How to Make Steampunk Jewelry DYI Guide

A steampunk fashion is not complete without the help of one of a kind and intricately designed DIY steampunk jewelry. If you are a steampunk cosplay fan, you may be familiar with how tedious and time-consuming it is to complete an authentic steampunk look. This is because Steampunk jewelry is not your run the mill type of accessory but an accessory that tells a story. DIY steampunk jewelry uses an assortment of jewelry base material such as copper, brass, and leather. Everyday knickknack from an old clock, watch, gears, and others are perfect for this project. However, what exactly is steampunk, steampunk fashion, and how do we make our jewelry steampunked? What elements are needed to belong to steampunk and not diesel punk, cyber punk, or even Goth?

Steampunk is the union of the past with a futuristic twist that is quite unusual. It delved into an old-fashioned Victorian or Western setting while dealing with futuristic inventions that we see in sci-fi movies in its unpolished form. For some unexplainable reason, it works.

History

 

Steampunk fashion is based on fantasy and futuristic imagination set in the Victorian Era. Inspired by the first industrial revolution in the 1700s to 1800s, cotton and steam-powered engines played a central part. Recognized in the fashion industry in the '80s. It was only in 2006 that the first-ever steampunk convention occurred, SalonCon. Steampunk enthusiasts came to dressed in their own DIY costumes and accessories.

The fashion theme is similar to retro-futurism, which displays the eagerness of the possibilities and future discoveries based on science. The enthusiasm and the drive for new discoveries are hyped by the many successful inventions that happened in the Revolutionary Era. Spinning Jenny, the machinery used to spin wool, telegraph, photography, typewriter, and of course, the steam engine. It's like a switch was turned as we realize that there are so much more we can do, and we began to dream and expect bigger and grander things of what the future may be. Steampunk jewelry and accessories are commonly a DIY or do it yourself kind of thing for the fashion itself on confined. As long as the theme and material were used, the design depends on the maker, wearer's imagination, and artistry.

Steampunk is seen everywhere, not just in fashion but also in many forms of arts and designs. Movies such as the time machine, league of extraordinary gentlemen, and Hellboy. In theme parks such as Disney land and many more. Steampunk was also a popular category in a handicraft store famous for its DIY handicrafts.

Setting

Steampunk lives in a world where machines were powered by steam or spring mechanism. It may be in a British Victorian setting or in a western environment comparable to the Wild-wild west movie.

Association

Cyberpunk

Klapi / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) 

Steampunk is associated with cyberpunk, which is believed to be the precursor of steampunk. Focused on the same dystopian futuristic theme as dieselpunk, using highly advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics. Also, based on science fiction delving on the darker side of human culture and technology. The negative side of technology and the internet that may possibly end humankind in the future.

The darker kind of punk that displays the same Victorian-era combined with mystery, magic, and death. The incorporation of a romantic type of love with vampires and serial killers is a category of its own, called steam Goth.

Diesel punk

The post-apocalyptic time where the planet was destroyed by war, zombies, or other apocalyptic elements, and the remaining humans rebuilt their city. Instead of steam, dieselpunk revolves around diesel-based mechanisms and machines. Taking place in an interwar setting, the term was created by Lewis Pollak in 2001. Also, an offshoot of cyberpunk, focusing on diesel-powered devices.

Diesel punk is a combination of two themes from a different point of view. It follows a post-war theme depicting that of the beginning of World War II, where lives were affected by the catastrophe brought about by the first wat has not yet improved as they fight for survive and see the future with positivity only faced by another war.

Biopunk

Likewise, a derivative of cyberpunk, biopunk focuses on the negative outcome of tampering with human biology. This sci-fi genre tackles the dark side of Human experimentation, misuse of the knowledge of advanced biotechnology, and the creation of humans using genetic manipulation or cloning. The setting takes place after the cyberpunk ear, where humans are at war with robots.

