Inspiration Monday: Steampunk

I must admit that this Monday's inspiration is dear to my heart. Steampunk is a movement that came into the mainstream consciousness in the late 1980's and early 1990's, and has been gaining popularity ever since. Considered to be a sub-genre of science fiction, it is an alternate take on history, one which is dominated by steam power. In this alternate world, the late 19th century Victorian era is the foundation, represented in the clothing, dialog, and overall aesthetic. However, an important deviation from the Victorian era is in the technology of the Steampunk world - it can be far more advanced than that time period (20th century-style zeppelins and computing devices) yet it is still fueled by steam and man-powered mechanical devices (think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne type designs). In many ways, Steampunk brings together the past with the future. 

From a designers point of view, Steampunk presents a very intriguing combination. On one hand you have the fragile, soft and hand worked elements of the Victorian era such as fine silks, old buttons, tatted lace and pieces of old leather. On the other hand you have very rigid technology based elements like brass gears, copper cogs, clock parts, rivets, steel, etc. This combination of hard and soft elements is what makes Steampunk so esthetically intriguing. 

The colors of the Steampunk "era" are usually muted, often sepia tones, black, grays, and browns. It's also important to add a metal or metallic element such as brass, gunmetal, copper, silver, or gold.

Steampunk Lab offers a good array of inspirational designs and Wikipedia has numerous links to examples of Steampunk inspired movies, books, and designs.  

Here are a few free Steampunk projects which you can create from our free instructions and materials available for purchase on Beadaholique: 

When designing Steampunk, remember to embrace the movement, let yourself go, and have fun! 

- Julie