Halloween Costume Ideas: Alice in Wonderland Costumes at the Rennaissance Faire

Alice in Wonderland is always a fun favorite when it comes to costuming.  This year at the local

Alice in Wonderland gets a kiss from the Giraffe

Renaissance Faire, I got a chance to see some fun "Mad Tea Party" themed costuming.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

Below is the Renfaire version of Alice in Wonderland, hoops and all.

Renfaire Alice in Wonderland

A more evil version of Alice in Wonderland (gaming version )  was also to be found.

Then there is the "Red Queen" who took on a more "Pirate" personality.

One cannot forget the "Cheshire Cat"......

Here is a close-up of his hat.

There was also a steampunk themed brown rabbit present.

I came across some pink flamingos too.

And not to be left out, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were present too.

And then there was this cool "Black Diamonds Costume".

And here are a few more photos from that day.

Pink Flamingo in her converted (baby crib) vehicle

Pink Flamingo in capitivity.

Three of Hearts Costume.

Halloween Costume Ideas: A Look At Some Steampunk Costumes and Accessories

Some steampunk Costumes from the Labyrinth ball

I come across a lot of different Steampunk costumes and Victorian Costumes at the

League of Steam members and friends

various conventions and shows that I work at.  So I thought I would share them with you.

Each steampunk costume is different and reflects the view of the person who created it.

Great skirt idea, this one is easy to walk in.

The Steampunk Accessories can vary too, like the belt in the photo below that is made by an artist who sells them at various balls, shows, and possibly on etsy.

Steampunk tool belt.

The gown below is a combination of four different pieces, a jacket, a corset, and two skirts.

Below are more pictures of various steampunk inspired costumes.

A close up of some of his accessories.

One young man sported a fun steampunk vehicle.

Giveaway Opportunity for 12 Steampunk Books from Quayside Publishing

Giveaway of 12 Steampunk related books from Quayside including the NEW Anatomy of Steampunk, available at the Craftside blog.  Hop on over today to enter for a chance to win this great value of Steampunk books.

Here is a list of just a few of the books:

Anatomy of Steampunk

1,000 Steampunk Creations

How to Draw Steampunk

Steampunk Style Jewelry

Steampunk Chic

and some great cosplay books too!

Stefanie has also posted a great tutorial on how to make a "Steampunk Blaster Gun" from Katherine Gleeson's new book, just scroll down the post and you will see a link to download the tutorial.  And if you are going to be in Burbank, CA on November 15th a 4 PM you can meet the author Katherine Gleason, Donna Ricci and more of the fabulous peeple invloved with Anatomy of Steampunk please join Stefanie, Katherine, and Donna for a fun time at Clockwork Couture.  Dressing in your finest Steampunk wear at the 15th event is encouraged.

Book Review of 1,000 Steampunk Creation's by Dr. Grymm and Barbe SaintJohn

If you are a fan of the steampunk jewelry style or in the process of creating your own steampunk period character, then the book "1000 Steampunk Creations" will appeal to you.

I often search the web for ideas and "how to" directions, when I am designing props for my costumes.  This can take hours, which I don't really have.  However, there is an easier way to find information on the steampunk genre, and see actual designs of an interesting assortment of artists and designers to suit a variety of tastes.  "1,000 Steampunk Creations", by Dr. Grymm and Barbe Saint John, can be a great source for costumes, accessories and inspiration for cosplay and other costuming needs within the steampunk genre.  The book has 1000 photos of steampunk style jewelry, specialized props, weapons, and more.

The book editors have also included the names (and contact information) of the many different artists and designers whose work is featured in the book, so that readers can contact them.  This makes it easier for those who do not have the time to make their own costumes or accessories to locate period appropriate items.  For example, if you are searching for head wear, then the examples of some of the accessories that are designed and sold by Topsy Turvy Design at their website may be of assistance.

Then there are accessories.  In the steampunk genre, most accessories have dual uses.  So going through the book can help the reader search for that perfect tool that compliments the character that they are working on.  The photographs in this book are well done and show the intricate detail of  the designs, as seen in the photo below.

steampunk spider piece

 Many of the items featured in this book are an interesting combination of history, science and imagination.  In the steampunk genre, each gadget you find on a costume has its own purpose and back story.  For instance, the horn below is also a communicating device.

 Piece by Annette Elizabeth

If you are a novice costume maker, you should know that the book itself is not an instruction manual. If you need detailed instructions on how to make costumes and/or accessories, then I would recommend a search on Amazon for an instructional project orientated type of book.  However, the novice costume maker can benefit from having this book on hand for reference.  Looking at the various designs in this book can be quite an inspiration, not only to see what others have created but to compare it to your own ideas and designs.

A good example of this is in the "Steampunk Fairy Catcher" costume below, the designer has combined science, history, whimzy and electrical knowledge in creating this cool costume.

Steampunk Fairy Catcher

The "Steampunk Fairy Catcher" costume has working gadgets.  From the lighted cage to the portable vacuum device.

     Again, this book is a handy reference when working on a costume or viewing someone else's creation.

The steampunk fairy in the picture below, is wearing a variety of interesting accessories that are

handmade.  You can see a compass on one of the arms, and the ring turns into a weapon of sorts. The circles on the armband and belt, are solar powered and light up.

See if you can pick up the gadgets on the costume in the photo below.

In the next photo, you can see that the steampunk couple have an interesting assortment of gadgets.  The female is carrying more gadgets than the male.

Another example of a neo-victorian/steampunk costume can be seen in the photo below.

Additionally, she has a wooden steampunk cover for her iPad (Infinite Purpose Access Device) that her husband designed and made for her.

You can see that the iPad cover uses a dial device that has to be turned to open the iPad cover, below is a view of the iPad cover opened.

Another fine example of combining science, imagination, woodworking, and electronics into a usable gadget.
   If you are new to steampunk and want to learn to make a fun steampunk inspired project, then the following video may interest you.  The video features Stefanie Girard with Barbe Saint John.  Barbe demonstrates how to make a steampunk style bobbie pin.



The video features the book "Steampunk Style Jewelry" by Jean Campbell.

The "Steampunk Style Jewelry" book has 22 steampunk style jewelry projects from various designers (including Barbe Saint John).  This is a great feature for those of us who like to get the perspective of several designers rather than just one.  Additionally, there is a great "how to" section for the novice jewelry maker that explains materials and techniques.



Disclaimer

Steampunk Costumes and accessories

I love "Steampunk" movement. If you take time to read the "Steampunk" magazine, it will give you insight into the movement, the costuming, and the wonderful accessories that fans of "Steampunk" are creating.





I recently had the opportunity to attend the "Labyrinth of Jareth" ball in Los Angeles, California.








This a costume ball where guests are encouraged to wear costumes of various themes. It was eye candy for the creative soul!





My twin brother's accessories: vintage leather map book from WWII, vintage leather gloves, goggles (french), etc.



He has a bowler hat on but not the common shape. This one was slightly different and look just right for the character he is portraying.











Annette Elizabeth made all the costume pieces (including mine.... she has oodles of talent and amazing ideas). The corsette is set with non metal boning to allow for more movement.

They sported cool metal guns which were made from recycled materials. All leather materials were vintage and collected from various retail sources (antique malls, auctions, vintage stores, army surplus, etc).




The "League of Steam" was present at the ball and even had a display set up of many of their very cool props that they use for the u-tube videos.


If you have not seen one of their shows, you can find them at U-tube or click on "League of Steam videos" to find the link. They are funny.



I love the "steampunk movement" so of course I was on the look out for costumes with that type of flair. This group shows off some of the steam punk clothing that was worn.