Modern steampunk

Modern steampunk fashion involves different styles from the 19^th century, army, and explorers: Goth and Lolita fashion.

Steam Punk Inspirations

Victorian Fashion

The Victorian Era has created a distinctive look that we know that the setting took place in the Victorian Era when we see it. The Victorian fashion originated in the United Kingdom during the course of the Victorian Era under Queen Victoria's rule.

It was during this era where the transition in fashion, technology, and arts happened. Sewing machines were massed produced that translates to more readily available and affordable clothes. Artificial dyes and printing were also utilized to contribute to the more colorful clothes and printed fashion magazines that update the masses on the current trend. By 1905, factory-made dresses replaced custom-tailored clothes made available in department stores at a much more affordable price.

The types of clothes worn by women represent their social status. The bigger, grander, and more restricting the clothes were, the wealthier the woman for this denotes that she does not have to work. The middle class also wears the same type of dress, but in a more straightforward and less restrictive for they have to work, still, the clothes were impractical for women to use, as they were uncomfortable to wear in the first place.

Corset

 

A sturdy garment worn as a trainer and body support for a smaller waistline and a larger bottom. This was used more for its aesthetics impact more than its medicinal purposes. Unlike the corset that we use today, that may mimic an authentic Victorian garment's look but lack its sturdy features. Old fashion corsets were made by highly skilled tailors called corsetiere. They are equipped with knowledge regarding anatomy and create a well-fitted and durable garment.  In the 1850s, the term tight lacing was recorded, which is the extreme version of wearing a corset. Victoria corsets were made from spiral steels that end below that waist for a more curvaceous form. It gives the "Victorian Silhouette" rather than old fashion cylindrical silhouettes.

Cuirass Bodice

The term refers to a body armor used by soldiers originating from the 5^th century covering the front extending to the back. Traditionally made from a single or a multiple pieces of metal assembled together to protect the torso. Cuirass bodice, on the other hand, is a type of long-waisted corset that looks similarly like the body armor.

Petticoats

 

These are worn under the skirt, not as underwear but to give body and fluff to a full skirt. Established as an undergarment in England in 1585, it was initially designed to be adorned as an actual skirt.

Crinoline

A type of structured petticoat is made from horsehair, cotton fibers, or linen. Used in the 1850s to give a full-bodied skirt extending its width.  Cage crinoline was made from various materials such as whalebones, steel, and rubber. A crinoline can extend up to a circumference of six yards. By the 1860s, crinolettes replaced crinolines, which are its smaller counterpart.

Tournure

Introduced in 1870 together with the polonaise dress. A tournure is a structured undergarment to create an extended and more extensive bottom appearance. Ac Victorian fashion changed from a large full skirt to a tapered skirt designed with elaborate trimmings and trains. Sleeves were also styled with a tapered end. While the dresses grew longer, petticoats' use was more essential to lift the skirts up from the ground.

Engageants

These are false sleeves worn under a more extensive petticoat sleeve. Made from lace or linen with an embroidered ringlet.

Chemise

 

An undergarment worn under a corset is used to protect clothes from sweat.

Hats

 

Hats were used to exude a proper and respectable appearance. Wide-brimmed hats were used to emphasize the inverted triangle appearance for women. Elaborately decorated with plumes, silk, flowers, ribbons, lace, and others. Some hats even used stuffed birds as the main décor. Due to the high demand for feathers coming from the birds living in the everglades, almost ninety-five percent of the shorebirds were killed, leading to the near-extinction of the species.

Poke bonnets

 

Characterized by small brimmed, high crown appearance and has a front opening and a closed-back wherein you can only look at a woman's face from the front.

Gloves

 

Similar to the hats, people in the Victorian era would never go out of without wearing a pair of gloves. This covers a third of the female hand, finished with an embroidered or laced opening secured by one to three buttons.

For nightwear, gloves were a tad longer, reaching halfway to the elbow with 3-4 buttons. White, gray, and tan-colored gloves were especially worn in the evening, while whites are preferred during the day.

