Steampunk Treasures

I felt like I'd found buried treasure when I discovered this faux leather backgammon set at the thrift store for only $1.00. I knew that I wanted to use steampunk images to decorate the exterior, but the brown surface had to go. Thus began my experiment with materials that generally are not compatible with a synthetic surface, but perseverance and a light hand created the results I was seeking. I love finding inspiration at a bargain price. Here are the results.





I love the Oxford Impressions stamps: The Deep, Steampunk Works, and Steampunk Elements. This was a simple transformation with Claudine Hellmuth Studio products, Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Color Wash, and Archival™ ink. You'll find the details on pages 96 - 97 of the August 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things.

Steampunk Bird Tag

The absurdity of steampunk is one of the things that makes use of the images fascinating. Only the imagination can limit the possibilities. Where else could you find a mechanical bird wearing a top hat?



You'll find the details on this project from page 97 of the August 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things here. The Steampunk Works stamp set is by Oxford Impressions. All other products are from Ranger ® including the oversized manila tag.

ATCs - Beyond Trading: Steampunk Valentines

Recycling has a much nicer sound than dumpster diving. At least that’s what I claimed when I rescued this heart shaped box on the way to the landfill for the project on page 48 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. What better reuse than turning a box that once held chocolates into a repository for these non-traditional Valentine ATCs.

The box and the ATC below were designed with Ranger® products: Claudine Hellmuth Studio Gesso; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks; Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers.

If you are unfamiliar with the genre, steampunk provides a perfect opportunity to exercise your creativity. When I created this project, Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions had one steampunk plate, Steampunk Elements. (Other plates used in these projects were The Dressmaker, Bonbon, My Story, and Fairy Sweets.) Now, Suzanne has two more exciting steampunk plates, Steampunk Works and The Deep. Two times the ways to create non-traditional Valentines!