Bone Shaker Boxes

(A personal story)

Well life has happened! This will probably be more cathartic for me than for you the reader, but I need to get this out, so if you want to skip this one I am OK with that.

In the last 15 months I have ended a marriage of 25 yrs., refinanced a home, rediscovered love and happiness, and then lost that through a tragic death. I am tired, emotionally raw, and mentally lost. Maintaining positivity is a struggle and motivation has gone right out the door. These events are forcing me to look at my life and make some hard decisions. Do I want to keep this box thing going? Do I refocus on my Steampunk community? Do I financially struggle to continue to do this?

The blog thing has been fun and I have learned a lot about myself and the genre, but keeping up with it is difficult. I think I will keep doing it just because I enjoy it so much, and I really wasn’t expecting a huge following but my feelings about the genre are out there in the world and that was the main purpose. I wanted to shed another perspective of honesty, gratitude, praise, and although not always kind the people of Steampunk. I am questioning rather what I have to say is relevant now that I took an extended break from shows and fellowship with the true Steampunk fans. I haven’t attended a convention since Feb. 2017 and I am not going to Dragon Con this year after 5 in a row. (By the way that is one of my biggest complaints about conventions is the same people spewing the same thing year after year. Most panelists haven’t contributed anything new in years and are riding on their “Fame” for free access and are secretly waiting for the calls to stop coming, to signal their slow decline.) (Sorry I digress)

I am still making commission pieces and just got a new one last week which is cool and I love my following of dedicated fans. I don’t want to disappoint them in anyway, including staying to long or leaving to early. I love making the boxes, backpacks, bars, tea sets, and the challenges that commissions entail, but without the show presence will the name fade? Do I just quietly let that happen? Do I want to let that happen? I guess that is some of the purpose of this missive.

This is something that I have to decide on my own, I am not looking for people to justify my presence by responding with reasons why I should stay. This decision is mine to make and I am working it out, slowly, thoughtfully, and most important with my followers in mind. I have so many projects I want to do, 2 books partially written, 5 boxes partially started, 100’s of designs written down waiting to be started, and my love of wood working quietly calling me deep in the turmoil going on in my mind. I gave this my best shot to try and make this into a living and after 3 years and thousands of dollars invested I am realizing that it just isn’t gonna happen. That’s O.K., I followed a dream and I had a ball doing it. Over the years I met some truly amazing people, saw some cool places, and received more compliments and pats on the back than I ever thought I would get for anything I ever did. This was and continues to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I am so grateful to every person I met along the way. (Even the not so kind ones).

So in closing I am still undecided, but I feel that like the “Life Events” that have happened, I am working through it. And the last comment I need to make is, “Thank You” to all of my family and friends. Without you all I really think this would have been too much to bear, your outpouring of support and love has truly been a blessing and has shown me just how lucky I am.

 This is a re-post of an interview I did with a very cool Blogger from the U.K.

Soup Of The Day: Steampunk Adventuring With Bone Shaker Boxes

Hello! Mrs Albert Baker here, otherwise known as The Last Witch Of Pendle. Obviously there is no Pendle any more, since The Chronic Agronauts utterly destroyed it with treacle and sprats, but I’ve set myself up quite nicely here in Lancaster, running this little soup kitchen for the street urchins. There certainly are a lot of them and I’m always looking for helping hands to cook up and serve something delicious!

Helping me this morning is Shannon, creator of the steampunk adventure boxes at Bone Shaker Boxes. Good morning Shannon, thank you so much for coming to help me in my soup kitchen today! Tell me, have you brought along some soup to share with us?

Here is a simple Bean Soup made from an old Ham Bone you can get at the local butcher!

2 tablespoons bacon grease

1 large onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

3 stalks celery, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 potatoes, diced

8 cups hot water

8 cubes chicken bouillon

1 ham bone

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/2 (16 ounce) package frozen corn

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Melt bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in hot bacon grease until vegetables are slightly tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir potatoes into onion mixture; cook and stir until golden, about 10 minutes.

Stir hot water and chicken bouillon together in a large pot until bouillon is dissolved; add onion mixture, ham bone, diced tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, black pepper, and salt.

Cook soup for 4 to 6 hours. Remove ham bone from soup and let rest until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from ham bone and stir meat into soup.

Serve hot with biscuits

Mmm, it smells delicious, I’m sure the little urchins will enjoy it immensely. Now while that is simmering away nicely, why don’t we take a look at these amazing boxes that you make, have you brought some along to show us today?

Yes I did! I brought along the Tea for One box, the Radio Box, Father Mike’s Vampire Kit, and the Traveling Tea Set so we could share a pot or two, and it serves 6 so if anyone else is about they can join us!

Oh yes please a cup of tea would be marvellous and I’m sure the urchins would like some to! It is such a brilliant and original concept, do tell me, what inspires you when you begin to create a new box?

I am a very practical person and usually a need is what starts the process. An example would be the Tea for One boxes I make. When you travel, especially here in America, hotels cater to coffee drinkers and if you are a tea drinker you usually have very poor, if any, choices for teas. I decided to make a portable box that if you can get 8 oz. of water you can make a pot of tea anywhere (as long as they allow open flame), so the Tea for One box was born. It comes with its own teapot, cup, stove, and fuel. Then I have created areas to keep tea, sugar, spoons, strainer, and everything else you need to make the perfect pot of tea. Once you set the pot on the flame it takes about 10 minutes for it to reach 185° (F) or 85° (C), the perfect temperature for tea.

I have also created boxes from the story I have about Queen Victoria’s Secret Service. I create the boxes they would need to protect her and her family. The Radio Box and Father Mike’s Vampire Kit is from that series. You can read all about it and the stories that go with the boxes on my website http://www.boneshakerboxes.com/ and go the “About” section.

I try to make the boxes as practical as I can. The radio box has an MP3 player in it and you can listen through the headset or the built in external speakers. Other boxes have been portable bars, backpacks, and lap desks, just to name a few.

