Recycle: Steampunk your world ...

The term Steampunk is a play on cyberpunk and, according to various Wiki's, was coined in the '80s to refer to a specific genre of literature - think H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Philip Pullman ... think Victorian-era tech meet cyberpunk vision. I love these fictional worlds (completely captivated by His Dark Materials).  More recently, I fell in love with The Night Circus - magical steampunk-ism (?)... read it if you haven't.  Anyways, I'm a fan of the genre.  And, for the most part, I love the art, fashion and design informed by the steampunk aesthetic. It brings the small, hidden, "inner workings" of things out.  It often gives hard metal, gears and mechanics a softer, magical twist.

I recently saw Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus. The show's costumes (picture above) were created entirely from recycled materials and the overall feel was steampunk. Perfect for a quirky circus show centered around "inner" worlds being explored, hidden love being revealed. If you want to channel a little steampunk into your world, here are some gritty tutorials for you:

SleeplessStoryteller @ Etsy

Make "trashion punk" earrings from quartz watch movements. DIY care of Beyond Junk (via Handmadeology)

The fab gears necklace that's been all over Pinterest the last couple of weeks. Care of Cook-Love-Craft

Faux pocket-watch charms from Dollar Store Crafts

Unbelievable switch plate and fixture make-overs from The Steampunk Workshop.

A steampunk wreath for spring? Why not.  Care of Crafts n Coffee

A little something made by me ... tutorial coming up later this week.  I can't wait to share it with you!

Update:  Here it is  :)