Eccentric Gents and Gadgets...

Well, hello Monday! I'm glad to be back in the saddle for Simon Says Stamp & Show after the huge Blog hop. Big thanks to all those who joined in and called by with such lovely words. Today I'm really excited to share something new with you all...we're going full-on Steampunk!

I was chatting with Dan about our definitions of Steampunk... and I like to think of it as Victorian Science Fiction! I like to dig out the essence of a theme and combine it with my own style. For me, there has to be some slightly eccentric Old Gents and gadgets in the story. I'm still digging these quirky fellas from Mr. Holtz's Steampunk set and knew they'd look just dandy teamed with metal grid-work, clock parts and rusty findings.

I went to buy some strong hangers for some of my other canvases a while ago and when the shop man showed me these I got all excited and demanded to see every model that had ever been made. I thought they would make great little portrait frames! (So another shopkeeper that thinks I'm mad! Just recently, the girl in the wool shop asked me what on earth I was knitting as I keep buying random buttons). Anyway, I separately inked and stamped each man onto a painted book page and stuck him into his frame that I'd coloured with Alcohol inks.

I built up the back ground by stitching an old dictionary page, and layering card and papers coloured with lots of Wild Honey Distress Stain and Espresso Color Wash. I distressed splotted and splashed and added extra stamping. Here you can also see a cardboard strip that is inked and clearly embossed giving bit of nice sheen and detail. The vintage findings are from a clockmaker so the colours and tones are just perfect! The stapled Steampunk sign is actually a little Wendy stamp I sneaked in!

Couldn't resist adding two stamped hands to the mix. I like working with one stamp set when possible. It makes things more consequent and therefore harmonious, like buying clothes from one good store! The metal grid is cut from a sheet bought at the garden centre. I cut it down with wire cutters and pounced with Rusty and Timber Brown Stazon to get the colour.

I have actually stitched it to the back ground, hiding the stitches under the other pieces, which is a lot easier and stronger than glue! All the findings are glued with Glossy Accents and the whole thing is mounted on a brown distressed card, glued to mount board. So there you go, a crash course in Steampunk. It was really great to make and has a bit of everything I love in it!

I hope my Gents will stir a little of your Steampunk Attitude.I would luuuurve to know what you think!!! Take a look at the wonderful ideas on the Design Team Blog for more inspiration and loveliness. I'm look forward to seeing your creations and thoughts.
What is Steampunk to you? Your favourite or something entirely new? Go on...give it a go...! Remember there's a great $50 voucher and specially selected Top Three Tiara out there.
I'm done, it's over to you! Thanks for calling by...be seeing you all soon.
Sarah