For the upper class, French skin was imported from France. These are made from animal skin. Lace mittens are gloves made from a mesh or net fabric.

Shoes

 

Ladies' shoes were made from satin and later leather. Initially heelless, to low heel, to high heeled with a pointed front.

Men's Wear

Frock Coats

 

A formal Victorian men's coat characterized by a knee-length skirt-like base. Well-fitted long sleeves, overturned collar, with a slim fitted waist attached to the waistcoat.

Waistcoat

 

Waistcoats are sleeveless top worn on top of a dress shirt and under a coat.

Breeches

 

Knee length, tapered –cut pants fastened by a drawstring or a button.

Cravats

 

The precursor the necktie and bowtie. Initially worn by the military in central Europe in the 17^th century. It was Charles the second, which brought cravat fashion to England in 1660. He announced the garment as an adornment on the neck, like a long towel worn around the collar and tied into a bowknot.

Norfolk Jackets

 

A single-breasted tweed jacket styled with a loose belt and tailored with box pleat on the front and the back. Explicitly designed as a hunting gear and was popularized by King Edward VII during his younger years.

Tuxedo

A jacket fashioned from a satin or grosgrain fabric adorned over a dress shirt and paired with trousers characterizes dinner suits or three-piece suits. Introduce by King Edward VII in 1865.

Top hats

 

Known as a high hat, cylinder hat, or a topper. Characterized by a tall flat-crowned hat worn during formal occasions paired with a frock coat or a dinner suit. Fashioned initially from black or gray colored silk fabric, it entered western fashion in the late 18^th century.

Bowler hats

 

The bowler hat also goes with the name bob hat or a derby hat in the United States. Exhibiting a sturdy low crowned rounded hat made from felt fabric. Created in London in 1849, it was paired with a semi-formal outfit. Its popularity increased in the mid-19^th century for both the middle and upperclassmen.

Victorian Jewelry

 

The wearing of jewelry in the Victorian era was exclusive to women. It was a feminine item used in identifying a person's status in society. If one is not able to wear jewelry, it denotes that she does not have the financial capacity to purchase one and is a part of the working or lower class. The middle class, on the other hand, are able to buy imitations of gems. Gold was the metal of choice, as well as various gems. Cut steel jewelry was also quite popular in the 18^th to early 19^th century, much like with the Victorian style clothes. Victorian jewelry designs are iconic to the era and are categorized into three periods.

The Romantic Era

Inspired by the renaissance era, gold was mainly used in jewelry making. The romantic period features natural motifs of animals, flowers, trees, insects, and birds. Gems and gemstones were used, such as pearls, ivory, agate, amethyst, amber, and diamond. Other materials are coral, tortoiseshell, and amber were utilized to create rings, brooch, and bracelets. Cameo technique resurges during this period.

Grand Period

Costume jewelry started to gain popularity during this period as the women were empowered and made bold choices. Women began to be a part of politics and businesses that was not part of the norm during those times. Women were also allowed to attend the university, earn their own money, and vote. Jewelry motifs represent freedom, such as butterflies, beetles, and dragonflies. Silver was used rather than gold with soft-looking decorations like pearls and ivory. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and lockets started to gain popularity as casual adornments.

Aesthetic Era

Women were genuinely empowered in this era that women organizations were established. With the goal of equality in mind, women chose not to wear jewelry on a daily basis. Jewelry sales were decreased for women would only wear accessories on a special event.

Mourning Jewelry

After the death of Prince Albert, in 1861, Queen Victoria used mourning jewelry until the time of her passing. Mourning jewelry was used by women in general in honor of their deceased husbands. There are only two materials used on mourning jewelry, these are jet and onyx. Both exhibit a black shade. The mourning period generally lasts for a year after a beloved passed. Widowers and grievers were not allowed to wear sparkling accessories and colorful clothes.

