Still alive.

*bows to floor*

I am truly truly sorry for neglecting my blog for so long. I really am.

The reason? University work (yay) combined with some unforeseen medical issues.

I can only apologise and try again, although I cant promise anything.

So... things to update on! Theres quite a lot!

It has been a good year :D Cambridge is a lot of fun (despite being hard work) and I've made some amazing friends. I even managed to pass my exams!

Stuff I'm working on at the moment...

I have a commission for a charity auction which is currently in progress. The bidder wanted amethyst and hematite, which is a lovely colour combination, so I shall post pictures when its finished!

I'm also working on a tiger eye and hematite pendant, as well as some other stuff.

I made my own hair piece and earrings for the May Ball:

Me and the boyfriend, looking very smart in white tie.

I discovered a passion for baking! Which is awkward as we don't have ovens at uni... If you know any good no bake cake recipes please let me know!

 

This is my Sticky Mars Bar Calorie Cake Of Doom, described by my friend as the amazing chocolate heaven thing. Who needs ovens???

I haven't forgotten the steampunk stuff, I promise! Things got in the way!

There has been some good fancy dress however...

Pirate punting races on the Cam! I wish I'd got a better picture of my hair, it was epic :D

I'm currently working on River Song and Aerith Gainsborough cosplays. River Song is for a uni charity event I'm planning on doing next term (with my boyfriend as the Eleventh Doctor), and the Aerith one is for the off chance that I have enough money to go to a convention in August. Plus I have been told I look like both.

River Song cosplay, work in progress.

I hope you all have been well :D I look forward to reading all the blog posts I have to catch up on...

Becky x

Guide to steampunk: part 2 - ladies clothing

When putting together a costume (either steampunk or cosplay) I always find it really helpful to split it up into little bits to make it easier to make and organise.

I also make sure I find lots of photos from the internet to draw inspiration from and to use as references:

 

 

 

All credit to the photographers/models.

 

So, looking at the photos above, lets split the basic steampunk ladies outfit down into its different parts and deal with them separately.

 

Firstly, the skirt. As you can see above, there are lots of different varieties of vintage/steampunk skirts out there! A general ebay search for vintage or victorian clothing is a good place to start. There is a lot of custom made steampunk clothing out there (especially on ebay), however this is quite expensive and best avoided if on a budget.

 

Ebay searching generally requires a good amount of luck, and I was extremely lucky in finding this awesome skirt:

 

The skirt is about mid calf length and made of two layers - a satiny underskirt and black lace overskirt. The lace is shorter giving it a lovely Victorian look to it!

 

Obviously if you were wearing an aviator/pirate/engineer themed outfit you might prefer to wear trousers (as I did for my first steampunk outfit). Mine were dark brown leather (and remarkably cheap for their quality), but any sort of dark coloured trousers would do. Its important to go for materials and styles which fit the steampunk theme.

 

 

 

Next, the top! Normally this consists of two parts - a blouse or shirt and then a corset. The corset is the most difficult, in my opinion, as they can be quite expensive and its hard to find one on ebay that is suitably steampunky. Nevertheless, they can be found if you're lucky! Underbust corset/belt type things are usually the cheapest and easiest to find.

 

I didnt want to wear my corset for the ball as its a bit too gothic. This lead to a dilemma, as my white ruffle blouse really could do with something on top of it to get the layering right...

 

My current solution is to use a black studded waistcoat, which I bought a while ago at Matalan but have never really put into a steampunk outfit before. The only problem with this is I may get too warm at the ball and have to take it off, so I may need a belt or something as a back up plan.

 

 

The blouse is relatively simple, as they can be found quite cheaply and easily both on the internet and in shops. If you prefer, a normal white/black/brown shirt will do over one with ruffles.

 

Shoes! I'm wearing my long black heeled boots as they look suitably steampunky. Anything leather looking is good, especially with buckles.

 

Heres a picture of my finished costume!

 

 





So now I have all my clothing sorted... but what about accessories? (goggles, jewellery, gloves, etc) Well, I'll be blogging about that later on, after I've covered mens clothing.

 

Also, I feel I should point out that steampunk, as with all fashions, comes in many different forms and styles. The guide above is a basic outline for a sort of standard steampunk costume, but a simple google search will reveal so many different variations on the theme!