My boxes are usually very functional and are built to a quality standard that I expect you to use them and with a minimum of care should last you a lifetime. I want these passed down to your children so they can create their own character or use the same box they grew up watching you use.

I’m sure there are many adventurous souls out there who are already imagining the splendiferousness of toting around their very own Bone Shaker Box! Tell me, do you make each box as a custom order and, if so, how do you work with your clients to get a box that’s ‘just right’ for their Steampunk alter ego?

All of my boxes are one of kind! I will not repeat them, I built it once, why would I want to do it again? Now with that said, I will keep a good design idea (Tea for One boxes), but I always change something including the theme. So you never have to worry about someone having the same item as you. I started out making boxes for myself or for friends and now it is about 50/50 on original design (mine) or custom box for a client’s specific design/need.

I work very close with the individual, I provide pictures and feedback all through the process. Customizing the box to the individual is what makes it fun for me because it usually adds a level of complication. “How am I going to fit this into the box and make it look like it belongs there?” is a question I have asked myself many times.  It all works out in the end and I usually get to see tears when I present the finished project because the person was involved throughout the process and seeing their personal items displayed how they imagined (or close) just brings out all the emotion, and that can’t be priced into any box. Seeing the person fall in love with something that I made, is just the greatest thing.

Besides the boxes themselves, are there other Steampunk props and curios that you create?

Yes, I started out with a jewellery line as well. It was very popular and I got a bunch of complaints when I dropped it, but it was tough to get raw materials in the quality I wanted and keep pricing down. I also do leather work, and have made leather armour, belts, flask holders, restraints. I am a reasonably competent seamstress and have made a few costumes, but the boxes are my passion, I just love making them.

And besides your online store where else can we find your work displayed, featured or for sale?

I do have an Etsy shop, and I have been a featured artist at DragonCon’s Altered History Museum for the last 4 yrs. My work has been in multiple blogs and online magazines, plus I was featured in “Just Steampunk” magazine last year. I just filmed an episode of Ghost Finders (My first TV show) that will feature a new box called the Clairvoyant’s Box based on Georgiana Eagle the Queens Clairvoyant. She reportedly did upwards of nine readings with the Queen to try and contact Albert, so I made a box that she could have used during these readings.

I also travel the Southeast U.S. doing different conventions every year and just love meeting people and seeing the reactions when I show them the boxes are actually functional. Plus I have the usual social media sites as well:

https://www.facebook.com/BoneShakerBoxes/

http://boneshakerboxes.tumblr.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/boneshakerboxes/?etslf=8756&eq=bone%20shaker

And now the all-important question, on which the fate of the world may hang…  which do you prefer, coffee or tea? (and how do you take it?)

I am a mood person when it comes to hot beverage. If I want to relax or I am feeling a little blue I prefer tea (English Breakfast is my favourite). However I do start every day with a cup of coffee, and both are with cream and sugar.

Splendid! Well thank you so much for coming to help out in the soup kitchen today, Shannon, it’s been wonderful to chat with you and I must say that soup smells delicious. I think it must be about ready and the little urchins have their rosy noses pushed up against the glass in anticipation so shall we start dishing it up?

Thanyou so much for having me here and I am so glad I could help with the children. Hopefully you will have me back again and we can talk more about The Queen’s Secret Service and I may even have a tale or two for the urchins while they eat.

Oh that would be wonderful Shannon, thankyou I… but wait a minute I think… is that an octopus hurrying down the street towards us? Why yes it’s Collin! It’s not like him to leave the parlour without Max I wonder what could be the matter?

Oh dear! Collin informs me that Wizmas – the season of Witch Hunts and ill will to all women over the age of thirty  – has begun! I had no idea! I must find my toupee and false moustache at once, please excuse me, I have a lot of arrangements to make and a large bottle of brandy to buy….

So, I must apologize for the lack of posts here I have had some personal issues I have been dealing with and I won’t bore you with the details, so let’s get back into this.

I watched a show on Netflix called Vintage Tomorrows and I am torn about it. Let’s look at the topics covered.

It is a documentary done in California about Steam Punk and the people involved in it. The show on the surface is really informative and shows multiple aspects of the genre and covers everything from die-hards to newbies. They show the music, art, festivals, and personal lives of those involved in Steam Punk, and cover it in documentary style with no judgement passed.

The show credits one individual with creating/promoting the look of Steam Punk and I don’t agree with that but I think it is like the hot dog or the French fry, nobody knows for sure who invented it and life is going on just fine so let’s not worry about who created it. I do believe that it did start on the West Coast and I think it coincides with the Burning Man festival but that is neither here nor there so let’s move on.

O.K. so into the parts that made me blow the whistle and throw the bullshit flag. There are two “Professors” that are delving into the cultural aspects of Steam Punk and if it could foster a shift or signals a shift in today’s society back to a simpler time where technology was moving more with the pace/benefit of society instead of the breakneck speed it is advancing today? They put forth the theory that people are becoming afraid of technology and that some of the items that are made for convenience are becoming distractions or even having a detrimental effect on society. A few examples are:

·        Texting/e-mailing instead of talking/writing (we have developed a form of short hand in texts)

·        Loss of self-sufficiency do to the availability of items and technology (I will talk more about this later)

·        Personal interaction being substituted by other forms of communication.

·        Polarizing race, religion, sexual preference, in today’s society causing more issues than it ever has in the U.S. and globally.

·        People becoming complacent about technology and just accepting the fate laid before them such as robots in our lives, genetically altered food/pets/humans, speech to text, thought to text, longevity, and social changes caused by these advances.

