The origins of Steampunk date back to the science fiction literature of the 19th and 20th centuries with the novels of Jules Verne or HG Wells for example. Over time, the genre has developed its own culture of art, fashion, music, video games among others. Most of the first steampunk achievements developed involved the design and development of works of art and fashion using their own skills and imagination. Thus was born the die-hard tinkerer mentality that most steampunks possess today.
What is steampunk or DIY?
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Origins | Inspired by 19th and 20th century science fiction literature, notably the works of Jules Verne and HG Wells. |
| Recycled materials | Using raw materials from old objects found in flea markets, second-hand stores and garage sales. |
| Community | Creators share ideas and techniques in a global community, fostering collaboration and mutual support. |
| Applications | Steampunk creations can be used as decorations, clothing, accessories and furniture, combining aesthetics and functionality. |
| Model Kits | Detailed and educational projects, such as the Owl Clock, Marble Race, Gramophone, Blimp and Film Projector. |
| Creativity | DIY Steampunk involves creating unique items using craft skills and a wild imagination. |
| Assembly | The pieces are assembled using various techniques such as joints, pulleys, welds, to create unique works of art. |
| Parts Recovery | The necessary materials are often found in flea markets and second-hand stores, contributing to an ecological dimension. |
| Technological Elements | Integration of technological elements in certain projects, such as complex mechanisms and gears to improve the functional and aesthetic aspect. |
| Education and Development | Steampunk projects help children develop their assembly skills, hand-eye coordination and imagination, often with adult supervision. |
Creating unique objects involves using raw materials from old objects. Who has never had the idea of emptying the treasures of the family attic to reclaim them?
- Designing amazing steampunk artwork, clothing, accessories helps revive these treasures and bring them back to the forefront. These creations can be used for decorative purposes and can also have functionality in the modern world. Starting a steampunk homemade project requires a lot of thought and work. Building an object from scratch requires a lot more imagination and ingenuity.
- The next step is to collect pieces from flea markets or second-hand stores and other garage sales. Obviously, the materials should be related to the genre such as old metals (such as bronze, brass or copper), wood , leather and other materials that were around in the Victorian era. The worked pieces are then assembled using joints, pulleys, welding and other techniques to obtain the final work of art.
- Make your network work or expand it if you like to create, try to find other creators to share ideas and techniques. A real community of many steampunk artists exists, and some are skilled workers who like to create and design objects on the theme of the retro future. The steampunk fan base is constantly growing and has people who follow it all over the world, in all kinds of professions and jobs. These people do not always find the time or do not always have the skills to design and create their own projects, mutual aid strengthens the community. Over time, thousands of ideas have circulated on the internet, these steampunk works that people can appreciate and display in their own environment are very inspiring. These works can be in the field of wall art, digital art, clothing, accessories, furniture, decoration ...
More recently, many shops like ours have also started selling DIY accessories like gears, cogs and other delightfully retro futuristic pieces. These small objects imitate industrial style elements at a low cost to develop your steampunk projects from scratch. It is thus possible to create your jewelry, customize your hats or make decorative objects like models. All this is easier and remains a lot of fun.
Some DIY ideas with wooden models to assemble.
Steampunk Owl Clock
This amazing Owl Clock is not only a model but can also be used as a decoration in a room or office. It is a useful and eye-pleasing item and is designed using the best craftsmanship. The clock runs on one AA battery. Furthermore, the clockwork system is mechanically operated by gears.
The 3D puzzle also has a buzzer and the timer can be set between 0 and 30 minutes and can be used as a Pomodoro. The Pomodoro is a time management technique that uses a timer to divide work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. The project consists of 161 high-quality wooden pieces that must be assembled by you to connect the gears correctly, rest assured this is very well explained. The fit of the pieces is perfect, making assembly enjoyable. The kit includes a detailed instruction manual, matte paper, paraffin wax and a small hammer to help create this intricate and exquisite work of art.