 

 

Sorry for the bad picture quality, but this was one of my favourite costumes from Goth Weekend last year - a dress with a clockwork key sticking out of the back. The only limit is really your imagination!  

 

I hope you found that helpful... feel free to ask me any questions!

Becky x

 

 

Guide to steampunk: Part 1 - what is steampunk?

One of our Christmas balls has a steampunky kind of Victorian theme, and a few of my uni friends have been asking me if I would help them put together an outfit. Hence this series of blog posts, where I will be covering a bit about steampunk as a subculture and as a fashion style.

I hope you find it helpful and mildly interesting! (Disclaimer: there are people who know way more about this stuff than I do. I do not claim to know everything. Rather, this is what I do know, and I hope it is helpful to those of you who are curious about the genre)
 
First up: What is steampunk?

To put it simply, steampunk is a genre of sci-fi. One of the main features, as the name suggests, is the use of steam power, but any Victorian cultural aspects can also be a part. What I really love about steampunk is its subtle blend of past, present and future.

The father of steampunk is considered to be Jules Verne, but here are a few other examples of steampunk books and authors:




The books are characterised by mixing past and future technology in a steam powered world. The genre has expanded since then and has now developed into styles of fashion and music.

This is my current favourite steampunk song, by the infamous Abney Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRGYE6brQY 
I suppose I would describe the music as a mixture of rock and folk, but like all of steampunk there is no solid definiton!
Other steampunk musicians are Vernian Process, The Men Who Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, the Clockwork Dolls.... the list goes on. http://www.listal.com/list/steampunk-music
Apparently there is some discussion over this, but I would also consider Emilie Autumn to be steampunky.


Theres even steampunk anime. This one is called Last Exile, and its very good. Heres an awesome AMV (anime music video) for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoQH1vBNdEg

Also, as you hopefully saw, the recent Paralympics Closing Ceremony had a very steampunk theme to it.







So.... Victorian. Industrial. Mad science. Cogs, gears, fire, machinery. Steampunk breaks down genre boundaries and merges various distinct styles together, and nowhere is this more noticeable than in the fashion.

Steampunk fashion, the basics.

Steampunk is a subtle blend of Victorian style and aesthetics with elements of futuristic technology. Bearing that in mind, the fashion style should primarily reflect that Victorian element. Colours are generally browns and blacks, although all colours can be incorporated into an outfit - within reason, that is. Obviously a pink frilly skirt is not appropriate.  

One of the things that I consider to be important about steampunk fashion is choosing items appropriate for a theme.
Let me explain: say I chose (as I have done in the past), to base my steampunk outfit on an aviator/pirate theme. Would a pirate really wear a long skirt and tight corset, complete with hat and fascinator? Obviously there is some interpretation around a theme (I wore a corset for my aviator costume, but I didnt wear a lacy one, if you see what I mean) but in general this is a good thing to bear in mind. This is a lot more applicable to women than men.

This rule can be (if you want) slightly bent when goggles come into play. Goggles have become the universal steampunk symbol, and tend to be incorporated into any outfit no matter the theme. I will certainly be wearing my goggles to the ball! More on the importance of googles when I talk about accessories.  

As I continue this blog series I'll be updating you all on my progress on the costume. Currently I have two ideas, which depend on how much time I have with work and the contents of the as-yet-unexplored Cambridge vintage shops. The first is just to rewear my Goth Weekend outfit, but I'm hoping not to do this if I dont have to. The second is to go in a more lady-like outfit. My plan is to find a skirt (or long dress), and then rewear my ruffle necked white blouse on top (no need if I find a dress). My accessories will be partially reused (as I have no jewellery making stuff with me so cannot update it), but I'll be going more aristocratic than aviator and mixing a few new things in as well. I wont be wearing any of the 'heavy' steampunk accessories such as weaponry or utility belts.

Also I have to bear in mind that Im probably taking this way too seriously and no one else there will be dressed up in a Victorian style. The ball's theme is more Gothic Victorian than steampunk, so I dont want to go too over the top.

Thats all for now! I hope you find the series interesting and helpful, I'll be covering men and womens fashion, accessories and jewellery, as well as some ideas on how to integrate the style into normal everyday wear.