First off I agree that people are becoming concerned with technology and the changes they are seeing. I see two factions when a new IPhone is released. Those that can’t wait to get it and those that dread having to upgrade because they just figured out 40% of what the model they own can do. I am in that latter group. I know what you’re saying, “Well you are old and this stuff is beyond you”! No, you are wrong, I am pretty tech savvy and I can figure most stuff out I just don’t like change just for the sake of change. Plus I don’t like buying into the “capitalism” of “We can make billions of dollars if we change the style of our charging cable”. Most of my friends are concerned with technology and the fact that we are fast approaching areas that challenge the way we live and some feel our survival maybe at risk if something goes wrong. So points for that observation.

Polarizing the differences in us. Huge topic but I will just address the positive. As I see the changes in society where race, nationality, sexual preference and the like are becoming bigger and bigger issues, I look at the community of conventions and Steam Punk in general that I have attended. If you walk past a group of Steam Punks you may very well see a Black person, a Jew, a Transvestite, and a Lesbian (sounds like the start of a joke) all talking about the problems with time travel from 1887 to today being in the fear the person from the past would have with today’s noise levels and pace being impossible for them to blend in.

In general I do not see any issues with a person’s differences at any event I have ever been too, and it absolutely blows my mind how accepting these people are. I have discussed it before and I say again, it is one of the best traits of these groups is to accept anyone on face value and just enjoy spending time with other people no matter there make up! AMAZING! Again points awarded.

Self-sufficiency? How does that relate? Well in this film they interview people who say they have never built anything, used a hammer, sewed a stitch, until they entered into the world of Steam Punk and now they are building stuff all the time. Now I am not saying that if you put any of these people on a desert island they can survive, but at least they can think in terms where they will have to make something just on the skill and ability to learn and think outside the box. As a maker I can tell you that I use the skills I have learned in my everyday life all the time. I very rarely get intimidated when something breaks down or I need to fix/repair/modify anything. I sit down think about what needs to be done, form a plan, then attack it. Most often my original plan goes awry so I adapt, most often I complete the task, the result is usually good or good enough until I can do it better.

Example: I had curtains that were too long for the window I wanted to decorate, I didn’t want to buy new ones so I fired up the old sewing machine and hemmed them to fit. Never hemmed curtains before in my life and I had heard horror stories about attempts by the novice, but mine turned out just fine. Luck, skill, a little of both? I have no idea and honestly don’t care. I just know that without my skill set and the fact that all my sewing practice (original training came from high school) is from costuming I never would have attempted it. So the skills people learn in Steam Punk costume/prop making may not prepare them for Armageddon, but it sure does make them a little more savvy and confident that they could build it if they had to if their survival counted on it. Points Awarded.

Social interaction cultural change: This is where I think the wheels come off. The concern expressed in the film was that with modern technology that we as humans are getting more and more impersonal in every aspect of our lives. We text instead of calling, we call instead of visiting, we send pictures (emoji’s) instead of expressing our feelings. I agree with all of that and think it is sad that the beauty and expressive nature of the language used in the Victorian Era is long gone.

But I do not think for a minute that Steam Punk is going to save it! These people cling to their cell phones, tablets and lap tops like it is an Epi-pen and they just got stung by bees! Oh they make cool covers, cases, and desks so they look Victorian on the outside, but at the heart of it is a very modern machine. They communicate through social media, use apps at conventions, and take photos of business cards instead of taking one. Believe me when I say they embrace today’s technology when it comes to communication, exchange of information, and everyday life. Now I am not saying that it is a fault, but this film tried to imply that culturally these people can or would if they could take us back to a time when the written word and language was very different. One of the misconceptions about Steam Punk is that the people involved wished they were living in the late 1800’s and that is just not true. What they wish is that the 1800’s was combined with today. All the cool technology but the sights and sounds of Victorian England. They want an amusement park where they can go live that way for a day or a week, not forever.

Next Time I will give you my take on what the majority of Steam Punks “want” from this hobby/lifestyle. Some of my insights may surprise you and depending on your reasons for being in it I may offend you.

 As always thanks for hanging with me and don’t forget to comment if you want to I love the feedback!

Defining SteamPunk

For my second trip into the demystification of the genre of Steampunk let's tackle a big one that is near and dear to my heart.

Just exactly what is Steampunk?

This is gonna be a bumpy ride so stay belted until the ride comes to a complete stop and I think you will agree with most of what I am gonna share with you and hopefully this will help you pick and define your persona/character/costume/prop, or what ever with a better educated mindset.

First Steampunk:

 Steampunk is an aesthetic. It is a form of artistic expression using styles, materials, fashion, culture, and even some mannerisms associated with the Victorian (1830 - 1901) and Edwardian (1901 – 1914) era's.  It covers everything from fashion, architecture, etiquette, food, drink, decor and so on.

Next Diesel Punk:

Diesel Punk is the exact same thing except it covers the time period from (1914 – 1949-ish). This group usually concentrates on the military aspects of the time period and the culture around WWI and WWII. This would also include the cultural part of “Rosie the Riveter”, pin-up girls, art deco, and the Pro-USA movement seen at this time such as USO girls and the Red, White, and Blue fashions. This group is usually the masters of weaponry, and have some wonderful guns and the military uniforms and accessories to go with them.

O.K. Here is where the ride gets bumpy:

Both of the above mentioned aesthetics are ways to express your love of the time period. You get to show off the look, and the “feel” of that time in our history. If you only wear the clothing and enjoy the social aspects of like minded folks then I guess you can say “I am Steampunk/Diesel Punk” and be correct. However, if you want to create a character that has weaponry, specific gizmo's, clothing, or prop then you are gonna take the next step and move on to Altered History. I prefer to go the full “Monty” so to speak and hit that next category.

Walking around in a corset, Victorian dress and carrying a backpack that has bubbling bottles, with copper tubing and a spray nozzle without having a cohesive back story just doesn't make any sense. What is your response when people ask you questions about the character? Do you say, “It just looks cool?” Do you find that the response you get is most often a puzzled look? Or that the person's response starts with a hesitant “Oh,..Well I guess that...”? If any of these responses happen to you and you are not in Walmart, it is because the person questioning you is thinking Altered History from the complexity and make-up of your outfit and is expecting a story to accompany it. This holds true for most Steampunk/Diesel Punk costumes. If you think about it, someone walking around as Dead Pool you kinda already know the story, someone walking around like a Victorian Gun Slinger must/should have a story to tell.

