Steampunk

Science fiction captivated me from a really young age, and I loved alternate history stories. The Victorian era is ones that I also found very interesting, inspired in part by Jacqueline Wilson's The Lottie Project. (Though steampunk isn't just Victorian.) Still, I had never really thought to put the two together, so imagine my delight when I discovered a whole subculture devoted to re-imagining the past, complete with costumes, etiquette, machines and creativity.

It was only around four years ago that I discovered the steampunk movement, and I adore it. There are a heck of a lot of people who are just in it for the look, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I find the alternative history thing as a whole just infinitely more satisfying. Finding a look you like is great, but I love the fact that this whole thing comes from such a creative place, and you're really missing out if you haven't explored it properly. And there are far too many people snooty about getting the look right (as with many subcultures), which can be very expensive, and just isn't the point.

For those of you who have missed the steampunk thing, there's an informative page about it here ---> EtherEmporium. It makes me a little sad that there are so many people "into steampunk" who don't really know anything about the literature or the history behind it, because it really is fascinating, from a creative point of view. A bit of a bumper blog post today, as I really love this look. ^_^ While cogs and keys are the staples of most steampunk jewellery, I've tried to stick to genuinely hand-crafted steampunk gifts (may also include cogs).

 ~♥~ STEAMPUNK ~♥~

         

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Feathers

With feathers being a popular choice for festival wear, and feather accessories in steampunk on the rise, there are a whole heap of beautiful feathered oddments and ends to be found on folksy. Often in rich browns and silky greys, natural feathers can blend really well with a toned-down autumnal wardrobe, while bright dyed feathers can bring a bit of colour in.

I love feathers, shimmery peacock colours especially, and have picked these sellers out not only for the feathers they have chosen, but the very pretty way they've put them together. These would make an excellent gift for someone who doesn't stick to the shallow end of the trendy pool. Yes, I just used that awful metaphor. Enjoy!

~♥~ FEATHERS ~♥~

 

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