Jet is a mineraloid type of gemstone from wood. Whitby jet, the term originated from the location where jet gems were found in Whitby, England.

Steam-powered engines/steam powered locomotives

The first steam-powered locomotive was developed during the revolutionary era. It was primarily built in 1802 by Richard Trevithick. From 1812 to 1813, the first commercially used steam-powered locomotive was designed and made available to the public. It was further developed, offering an inter-city route from Liverpool to Manchester in 1830.

VTG / Turbo Charger

 

Widely known as turbo, the design is commonly used as a steampunk arm accessory. A turbocharger is a device that aims to increase internal combustion and efficiency of the engine by forcing compressed air into the ignition chamber. These are applicable for mechanically driven devices and powered by turbine energy. The theory of forced induction was initially patented late 19^th century. In 1905, Alfred Buchi patented a turbocharger prototype having a radial engine powered by an exhaust-driven turbine and compressor that targets to overcome power loss experienced by airplane engines in high altitude environment. He successfully installed turbochargers in 1925 and had established the first commercial application of his invention, raising a 10 cylinder engine power output from 1,750hp to 2,500 hp.

Lolita

Lolita subculture originated in japan. The fashion is highly influenced by Victorian style in a cute and youthful way. Lolita fashion is subdivided into three categories, these are the sweet Lolita, Goth Lolita, and classic Lolita. Goth Lolita is the fashion that is related to steampunk. Goth Lolita has a exhibits the darker punk side of Lolita. Much like the Victorian fashion, Lolita displays a frilly blouse and skirt or a whole dress, worn together with petticoats to give body to the A-line skirt and high-heeled shoes.

Time travel

Most of steampunk accessories and jewelry are inspired by the clock mechanism. Time travel likewise deals with time and the advanced technology of traveling from the past to the future and vice versa. Rooting from a fiction novel entitled the time machine.  This speaks of the theory of traveling through time and the consequences of manipulating time.

Elements of Steampunk

Flying goggles

 

Airplanes were an open aircraft in the 20^th century. Flying goggles were used to protect the eyes from debris, insects, wind, and other eye irritants that may come in during a flight. An iconic goggle used in world war II is popular among collectors and steampunk enthusiasts. The AN-6530. It is made of nickel-plated steel, rubber face pad, and milled brass. It was equipped with either a tube-type or streamlined vent. These are two different design patented by two different manufacturers. The American optical goggles use the tubular type of vent designed with a small brass tube located along the top portion of the frame. The spring goggles patented by Charles Fischer use the triangular vent holes on the lower part of the frame. It was equipped with an optical glass with a transparent high density dark green lenses useful in identifying targets even under the glare of the sun. The lenses were made with glass and later changed into plastic in response to glass shattering under high wind pressure and debris exposure.

Aviator Hats / Flight helmets

 

A rounded, fitted cap made from leather characterizes bomber hats. Equipped with a chinstrap and a pair of earflaps lien with fur or fleece. Famous in the 20^th century used by aviators flying an open cockpit aircraft. It aims to keep the pilot's head warm and is always worn together with a pair of goggles. As closed airplanes and jet fighters were invented, bomber hats were replaced by carbon fiber helmets.

Parasols

These are light, lacy, and vintage-looking umbrella used in the Victorian Era. These are to protect the women from the heat of the sun while staying in fashion, complementing their elaborate clothing.

Steampunk Jewelry Materials

Vintage metal is used to create steampunk jewelry. These are copper, brass, and bronze.

Copper

Copper naturally occurs in many forms, such as metallic copper, copper sulfide, bornite, copper sulfosalts, and many more. The earliest proof of cupper use dates back to 8700BC in Iraq.

It was in the 18^th century when Whales was dubbed as the copper center of the world. The largest copper mine in 1900 was found on the river of Tamar. In the later years, copper and tin were also mined in Cornwall and was able to produce around 164,000 tons.