I have seen this time and time again, and usually the person (Costumer) mistakes the surprised look or hesitation as a negative, when in fact the person was just expecting a story and be entertained for a moment.

Altered History:

If you like the look of one or both of the above time periods then you can go full immersion and go for Altered History. This is a combination of reenactment and “geek gone mad”. Dressing the part, acting the part, using as close to historically accurate materials and designs as you can, and then adding some “geekery” to it.

The “geek gone mad” is the “Altered” part. Add ray guns instead of black powder, use a cell phone instead of telegraph, basically anything goes as long as you stay true to the look and feel of the period.

This is where you really get to put the soul into the character. Take a known event within the time period and just blow it up.

 Two great examples are what they did with HG Wells in the TV show Warehouse 13. They made the character female, they put her in the 20th century, but she still dressed Victorian (partially) and acted as if it were still the 1800's in some ways. The other (and probably best example) is Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, he fully dresses the 1770's but carries a cell phone, drives a car, but still has the moral code and language from 1774.

Taking this approach opens up a whole new world to the Steampunk/Diesel Punk fan. You can re-create a character from history, and “Alter” them to fit in with your other favorite science fiction theme.  

You can invent a whole new character from Scotland Yard that used “modern” items to pursue Jack The Ripper, as long as the items used look and feel Victorian you are good to go. The examples are limitless. I have seen Iron Man, The Red Queen, Dr. Who, gun slingers, robots, vampires, women, children, hell even dogs dressed in Steampunk. I am going to try and make my standard poodle a Vampire Hunters Hound one of these days so he can go to Con's with me.

The stories like the props can be anything from historically precise to “very loosely” based on history. I prefer to use 70% truth and 30% fantasy, partly because it is cool to mess with people and have them fact check me, and putting Vampires with the Queen and Pope is AWESOME!

Steampunk Costuming.

As I stated in my last entry I am taking the bull by the horns and will try to remove some of the mystery, misconceptions, and myths surrounding the wonderful genres of Steampunk and Altered History. For the first entry we will tackle costuming which I feel comfortable enough to handle without getting an expert involved, because I am fortunate enough to know about seven of the finest costumers in the Southeastern U.S.

In my opinion there are two ways to approach costuming.

1) You build it yourself or 2) You buy it off the rack. I personally have no issue with either way. If you can't make it yourself or you have the finances and you still want to enjoy the other aspects of the Con World then don't miss out because someone tells you that in order to be “Steampunk” you must make your own costume.

Making it from the ground up:

First this way will get you the most respect in the community and I think that is very justified and I support it wholeheartedly. From someone who sews and does leather work, it is very satisfying to complete an item, but it takes hours and hours to produce a good costume.

RJ Foster who has a great Steampunk Nemo costume (diving suit) will be happy to tell you that he has over 700 man hours in just the leather work. Throw in the backpack, boots, helmet and other items and I am sure it adds up to over 1000. (That is 41.6 days working 24 hours a day, in real life it probably equates to 2-3 years worth of work.)

Now for the person just starting out, I would never tell them to attempt anything like that. Start small, make a cape to go with clothing you found at a thrift store, you can hand sew a cape. Make a belt or pouch from leather to accent that cape once you complete it (total investment <$50, plus you will have the tools to do more). Take a leather jacket (thrift find) add purchased patches and other insignia and hand sew them on. Telling people you added or sewed on something gets you points, it really does. Find large filigree earrings at a dollar store and sew/glue them onto gloves to make cool mechanical fingers. It absolutely amazes me the stuff that people end up using for costume pieces and parts, use your imagination try it if it doesn't work save the pieces. Believe me once you get hooked on this stuff you will use them on something. Remember Edison's approach to inventing “I never fail, I just learn how not to do it”.  

You Tube is awesome! I have learned how to do more things from You Tube, take the 2-3 minutes to watch a “how to” clip it will probably save you some time and money. Ask! Find something you like on Facebook pages like Steampunk Makers Workshop (www.facebook.com/groups/SteampunkMakersWorkshop/), Costume Art (www.facebook.com/CostumeArt?fref=ts) and reach out to the maker, people on these sites are usually more than willing to share a technique or help you with a question. Stay away from Etsy and other “sales” sites those people will guard their techniques much closer. However there are a few, myself included that will share what they do and how they do it.

Bottom line for this group is to try, it may not be the best costume but for Steampunk that is not really that important. Everyone makes adjustments, they add and subtract from their costumes all the time. Some of the best costumes were made over long periods, in fact most are works in progress forever.

The people who buy their costumes:

First off let's clear the air on purchasing items or whole costumes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! In fact some of the best costumers sell their old costumes or will make you one. I know plenty of people that make their living from Steampunk, we need you to buy stuff, in fact buy more.

If you add a gear to your hand sewn clothing you have purchased some of your costume! You didn't weave the fabric, smelt the metal, cut down the tree, to a certain extent all costumes are purchased.

Where people who buy their costumes make a horrible mistake is when they try to pass it off as their own work. That is what has given this group the bad reputation, and will piss a maker (a large portion of the genre) off faster than anything. Also when it comes to contests they have categories for each group, handmade, purchased, and professional. Do not try to pass off a purchased costume as hand made by you, I almost guarantee you will be found out.  

There, now with that out of the way, let's look at buying a costume. There are so many different personas in Steampunk, and many of the costume essentials that make up a costume are very difficult to make unless you have very good skills or are patient enough to learn those needed skills. Making full length leather coats, corsets, hoop skirts, and hats that fit and look right is for the experts. I consider myself well skilled when it comes to sewing and leather work (other than fine tooling) and I would not feel comfortable tackling these items. So I would purchase what I needed, then add my personal touches to make it my own, and that I think is the key to a good Steampunk costume.

