

[TheMonsterMaze]

Just a quick little FYI

The National Haunters Convention had quite a few steampunk vendors in it's 2010 show.
(one of which was selling an 1880's working computer that was just drop dead incredible!)

On the east coast steampunk is phenomenally popular,
so much so that the costume ball for 2011 will be steampunk themed.

You just need to go the right places
(i.e. The National Haunters Convention)
to see the vendors.

[Jonathan]

AWESOME MIKE!!!!!

A Steampunk Ball. So there and such!!!!!!

[Grimley]

I could see the cost as being a major problem. I just expected to see more with the rising interest. I have to personally make a costume this year and am very worried.

[Jim Warfield]

Grim...

"you are worried about making a costume?"
Don't Worry! We have all seen perky nipples before.
No big deal.
Go for it.

[jakprintsHAUNT]

I could see the cost as being a major problem. I just expected to see more with the rising interest. I have to personally make a costume this year and am very worried.

Look in your local area at thrift shops, flea markets, surplus stores and the like for any kind of old machinery, clocks with brass gears, tubing, leather, etc.....A friend of mine just did some costume pieces and ripped apart an old VHS player for plasic gears inside he was able to spray with bronze and looked really nice in the piece he used. The key is assembling it to make it look like it is supposed to do something, or is accented. Stick to a victorian style and you should be golden...the only trick is the extra little accessories and props. Keep them clean and elegant with a touch of alchemical flair to be in classic steampunk style. There are a lot of great photos online for inspiration including many how-tos.