This is a challenging project and a perfect gift for your loved ones, kids and adults, who love models and steampunk. This project will help you develop your assembly and concentration skills, all in all an interesting hands-on experience without being too complex.
DIY Marble Run
This is an amazing model made up of 294 pieces. This project is inspired by the Rube Goldberg machine, which refers to any machine that performs a simple task in an excessively complicated way.
Once the assembly is complete, you will see marbles hurtling down bouncy slides thanks to clever and fun devices. These marbles are set in motion by the rotation of a crank lever and gear-like structures that send the marbles on different paths. The structure is made up of mechanisms such as rotating funnel-shaped acceleration devices, oscillating marble separators, and much more.
The plates used to make the model are made from non-toxic and natural plywood sheets that have a black-gray appearance with a metallic finish giving it the appearance of an industrial machine. The kit also includes detailed instructions with graphic images to help assemble the machine. Some parts are fragile and should be handled with care. Spare parts are included just in case.
This project is very similar to Bruce Rosenbaum's kinetic art experiment on autistic children, which helped children develop their social skills and problem-solving abilities. It is also designed in a way to teach basic engineering principles, improve hand-eye coordination, develop assembly skills. This steampunk model can be a great gift for your loved ones on any occasion.
Note: Please ensure that children under 14 years of age participate in this project under adult supervision.
Steampunk Gramophone Model
This 3D puzzle gramophone comes in the form of smooth sheets of wood with 424 individual pieces. This project requires no batteries or glue and you simply snap the individual pieces together to build this 3D model. This is not just a static object and once the model is complete you can turn the gramophone on and watch the intricate internal gears move hypnotically.
This gramophone puzzle also includes a volume control knob and a USB port for additional power. A hand-cranked generator allows the machine to convert electrical signals into audio signals. Your vinyl records can be played at three different speeds. The kit includes an album with three classic songs. The first is, "Memory Of A Dance", which is an elegant and relaxed mix. The second track is "The Merry Gent", which has a lively and cheerful character. And the third is "The Giant Killers", which is a powerful and majestic tune.
This is a challenging project for beginners. Some parts are delicate and need to be handled with great care and patience. A detailed instruction manual is included with the kit to help you assemble this working vintage gramophone.
DIY Steampunk Airship
We can't imagine a steampunk world without some airships or zeppelins with their propellers powered by a steam engine. Take a look at this perfectly designed DIY kit that is just waiting to be completed by your hands. This wooden mechanical airship puzzle uses precision laser cutting in high-quality plywood, which is safe and practical.
The 3D puzzle comes with all the pieces and detailed instructions on how to assemble its parts. Once assembled, it takes the form of a charming old airship that works thanks to mechanical energy and the rotation of gears. The model is really fun and challenging and the feeling of seeing the airship move after building it is simply amazing. However, for the airship to work properly, all the pieces must be carefully assembled, so take your time.
DIY Movie Projector
Steampunk inspires innovation and this movie projector is one of the best examples of it. It is the world's first battery-free wooden overhead projector that, once assembled, can show movies in a dark room. Just hold it 30cm away from a white screen, turn the crank and you can watch a movie. The best part about this puzzle kit is that it doesn't require any batteries. You just turn the crank to generate the electricity needed for the projection. This wooden puzzle kit comes with a "Modern Times" movie. You can even make your own movie to record your fond memories. (suitable for 4.5mm/5mm film).
The 3D puzzle is a challenge for your brain that involves hours of immersive construction that put your skills and patience to the test. The finished model has a stunning steampunk aesthetic . Everything you need is in the package. Each step is clearly illustrated. Just follow the manual to the letter, and your time will be rewarded with a grand final result!
You can find other amazing steampunk models in the decorative objects collection .
Remember that the most important thing is to share good times and have fun. Children are particularly fond of 3D puzzles and models, let them try their hand at assembly under your supervision. Thank you for reading, see you soon for another article on the exciting world of Steampunk.