No matter if you make it or buy it, making the costume yours is the key to a great costume. Unlike Cos-Play, as I understand it, you are not trying to duplicate or mimic a known character. Steampunk has very few known characters and even those that are common are usually molded into something different, such as Capt. Nemo as envisioned by RJ Foster (http://www.thebigbanglife.com/articles/). The Punk in Steampunk is for your individual personality to come out and be expressed through your persona. That may be in the style or type of costume, type of character, or how that character acts, but to make your costume really rock it needs to reflect you and your personality.

After viewing thousands of costumes the ones that catch my eye are ones where a known character has been Steampunk'd. Dr. Who, Iron Man, Jane (from Tarzan), Little Red Riding Hood, and The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland come to mind. Those require vision on the part of the designer, asking “what if” and then bringing it to life. In the aforementioned costumes they run the spectrum from “How did you find all that?” (Purchased) to “How many hours of work to make all that?”. In all cases the person “owned” the costume. They walked, they talked, they posed just like the character would. Iron man was menacing, Jane was demure, the Red Queen was confident, and that is what made the whole package.

Just gluing the usual items such as gears, brass compass, copper tubing, and lace, onto random items does not a Steampunk costume make. There has to be a function “what would it do if it were real”, it has to be part of the story, mechanical arm to replace one lost in a boiler injury. When I build my boxes I intentionally leave the outside very plain so that the new owner can add their own stickers, badges, patches, gears, compasses or what have you so that they make it their own. I do get questioned by people on that and most say that I should “finish” the item it would be more appealing, but I still have hope that I am making the right choice.

Recently I had a conversation with a young lady who wants to make a very elaborate costume for Steampunk, she is holding off on participating in any event until she has a complete costume. This statement scares me, why would she feel that way?

Are the people in SteamPunk setting the bar so high that people avoid getting involved because they feel they will not be accepted? Is it a personal thing and they feel they are not worthy (real or imagined) and hold off until they can make a splash? Is it a stall tactic and justification for procrastinating?

Honestly I believe it is all of the above. I have attended many shows over the last two years and have been fortunate enough to have people “break the ice” and ask me the Who, What, and Why about SteamPunk. One common theme is that it is so complicated and intense that they are intimidated by the whole thing.

Here is some of the common things I hear:

The costumes are elaborate, expensive, and only worn by the pure bloods. They feel that unless they have this kick butt costume they will be labeled as “posers”.

All of the events that go along with SteamPunk are for the educated and initiated. If they don't know what is going on they will be immediately identified as “posers”. Tea ceremonies, Absinthe tastings, High Tea, What are they? Do I have to drink tea? What is tea dueling?

The History. Do I need to be an expert? What if someone asks me period questions? How do I know that my costume is within the accepted parameters? Do I need to know all of Queen Victoria's names?

I guess with the way I got into the genre I really didn't worry about the above items, because they are not the reasons I wanted to be a part of this. As I have said in the past I am not personally a big fan of wearing the costumes, although I an a huge fan of the costuming community. The tea parties, absinthe tastings, and other events although fun to watch and very informative at times are really not my bag either. I am in it for the history, the freedom of expression, and the awesome people. I worry about not going to all of these events or being a bigger part of the costuming community and think I miss out on a lot because I don't attend. However in my defense, I am usually manning my booth for the majority of the day, and by the time I am done I am about smiled out, and would not be the most socially gracious person by 10pm.

I do think that the community as a whole needs to be better ambassadors of the genre, can I point out more than a few of people that I feel aren't? No. The ones I personally know that are at the forefront of the Southeastern SteamPunk movement are very accommodating and are wonderful ambassadors, I am talking about the people walking around at the various events. Just because you look the part, remember everyone was new once, you are not the whole! (I know that is a general statement, I am not blaming anyone specifically, but I have witnessed, eye rolls and down right rudeness by some in costume towards those who are curious or trying to learn)

Look at it this way, if you are in a SteamPunk costume it is really no different than if you wear a professional uniform (police/military/fire) you are an ambassador for the rest of us. If you do not respect that then don't wear it!

I normally do not call people out but as this is a positive, I will. Paige Gardener is one of the Queens of SteamPunk/Altered History Costuming and is a wonderful person in general, generous to a fault, the patience of Job, and very approachable. (When in full regalia a little to approachable, people are almost rude in how they crowd her.) However when you can get her alone, she will answer any question and will help you in anyway she can, I know this from personal experience, and her interactions with many others. Paige is a great Ambassador, but people are intimidated by just her presence and some will not approach her with a rookie question. Again, I know this from personal experience by recommending Paige for information beyond my comfort zone, and people refusing to bother her with “stupid” questions. Believe me even if she did feel that way she would never outwardly show it. Some of the best SteamPunk people don't get asked questions just because they are placed so high on a pedestal they are actually cut out of the loop sometimes.  

Steampunk'd Post #3

 The last episode which aired on Sept. 9th is a shining example of what I dislike about all the new “Reality” shows that have aired recently. It shows just how important the drama is to the show's producers and that talent (design/build) is secondary to the outcome. Tayliss's departure is where I would normally stop the automatic DVR recording and maybe, just maybe, watch more episodes if I can't find anything else on. However, I am going to watch this train wreck till the end just to see what the look and feel of the remaining rooms turns out to be, my original intent.

I really think that JW should have left, he has failed multiple times and his time management is horrible. Tayliss definitely wasn't the person who should have left. The judges have raved about her costumes since episode one. Kato called her out in the last episode and even tried on the coat she made and acted as if she was gonna leave the set with it on, this from a woman who makes her living selling Steampunk fashion. The judges reasoning for letting her go was the failure of her team to complete all the costumes especially JW's, and that the Captain must go down with the ship.