Bronze

Bronze was made by alloying copper with tin. This as was used by the Sumerian in 3000BC, the Vinca culture in 4500BC

Britons were highly skilled in refining metals. It was in 2150BC that the Bronze Age started in Great Britain when British metal smiths discovered how to make bronze and its more robust property. This is the era where the material slowly overtook the use of stones. Various objects were made from bronze mainly used in was weapons.

Brass

Thayne Tuason / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) 

Brass played an essential part during the revolutionary period. It is a copper alloy consisting of copper and zinc. It exhibits a reddish-brown to a light yellow shade dependent on its zinc content, wherein the color becomes weaker as the zinc concentration increases. These are more durable than copper, corrosion-resistant against saltwater, and are easy to manipulate. It was in 1746 that brass was patented in England. Used in the woolen industry that was a booming industry in the Victorian Era. As brass wires were being mass-produced in England, it was smuggled in from Europe. Brass was the preferred and most utilized copper alloy in the creation of timepieces, musical instruments, and marine navigation such as the chronometer. 

Still in the revolutionary period, in 1738, cast brass was used in water-powered batteries. Brass rods were used in the textile industry as pins used in weaving.

Cut Steel

Cut steel jewelry grew in popularity in the 18^th century. Characterized by a thin base plate made from brass, tin, or silver. Steel studs were used as screws and later as rivets. The origin of cut steel jewelry has never been established, and there are only a few surviving artifacts of this type of jewelry, for they were said to have been manufactured poorly. Therefore, most may have disintegrated already.

Cameos

 

Cameos were one of the objects mass-produced under the rule of Queen Victoria in the 19^th century. An old-fashioned technique in jewelry making by dating back from the Renaissance period. Cameos were made by carving images using semi-precious gems like an embossed figure. Some are enameled to give justice and life to the engraved masterpiece. Commonly used as pendants, signet ring, and decorative arts.

Velvet fabric/ribbon

 

 Velvet, lace, and ribbon are commonly used in DIY steampunk accessory making, especially for the females. These roots from the basic steampunk theme that takes place in the Victorian era where everything was elaborately decorated and frilly in design. The delicate lace and ribbon accents balance the ruggedness of the leather fabric concomitantly utilized in custom made steampunk accessories.

Chains  

Chains are crucial in steampunk fashion. The chain drive is a way of conducting mechanical power from one location to another. These are seen in bicycles, motorcycles, and other machinery. These are used to roll the gears. Chains are used in DIY steampunk jewelry as a necklace chain for pendant, bracelets, monacle's. It can also serve as a decorative aspect that gives punk in steampunk.

Black Beads

 

Black beads are the jet or the onyx gemstone counterpart for custom-made steampunk jewelry. This metal rivet and screws also adds authenticity to the said jewelry. Black bead contributes to additional sparkles without being too glamourous. It still gives elegance in a dark and mysterious aura.

Keys and springs

 

Keys and springs are associated with steampunk for its association with the mechanical windup mechanism. You see this on non-battery operated toys with wind up keys built on the side; you know that jumping chicken or frog to annoy your dogs? The key serves as an energy source as you wind it. The spring acts as a storage for the energy produce by winding the key. Gears serve as a control on how fast and slow the movement will be.

Leather

Leather is quite the fabric of choice for steampunk or any punk fashion at that. Not only is leather a durable material, but it has a badass effect. Steampunk accessories that utilize leather are boots, corset, arm and wristbands, aviator hats, and even top hats.

Rifles / Revolvers

 

Steampunk fashion is associated with the western cowboys setting, and a wild-wild western movie is not complete without a gun or a rifle. The main difference between a steampunked gun and a regular one would be the mechanism used in firing. As we know, steampunk accessories are limited to their creator's imagination. Some designs involve functioning rifles and powered by mechanical turbines, which is the central theme for the said fashion.