I shall leave you with this marvellous steampunk name generator: http://oobleck.org/steam/ enjoy!

Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return...

Becky x

Jewellery reshuffle

Hello all!

As I go off to university within the week I've placed a few of my items up for sale at a local shop.

If you're interested in any of them, let me know asap and I will ring the shop to ask them to put them aside for when I get back. This means there is the possibility they may have sold before you reserve them, and I wont be able to organise postage and packaging until December when I'm back at home.

 

This goes for all my other jewellery too - I wont be able to sort out payment or postage until I return home. You can still reserve anything you like by getting in contact with me (providing its not already been sold or reserved) and I'll get in touch when I'm home and things are up and running again! 

 Also, I recently learned that my local bead shop is closing down :( I went back to the shop today to stock up on the beads which I use a lot of, and there shouldnt be too much of a problem for most of my jewellery.

The only problem is my Genesis Rhapsodos earring, which uses a bead which I have only been able to find there. Until I find a replacement, these earrings are limited edition. I have three left, and two have already been reserved over deviantart, so if you want the last one get in contact asap!

 

 All commissions will be closing on Wednesday! Sales will still be available, to a certain extent. I can reserve an item for you, but I will not be able to organise shipping until December (because I'll be at the other side of the country to my jewellery). Due to the very high workload of my course I have decided not to take my pliers/wire/other jewellery making stuff down for the first term, but I may change my mind at Christmas depending on how things go.

However, I still have a few pairs of earrings to post about and a newish pendant to put up for sale. There is also a good bead shop in Cambridge so expect some new and wonderful things at Christmas!

Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return...

Becky x

China Mieville

Book review time!!

OK, seriously, if you're a fan of sci fi, fantasy, steampunk, whatever, READ THIS GUY'S BOOKS.

He has the most incredible imagination of any author I've ever read. His worlds are so detailed, so creative, that you are instantly blown away by what you're reading.
I've read four of his books, but I'm only going to review two here (the others are Embassytown and The City And The City, both of which I would really really recommend. TCATC is unlike the rest of his books, more crime/murder mystery, so would appeal to people who would run a mile from his other works).

If you were to say China Mieville to any sci fi fan, chances are the first book that would spring to their mind would be Perdido Street Station. And no wonder - this book deserves all the acolades and awards that have been bestowed on it.

It's set in the incredible, steam-powered metropolis of New Crobuzon (no one writes cities anywhere near as good as Mieville). Its a melting pot of races and cultures - from the scarab beetle-headed khepri and the frog-like vodyanoi, to the Remade criminals who have had their bodies twisted and mutated under the harsh criminal justice system. Parliament and its militia are brutal, but that doesnt hold back a thriving criminal underworld. Every part of the city is described in fantastic detail.

The story revolves around a scientist named Isaac van Der Grimnebulin, who accepts a commission from a member of a bird race (called the Garuda) who has had his wings torn from him. In his search for the secrets of flight, something unthinkable is released. Every single living thing in the city is now in incredible danger from a menace that feeds on your dreams, leaving you a dried-out, soulless husk. And there seems to be nothing that can stand against it.

 

The book is fast paced and shocking at times. The characters were all well rounded and realistic - likeable, but with their flaws. But dont read it if you dont like insects. Especially moths.

Perdido Street Station is followed by The Scar, which despite being set in the same world is not a direct sequel. Some events and characters from PSS are referenced in the background, but they play virtually no effect on the plot and it is not necessary to know any more about them.

The Scar follows a ship of renegades travelling from New Crobuzon to a far away colony. They are captured by pirates and pressganged into becoming citizens of Armada, a floating city made from the hulls of ships. Here in Armada all are equal, and all are offered jobs and a new life. For many of the ship's inhabitants who were previously slaves (such as Tanner Sack), this change of situation is a miracle and a blessing. But this is not the case for everyone. Bellis Coldwine is a linguist who was only travelling to the colony out of a need to escape the city, although she is intent on returning once the danger has passed. Unable to face the thought of never being able to return to New Crobuzon, she searches for a way to escape Armada, and in doing so becomes dragged into its web of lies, intrigue and secret plans... plans to raise the greatest beast in the sea, plans to harness the power of a tear in the fabric of reality.