So let's talk about hypocrisy for a minute, first this is not The Apprentice, secondly booting someone from a show about building and design because one team member stretched to far trying to make a project is ridiculous. Tayliss is unsurpassed so far in her costume designs. Granted costuming is all we have seen from her, and yes things go on off camera that we are not privy to, but if it is crucial to the departure of a contestant than I guess it should be aired. Two other contestants were grilled in prior episodes about their “management skills” so I do get where the judges have stressed the importance of being a leader, but neither was dismissed for it (yes James was whacked for similar reasons but other than the gun he showed no real stand out talent like Tayliss). JW was the weakest link in this episode and I didn't get the feel that he was trying to sabotage Tayliss but he ended up doing just that. In every single episode JW has failed at something including design, management, completion, execution, you name it he has failed, “but great,the drama factor is within this one”. (said in my best Yoda voice)

 Now let's look at the depicted (remember these shows are heavily edited and shown out of context) personalities of the two people in question.

 Tayliss is about as sweet and kind as you can get, very easy going and willing to do anything to benefit the team. JW, well he is the antithesis of everything I just said about Tayliss. Controlling, egotistical, spoiled, and not a team player. If I was running a show about the human experience who would I want to stay as long as possible? HMMMM, let me think? And this is where I stop watching, normally.

 As I said in my first post and I have been proven right, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE DRAMA! Now I know that one of the judges has been filling social media with posts about how boring it is to watch a machine print, or cut, or sand in creating Steampunk items. I think they are correctly showing that watching a machine run is not that exciting, and I think they are intentionally missing the point of the “Creating” that happens before the machine starts, in an attempt at humor.

 To counter that, I now see a post that calls them out by saying that shows like How it's Made, Mythbusters, and American Pickers have experienced multiple seasons and are a similar format. I agree on the popularity but not on format and the audience potential for these shows is much more diverse than a show about Steampunk. In both cases I think they miss the mark.

Many shows have come and gone about the “making of” and have included creatures, costumes, and body paint, even other genres such as food prep, fish tanks, construction, deconstruction, and fashion have had similar formats and have gone away rather quickly. This magic mixture of drama and content is a fickle beast and I think the producers know their stuff and the fact that Steampunk'd has moved from 10pm to 8pm is a good sign. I hope that it is starting to appeal to others outside the Steampunk community and is bringing a new crop of followers into the fold. I feel confident that in the next season (assuming there is one) they will cover the more intellectual creating process, I notice that in Face-Off they are showing the design concept and the back stories to the creatures more than they have in the past. (Oh it is still about the drama, but drawings and thought are now being included) As these shows mature they try harder to please followers and stick to what the feedback they get demands. But survival is tough and I know that the first season is the hardest.

In closing I am glad I have been proven right from my first post, sort of sad to see as well. I also hold to the fact that this show will be good for Steampunk as a whole and the drama is entertainment only. True enthusiast of the genre will not learn much of the design, concepts, or skills involved in the first season but look forward to future ones as it should improve.

I think this and other “opinion” type questions both add to and detract from Steampunk, and the people that enjoy and dislike the genre use these unknowns to defend their position(s). I do know that one of the things I love about the genre is that if you are in it for the fun, history, camaraderie, and letting your geek flag fly Steampunk/Altered History is the bomb. If you want to look at Steampunk from a purist, rigid, judged, and strict perspective then God bless you and have fun. For those people, I hope you do your homework and I wish you the best of luck. Doing actual historical recreation is a wonderful thing and I salute those that do it and do it right. However, that does require hours of research, lots of money, and plenty of time defending any errors you make and explaining how you did the best you could with what you had. I don't want to spend my time defending what I do for fun, I get enough of that in my “real job”.  So if I ever critic your costume or creation it will be because you asked me to. If anyone critics you without your consent, please ask them for their “Steam police” I.D., then quickly move along. That is not what this thing is about.

One of the things I like about Steampunk/Altered History and the “Con Society” as a whole is the acceptance of everyone for their attempts and participation only. If you go to one of these events you are welcomed with open arms and not judged in any way (openly) unless you draw attention to you or your situation. (I should preface this by saying I am new to this community and didn't know this stuff existed 5 years ago. So I have lived this first hand.) Openly judging people involved in this community is not the norm from my observations beyond the normal human interaction at these events, (again I have attended over 20 different events in 3 years large and small so I am speaking from experience.) Yes, there is drama, Yes there is shaming, and Yes men are pigs, but that is humanity. Most issues that I have seen especially the “Facebook” aired ones, are to/from people who brought attention to themselves. Rather it be through type of costume, verbal utterance, throwing the gauntlet, or openly criticizing others, those who disagree will and quit frankly have the right to argue/defend their opinions and will. Everyone that I know that has been involved in this specific genre and have great experiences in general, they have great attitudes toward others and themselves. Wow, doesn't that make a lot of sense?

OK, now onto the subject at hand. I think there are two different “artistic” approaches to creating items for Steampunk/Altered History, (Brief PSA: Steampunk is a “look” an “aesthetic”, bringing the past, real and imagined, to life is Altered History).

One approach is to take items that you find and re-purpose them as part of your costume or add it to existing items creating your collection, the other is to start from scratch and build it from the ground up. Both of these take a specific skill set and speaking for me crossing over is not that easy. I take the approach of making most items from the ground up, that way my vision is truly my own. Taking found materials and creating your vision asks you to be more flexible than I am willing to be. Both approaches are very “artistic”, both take a sense of vision, and both take skill to do it right. Attend any event and you will quickly identify those that can and those that can't, both can be learned and through practice improved.

Take the vampire hunter's backpack for example, I needed very specific items to work in a very specific way, space was precious, I did not have the time or energy to search out those items. Backpacks made from found objects tend to be visually appealing but not very practical, also heavy, and uncomfortable. I am not saying any of that to be a negative, you have to take the good with the bad. I may sacrifice some visual appeal in my creations because I do not use as many found items, again take the good with the bad. It all lies within your perspectives, your likes, and your particular tastes. Again one of the great things about Altered History is the width of parameters you have to work in. I am convinced that both have their own merits.

