A look at Project Junktopia at their booth at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013

If you love the world of miniatures (and are not tied into the 1" ratio rules) and love to make items yourself, then you will enjoy the world that Project Junktopia has created through their marvelous displays of wooden toys and unique characters.

Janet Schriever, of Project Junktopia, is a toy inventor and designer.  She also creates amazing characters out of the ordinary things.  Below are some very cool wings that she made from fabric, wood and other easy to find items.  Her designs are very cool and I recommend seeing them in person.

She was also demonstrating how to make this fun steampunk inspired mask (Junktopia Goggles with Mustache Maker Kit) with moving parts that is available on the Junktopia website.

To learn more abot Janet Schriever and her wonderful world of recreated characters and object, just check out her Project Junktopia site.

Exploring 3D Printers at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013

OC Mini Maker Faire 2013 in Irvine, California was a great opportunity to explore and learn more about 3D Printers.

The 3D Printers are unique in that they actual replicate a digital drawing/design/model out of plastic.

The process is fascinating to watch.

The actual replication is done fairly quickly

3D Plastic Printed Puzzle

and the finished product is an amazing 3D replica of the original digital model.

The upside of this process is that it allows for an artist to create prototypes.

They can also produce multiple pieces to sell at small venues.

The artist controls the finished product from design to finish.

There are a large selection of 3D printers out in the market now.

That being said, the wax can vary in colors, texture and thickness.  The amount of the plastic materials various in accordance to the digital model specifications.  The price on these printers can vary as well.

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.

Halloween & Steampunk Costume Ideas from the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball 2012

The Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball is a great event that is held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los

Angeles in July. The Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade ball provides costumed guests with the opportunity to take part in the

story line with the Labyrinth masked characters.

The Park Plaza Hotel is a great location for the LOJ ball, as it provides several different

rooms that afford different themes.

There are two ballrooms on the bottom floor and two ballrooms on the upper floor,

which are connected by a wide staircase.  There is also an outdoor ballroom space which is great for those who enjoy an outdoor venue.  Also,  the folks at the LOJ ball turned the parking area behind the hotel into an outdoor picnic area with entertainment and food vendors.

Looking down the Central Staircase

Each year the ball has a slightly different theme that follows a particular story line.

The masked  characters roam from room to room to interact with the guests and

maintain their story line.

All the guests are required to either wear a costume or be in formal dress with a mask.

The theme for this year was a celebration of the "Royal Court of Sypher".  The story line was

unravelled throughout the venue.  Each room had it own theme

and entertainment.

Weaving a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy.

I held off posting pictures of this event in July, so that I could post them in October instead.

I love Halloween, and at this time of year, most folks are planning their costumes for the various

holiday parties and events that take place this time of year.

So here a pictures from the ball to entertain and inspire.

If wearing a mask is a bit of a bother, I found a great video on YouTube on Fablesinfashion's channel for a black lace mask makeup tutorial.







Disclaimer