The Scar was an excellent book, proving once again that Mieville's imagination knows no bounds. It explores in more detail some of the world (known as Bas Lag) beyond New Crobuzon, and introduces dozens more races and cultures (vampires, grindylow, cray, the list goes on...). I did prefer Perdido Street Station, mostly because I didnt really warm to Bellis as a protagonist, but this book is still incredible and definitely deserves to be read.

The third book in the series is called Iron Council, and I look forwad to being able to read that soon.

What books have you all been reading recently?

Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return...

Becky x

Goth Weekend

First up, an apology. I wont be updating my blog very often now until my exams are over. I'm sorry, but I need to get these grades to go to uni :(

Secondly, I realise its a bit late, but heres the pics from Goth Weekend!
 (warning, this post is very picture heavy)

This was an epic cat, such a poser.

My favourite costume that I saw, really awesome and steampunky =D

And now some pictures of my own costume:

Pretty much everything came from ebay - black corset with chains, white Victorian blouse, brown leather trousers, guns and gun holster, the compulsory steampunk goggles.

The jewellery was of course all made by me. In the end I ran out of time due to revision (hate that word, and all it represents), but I still managed to make a new ear cuff:

Silver wire and antique chain, silver wing charm, genuine watch parts and labradorite chip bead. The rainbow colour on the labradorite isnt due to the camera, its a property of the gemstone when the light hits it in a certain way, called labradorescence/the Schiller effect/chatoyancy (I've heard so many terms for it, but everyone agrees that its beautiful...). Labradorite is one of my favourite gemstones, no, it IS my favourite, because of this effect.

What are your favourite gemstones?

The pendant I wore was one I made a while ago, my first piece of steampunk jewellery:

Mexican gonaiatite (primitive ammonite), with watch parts and beads. I improvised with part of another necklace for the collar so that it would work with the high necked ruffles of the blouse. I also wore a necklace with a watch on it, which was a gift.

The weekend was awesome :D The costumes were incredible, the atmosphere was fantastic, I loved looking round the stalls and spent FAR too much money... With my costume being hastily cobbled together and not really handmade (except the jewellery), I never expected to be such a hit with the photographers either. There comes a point where you cant move down Church Street without being heckled for pictures.

This was a really unusual experience for me, but I enjoyed it!

http://www.eganheadleyphotography.com/whitby-girl

My mum got in contact with this photographer to ask for a print, and he's offered to do a photo shoot for my jewellery in the future :D I spent about half an hour bouncing round the house in amazement and joy :D :D :D A modelling session, just wow....

What kind of jewellery do you think I should make for it?

I'm planning on asking a few people if they would like to help me out, and it will all depend on what clothing they have I suppose, for the colour scheme... but opinions would be wonderful :)

Should I go entirely steampunk? Or mix with some of the more standard jewellery?

Anyone got any pieces of my jewellery they especially like?

Hope you're all doing well :)

Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return...

Becky x

Steampunk

So I was planning what I want to do for Goth Weekend, and I bought a load of awesome steampunky stuff =P

First up, the alchemy bottles:

I think these are just so awesome! The ones on the left are vials to put coloured liquid and watch parts in, the rest are little bottles and jars. Some of these are for jewellery making, others are for an alchemy belt pouch thing I'm planning on making for my steampunk outfit for Goth Weekend. The ebay seller put another vial in as a free gift, which was very kind of them.

Also, I dropped by my favourite jewellers and they gave me more watch parts!

Looking on ebay, (which is where most dA jewellery makers recommend you look), everything is so expensive and really popular too, and bidding wars are bad if you really really need the item! So I'd say ask at your local jewellers! They give me all these for free, only downside is I have to take them apart myself, but that’s actually quite fun... ¬¬

<- In progress shot of watch dismantling

I'll be making some more steampunk stuff soon, some to sell and some to wear at Goth Weekend. For the rest of my outfit, the white blouse came the other day, but I'm waiting till the corset and trousers arrive before I take a picture and upload it all. The corset is black and awesome with chains hanging down the front, I really like it =D

I also recently found an awesome steampunk-ish singer called Emilie Autumn (thanks Charlotte =3): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNbCA2kb9bA