After watching one of the judges on Steampunk'd say that recycled/up-cycled items are the “core” of what Steampunk is (again remember Steampunk is an aesthetic), I was almost offended. What a crock! I recycle very little and I have people that can't spell Steampunk look at my stuff and immediately identify it. Steampunk can most certainly be created from scratch, I do it all the time!

Then I started to think about it, and I think I understand what he meant. Steampunk does have a certain look, and gluing stuff onto other stuff is the common denominator in Steampunk! Holy epiphany Batman! For those that have been doing this for years they get the difference, people new to it will eventually. Those that create from the ground up are imitating the items that the recycler finds, gears, color schemes, copper pipe, brass fittings, wings, propellers, all of it, found or created are all going for that aesthetic.

 This is a little late but I wanted to wordsmith it and let the emotions settle first after reading other reviews:

As I stated in a previous post I will add some of my personality to the tumbler posts that I won't put on Facebook. That may mean that nobody will every read it but I will risk that rather than having the loss of control of who can or what comments are posted after the fact. I have seen too many posts on Facebook completely blow up in the authors face because of a comment that took the discussion in the wrong direction. So here we go this is my take on the new Steampunk'd TV Show.

First and foremost I think this will be a great opportunity for the rest of the world to see what the Steampunk aesthetic is and some of the best makers in the country will be presenting their vision for the masses to see.

Based on the first show, I was happy with aspects of both kitchens. The base moldings and trim that JW used to set the theme in the room were amazing and created a great canvas for the details to be highlighted. The painting on the sink and appliances was good (not great) and the details of clock faces and other metallic items really showed well. The color choice for the base coat (walls) was not my cup of tea, but I understand he (JW) was stretching to try and expand the color pallet (as explained by him) beyond the normal bounds.  

Eddie's Team stuck closer to the traditional color pallet and used blacks, grays, and metallic colors for highlights. The overall look of that room was closer to what is expected in Steampunk and the judges naturally gravitated  to that comfort zone. The “Goldberg” device although unbelievable simplistic was a nice touch and added to the overall feel of the mechanics associated with Steampunk.

Now let's examine the show format:

Based on other shows like Face-off, Project runway, and the other reality shows were contestants are judged on items they create it was very true to form which is disappointing, but I get why they stick to the theme. If you think that you are actually gonna learn how these makers do what they do, you are gonna be very disappointed. These shows are about the “human” aspect of competition. The producers will concentrate on the drama, real or imagined. In the first show, you got to see a woman at a sewing machine, some demolition, some machine operation (table saw), and some gluing and cutting. That will be all you will get to see in every show.

I was so frustrated over the Face-off show that I actually do not watch it any more. The artist there do some of the best sculpting I have ever seen and the use foam, silicone, and other mediums to then mold the masks and props that they use in creating the characters. In 8 years of shows they have never shown the process of mixing, molding, or for that matter removing the completed item unless something has gone wrong and the person is kneeling over a cracked or stuck mold and is in tears. Again, it is all about the drama.

The personalities of the contestants:

Remember that these folks were interviewed prior to being selected for the show. I personally know 3 people that were excused after the interview process and I believe them when they say it was because they specifically said they would not bring drama into it, they just wanted to showcase their skills and make stuff.

These shows are very “Jerry Springer-ish” sometimes. I believe the producers look for a mix of talent and drama from the contestant groups they pick, it is almost rigged in fact. From the few shows (Face-off and Monster-build) that I watched the people with talent and not drama end up winning every time, and I am sure this will prove true in Steampunk'd as well. Drama sells...watching someone cut wood with a jigsaw gets boring after a very short time, so does faux painting, unless you are watching a “How To” show the actually building of items is not a prime-time money maker. It will be very important to remember throughout this show that drama is encouraged, and will be highlighted even if they have to do it through editing.

The true personalities of these people will not be able to be gleaned from what you will see on the TV. I applaud these folks for taking this risk and giving the producers Cart Blanche to edit and portray them as the feel fit. I will concentrate on the talent, design skill, and effort it takes for them to make the items that are requested.

As a maker I know the stress of “creating on demand” is not something that is easy to do and some of my least favorite work is from this “forced effort”. Combine that with the stresses of being filmed, away from family, strange environment, and working with strangers and the task is made even harder. I do not think you will see their best work in this format. I would encourage you to check out their social media stuff and some of the contact info, is shown at the bottom of the screen during the show.

The Judges:

As with all these shows I feel the judges are probably “coached” by the producers, again Drama sells. I think that the three will represent the aesthetic of Steampunk very well, I also think that they will be influenced by their personalities and I look to see how many times they say “If I were to, or When I made”, they are so used to self promoting that it will have to come out at some point and I think that will detract from their qualifications as judges. Two of the three were very uncomfortable being in the spotlight and unlike other shows of the same type there was very little to no “mentoring” during the judges walk through in the first episode. It will be interesting to see if the judges improve over the span of the show.

Final thoughts:

I think in general this will be a good thing for Steampunk. I think it will be a first look to many and will result in a boon of interest for the short term. I am not concerned that the attention will signal a death spiral for the genre' and my concern lies more with the purist turning people away (or leaving a bad impression) than the “Mainstreamers” taking over.

As a maker I know I am going to try and increase my presence on the web and I have already tuned up my web-site and I will probably turn my Etsy shop back on.

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of “First Timers” that I have met at shows this past year and I think you will see more than ever at any “Con” that has Steampunk in their title or have a Steampunk Track at their event. I would encourage the directors to extend their advertising reach for the next year to reach more “Mainstreamers”  now that the name has national attention, I believe the benefit to the event would pay for the effort.

 That is a great question and one that is very easy to answer. It is because I love the Altered History Genre. 

Background: Four years ago I had no working knowledge of the world that most (Geeks, Nerds, Sci-Fi, Weirdos, chose your term) run in. I had of course heard of Comic Con but had never attended any of them or knew anyone who had. I had never read more than a page or two of a comic book, never played D&D, saw only the mainstream Sci-fi movies, and had no idea what a Tardis or Dalek was.