Filigree

 

A filigree design is a highly intricate artwork used in various metals crafts. The word means thread and grain. The earliest artifact using a filigree technique was in 3000BC in ancient Mesopotamia. Telkari was a variation of filigree using silver and gold wires developed in the 15^th century. The filigree design is used in many countries such as India, Cyprus, Egypt etc. India filigree design is called Trichinopoly. Artifact from the eastern Mediterranean region shows highly ornate filigree design. It was polished to perfection until the 3^rd century BC.

Lockets

 

A pendant used to store photographs and other memorabilia such as a lock of hair practice in the Victorian Era as a piece of memento jewelry. The pendant opens up in the middle exposing a hollow inner compartment. Spinning lockets were a thing during the Victorian Era where the bail is fastened on the necklace chain enabling the locket to turn. Memento jewelry like keepsake locked stores the hair of the deceased on one side and his photo on the other.

Pocket watch

 

Pocket watches were the most common timepiece used in the 16^th century right before WWI. The clock is equipped with a chain to secure on to eth waistcoat or belt loop. The first-ever pocket watch model only has an hour hand with an open face protected by a hinged brass shell. It was either worn as a necklace or attached to the wearer's clothes. It was in the 17^th century when men started bringing pocket watches in their pockets. It was due to this practice that the shape was adjusted to a flat and rounded shape. The glass was attached to cover the face of the watch. Pocket watches give a Victorian ear chic in steampunk accessories. It was always used in the time travel fiction

 Clock parts / Gears and cogs

 

Cogs and gears are the stars of steampunk fashion. It is like a calling card for steampunk. Once you see a piece of jewelry with cogs and gears, you will automatically think of it as part of steampunk fashion. Gears are the rotating object found in machines exhibiting teeth-like edges. Gears were first used in China in the 4^th century busy. Supporting this claim was a set of fears preserved in a museum in Henan, China. This was said to be used to calculate the position of the planets.

Difference between Steampunk. Cyberpunk and Dieselpunk

These three genres are somewhat associated with one another. Only those who are a fan or knowledgeable about fashion can distinguish the three.

Timeline

The first difference will be the timeline. Steampunk happened takes place in from the Victorian to the Edwardian Era. This is the age where a top hat is a regular part of an outfit. The dieselpunk era revolves around the war and post-war times, where the hat of choice would be an army hat or a beret. Cyberpunk sits in the most advanced time distinguished by advanced technology and design.

Theme

Steampunk is full of positivity, the anticipation of the things to come. This stems from all the new discoveries that happened in the revolutionary period. It is like an eternal high that the concept was almost non-realistic.  This positivity was suddenly halted by the war.

Diesel punk comes next after steampunk, where everything was shattered, and life was all about survival. Picking up the fragments left by the war and trying to start over while looking forward to a better future, only to be smashed down, yet again by another war.

Cyberpunk comes after dieselpunk, where everything imagined during the steampunk and dieselpunk era was possible. Advanced technology was achieved. The only downside is that humans are at war with artificial intelligence that threatens humankind.   Robotics plays a vital role in the cyberpunk genre.

Accents

Steampunk uses various materials and accents, but the most basic would be the steam engine and the Victorian era. Some iconic materials are cameos, cogs, clock, and leather.

Diesel punk kind of look like steampunk; however, the clothes used are different. Being set in between wars, the clothes were not as fancy or almost tattered, to be exact. If you have just survived the war, you wouldn't' be dressed in a corset wearing high heels, would you? Gas masks, military outfits, and tattered clothes are some of the typical decorations used in dieselpunk.

Cyberpunk

The accents are too futuristic that it displays colorful designs to even neon in color. Lasers, holograms, and levitation are like a walk in the park. Some objects used are black leather neon hair, neon guns, and sparkly appearance, and robotics.

