In Which I Return to the Keyboard…and Steampunk?

So…..HI!  I say that a little sheepishly, because I’m slightly embarrassed.  I’ve been away much longer than I anticipated. 

After my (shockingly distant) last post, I fully intended to start yakking at my favorite internet audience again.  Then at the last minute, I decided to pick up where I left off a couple years ago with a professional designation and try to wrap it up.  It took ALL my free time.  YUGG. 

But, for now, I DO have free time again, and the wheels are a turnin’.  Not to say that I have a ton of time, but Avery is getting a little more independent and able to play by herself a little more.  Today, I was even able to cut some fabric while she played!!!   She only takes about an hour nap each day, so things get done bit by bit.

I also have managed to start a cute, easy little project.  It started with a super clearance HobLob find and it just received its third coat of paint in the basement.  A little more paint, and it’s ready to go.

On a mostly unrelated note, I recently learned about the “steampunk” style, and I totally dig it.  I’m not sure it would work in my house…but I’m going to keep my eyes out for steampunk-y components for the garden (!).  Not sure how that will turn out, but we’ll see.  I figure it’s a good place to start.

Not familiar with steampunk?  Well, let me introduce you!  It’s a combination of Victorian elements and futuristic components in a sort of “machine” look.  Think classic literature like HG Wells’ The Time Machine, or Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  It’s the look of Victorian science fiction.  I’ve run into a lot of it lately, even including a steampunk book of clothing patterns at JoAnn yesterday.  To me, it’s cogs and gears, gauges, copper, rivets, pipes…and I’m not even sure what else yet!

 

Admittedly, a lot of it is pretty over the top.  But here are a few garden ideas that are more casual attempts at steampunk:

 

Pretty interesting, no?  Some of these pins come with DIY instructions, too.  I’ve recently discovered a cool flea market, so I’ll be keeping my eye out for old iron gears or wheels or implements or whatnot.

Anyway, welcome back.  To you.  To me.  Keep a lookout for my little paint project.  It’ll be done soon!