Cause: Then I created a small tool box and I was told it looked “Steampunkish”! I love working with wood and have been doing it on and off for years. So if I can make wood objects that are “Steampunkish”, I need to find out more about this stuff. 

Effect: So I start looking on the trusty interweb, and anyone within 100 miles of my house could have heard the sucking sound of me being pulled into the world of STEAM!

The Why: Making items using only the technology and materials that were available in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s absolutely fascinated me. Aesthetically the metals, piping, leather, and other items is very pleasing to me (notice I didn’t say gears) and I just love the whole romance and mystery that goes with the Victorian era. You have some of the best classic horror being written during this time, you have Jack the Ripper roaming the streets, and people are starting to make some of the greatest strides, items and ideas that will change the world forever. The 1892 World’s Fair was amazing, if for nothing else, other than the amount of new technology that was unveiled for the first time. 

Passion: Now add in the Altered History aspects, and I was a gonner! You mean I can make items that never existed and as long as I stay fairly true to the time frame it is O.K.? OMG! So my already over active imagination takes off and the ideas start pouring out. 

Result: I now own a burgeoning business, I have met the coolest people (Con-goers), I have attended over 20 different events in 7 different states, I have been interviewed by movie makers, authors, TV and News shows, magazines, and have been invited two years in a row to the second largest Sci-fi convention in the U.S., Dragon Con! Holy Crap what a ride it has been.

Vampire Hunters Backpack

Queen Victoria was shocked when she found out that most myths and legends were based on facts and not just used to scare small children or entertain adults. Once the Special Services branch started to collect information on the movement and various organizations that the Vampire community had, her concern quickly elevated.

The information gathered showed that for the most part most Vampires lived very quiet lives, staying close to home and mostly to themselves. The stories of rampant slaughter of innocent people and bloodthirsty undead wandering the streets was a thing of the past.

Over the centuries Vampires realized that to have peace with the living that they would have to change how the did things. No longer able to rule whole villages through power and fear most Vampires settled into a very simple life. Surrounding themselves with large houses, vast wealth, and a loyal staff, they lived the life of the rich and famous. They tried to stay out of the lime light, (pun intended), and stuck to their own for the most part. Blood was in ready supply from humans who wanted to be involved with Vampires. There were homeless who sold their blood to buy food or opium, to high priced “pets” that the wealthy maintained. As long as they never drank from the Vampire and the blood loss was within reason a person could be bitten multiple times with no real ill effect, the thrill and connection associated with being fed on made the experience almost enjoyable to some.

The Vampire community was self policed and each region had its own group of governing elders, that handled any crimes or issues committed by Vampires. The Special Services group formed a division to maintain relationships with this community and was assigned a liaison from the Vampire governing body local to London. Most Vampire issues would still be handled by the Vampire council, but a team inside the Special Services was also created. The Queen was concerned that if a group of Vampires formed with the intent to harm her or the Crown they could do so using their strength and wealth, so she had the Vampire Squad created to keep rouge individuals in check.

The Vampire Squad was a specially trained group similar to today's SWAT teams. Consisting of 8 members and armed with backpacks similar to the one I recreated, this group was trained in various skills specifically to kill vampires. Each pack was made from solid oak to protect from Vampires handling them, and each held special power in the eyes of the Vampire community. Prior to being issued each pack was sent to Rome where it was blessed by the Holy Roman Father, the stakes were also blessed and have in Latin “It is Finished”, the last words Jesus spoke on the cross hand lettered on them. The quiver is removable for use as a regular pack, and padding allows for hours of comfortable use. Inside there are two compartments for storage, a drawer for garlic and wolfs bane, and a closed area for Holy Water.

There are three specially treated crosses on the box that will glow when a Vampire is within 100' of the pack, one on the door and two smaller ones on each side. The ink used to stamp the designs is a special mixture of Holy Water and pigments and produces a greenish light when placed in proximity of the undead. 

Here is the Vampire Hunters Back-pack. Fully functional and very comfortable to wear despite the weight, and if it gets to much for you just sit on it. Made from solid oak and oak plywood this box is unbelievably strong. 

The Bar Box

 Elsa Bueche was only 16 when she was recruited by the service. Having been a prostitute since the age of 12 she had a maturity level closer to a woman in her mid-thirties from the life she was thrust into. Blessed with beauty and brains she had risen quickly to the top of the list of “must haves” for the wealthy visitors to the Suvretta Ski region of the Swiss alps.

Abandoned by her Mother at age 10, Elsa was plucked from the streets by Madam Neeser who had seen the beauty hidden under the dirt and grime. Elsa slowly saw that the path for her had been chosen and she vowed to be the very best. Using her intelligence she quickly developed the skills necessary to achieve her goal by charming the older more experienced women in the brothel to divulge their secrets.

 The Service wanted her more for her information gathering skills than her body, but they got both in the deal.

 Tonight she rounded the corner in the 4th floor hallway headed to room 457 in the Suvrettahouse, one of the newest most prestigious hotels in Switzerland.  Reaching the door she adjusts the curls in her long blond hair and makes sure her breasts are setting correctly in her corset. Taking a deep breathe to prepare for what was coming she picks up the box and softly knocks on the door of Count Rechstiener, the owner of Rechstiener Chemicals.

 She must get the information tonight, the fate of the world depended on it and she would not fail, no matter what the cost.

 The box  she carries contains a fully functional bar which includes a mixing chamber and holds a substantial amount of the finest liqueurs and mixers. After spending a night with Elsa and her expert bar tending skills, the “mark” remembers only having one of the most exotic nights of pleasure they have ever experienced. The truth is, she never removes a stitch of clothing, the magic potions provide the experience and most importantly the information she pries from their drugged minds is soon on it's way to Whitehall, The Service's HQ.