DIY Steampunk Parasols:

Materials:

Black or Brown Colored Umbrella

Scissors

Lace trimmings/ribbon

Cement Glue

• Following the color theme of steampunk fashion, you may use a black or brown colored cane style umbrella.
• Use a black or brown colored lace ribbon and attached it around the brim of the umbrella.
• Add another two layers of lacy ribbons on the body of the parasol with about 2 inches apart.
• Cover the tip of the umbrella with a rosette style ribbon to complete a Victorian styled steampunk parasol.
• Note that there are lace type umbrellas offered in the market.

DIY Steampunk Aviator Hat

Materials:
Constructing Foam

Aluminum foil

Iron

Brown paint

Plastic containers for the earmuffs

Cement glue

Scissors

Hat pattern

Gears

Steps:

• Create a leather texture on your crafting foam by gently pressing a low heated iron on a scrunched up and flattened aluminum foil until the creases are embedded.
• Use the hat pattern and draw on the foam
• Cut the part and glue them together following the instruction
• Using a hairdryer, heat the foam while wearing a hat to mold it onto the shape of your head
• Paint shades of dark brown, black, and a hint of light brown to complete a faux leather appearance.
• Decorate your helmet with gears, a brass buckle, and faux leather covered flat plastic cups to imitate earmuffs.
• Note that if you have the sewing talent, the appearance would definitely improve by sewing faux leather pieces following the hat pattern.

DIY Steampunk Top Hat

 

Materials:

Foam

Black paint

Contact glue

Hat pattern

Scissors

Small square-cut foams

Cogs, studs, and other steampunk decoration.

Steps:

• Trace the hat pattern on the foam.
• Cut the foam following the hat guidelines.
• Glue the top and the middle part together
• Glue the brim on the previously connected top part
• Use the smaller square foams to create a patchwork
• Pain the whole hat with black.
• Use small beads or studs to give a riveted effect.
• Use a small amount of brass paint as smudge it on some studded portions' to give a little old-fashioned glitter.

DIY Earrings

Materials

Fish hook earrings

Jump rings

Decorative Cogs and wheels

Chain nose Pliers

Steps

• Choose three different sized cog pieces
• Use a jump ring to connect the smallest gear inside the hollow center of the larger cog.
• Use your pliers to push the just ring together to seal its open end.
• The smallest cog must be able to freely dangle.
• Connect the largest cog on top of the finished gear set. Make sure that the set is not upside down.
• Again, use the pliers to seal the jump ring.
• Connect the fishhook on top of the largest gear with another jump ring and crimp the ends together using your handy chain nose pliers.
• Repeat the same process to create the other earring.

DIY Steampunk Eyeglasses

Materials

• Metal frame eyeglasses
• Small decorative cogs, gears, or springs
• Glue

Steps

• Glue pieces of gears on the metal frame.
• You can add the same sized cogs on the side of the frame for a more detailed look.

Importance of Steampunk

Steampunk is a form of self-expression. The liberty to be whatever you want to be. To dream as high as you want and to take action in reaching that dream. Steampunk sees not just the good but also the ugly in the world. Accepting these challenging circumstances while continuously dreaming for a better future. Hope and freedom are what steampunk means, or any type of punk. 

Creating your own steampunk jewelry and accessories can be easy and fast or complicated and time-consuming. It all comes down to how realistic you want your creation to look. You can use foams used in arts and crafts to imitate a leather fabric or use actual leather, even if it's faux. You can use glue to bind pieces together or sew them to create a durable piece. You can buy decorative elements to attach to your outfit or look for any old clock or springs and spray paint them with bronze to look vintage. Overall, it is up to your creativity on how to truly imbibe a steampunk look. Note that some steampunk enthusiast creates a functional accessory and not just worn for aesthetics. However, if you do not have the understanding to build you a machine like most of us but has the passion for a steampunk style, just make sure that you incorporate the essential steampunk elements in your creation. Victorian-style clothing, clock mechanism, aeronautics gears, leather, lace and brass, bronze or copper-colored metals sand you are good to go.