DIY Steampunk Accessories: Crafting Your Own Goggles, Jewellery, and More

Steampunk is more than just a genre; it's a lifestyle that invites creativity and personal expression through fashion and accessories. Whether you're preparing for a steampunk event, adding a unique twist to your everyday wardrobe, or simply enjoying the crafting process, making your own steampunk accessories can be incredibly rewarding. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step tutorials for creating essential steampunk accessories like goggles, pocket watches, and jewellery. We’ll also share tips on sourcing materials and adding personal touches to make each piece uniquely yours.

1. Steampunk Goggles

Steampunk goggles are perhaps the most iconic accessory in the genre, symbolizing the blend of Victorian fashion with industrial and mechanical elements. They can be worn as a headpiece, around the neck, or even as a functional eyewear piece.

Materials Needed:

• A pair of welding or aviator goggles (available at hardware stores or online)
• Acrylic paint in metallic colours (bronze, copper, gold)
• Gears, cogs, and watch parts (available from craft stores or online)
• Leather straps or old belts
• Super glue or a hot glue gun
• Small screws and nuts (optional for additional detailing)
• Optional: Magnifying lenses or small decorative lenses

Instructions:

1. Prep the Goggles:

   Start by cleaning your goggles to ensure a smooth surface for painting and gluing. If the goggles come with plastic or rubber parts, consider removing or masking these areas to focus on the metallic sections.

2. Paint the Goggles:

   Use acrylic paint to give your goggles a worn, metallic look. Apply a base coat of bronze or copper, then add layers of gold or silver to create a distressed, vintage effect. Allow the paint to dry completely between layers.

3. Add Gears and Cogs:

   Once the paint is dry, start gluing gears, cogs, and watch parts onto the goggles. Focus on areas like the sides and the bridge of the goggles to create a balanced look. For a more intricate design, consider layering smaller gears on top of larger ones.

4. Attach the Straps:

   Replace the existing straps with leather straps or old belts to enhance the Victorian aesthetic. Measure and cut the straps to fit comfortably around your head, then attach them securely to the goggles using super glue or screws.

5. Add Decorative Lenses (Optional):

   If you want to go the extra mile, attach small magnifying lenses or decorative lenses to the sides of the goggles. These can be found in craft stores or salvaged from old cameras and telescopes. Attach them with glue or screws.

6. Final Touches:

   Check for any loose parts and secure them. Add any additional details, like small screws or nuts, for a more industrial look. Once everything is in place, your steampunk goggles are ready to wear!

2. Steampunk Pocket Watch

A pocket watch is a quintessential accessory for any steampunk ensemble, blending the elegance of the Victorian era with the intricacies of mechanical design. Creating your own steampunk pocket watch allows you to incorporate personalized details and unique elements.

Materials Needed:

• A basic pocket watch (can be a working or non-working model)
• Gears, cogs, and small watch parts
• Acrylic paint (optional for distressing)
• Small screwdriver
• Super glue or a hot glue gun
• Chain or leather cord for hanging
• Optional: Small gemstones or beads for decoration

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Base Watch:

   Start by selecting a pocket watch to use as your base. This can be a new, inexpensive model, or an old, non-working pocket watch that you want to repurpose. If you’re using a working watch, be careful not to interfere with its mechanisms during the customization process.

2. Disassemble (Optional):

   For a more customized look, carefully disassemble the watch using a small screwdriver. Remove the outer casing, and if desired, some of the inner workings. This allows you to add more gears and cogs inside the watch face.

3. Paint the Watch (Optional):

   If you want to give the pocket watch a more aged or metallic appearance, use acrylic paint to add a distressed finish. Apply a base coat of bronze or copper, then use a dry brush technique to add highlights and shadows for a weathered look.

4. Decorate with Gears and Cogs:

   Begin attaching gears, cogs, and watch parts to the outer casing of the watch. For a more elaborate design, consider placing some gears inside the watch face, visible through the glass. Use super glue to secure these elements in place.

5. Add Chain or Cord:

   Attach a chain or leather cord to the pocket watch, allowing it to hang from your vest, pocket, or belt. You can find chains specifically designed for pocket watches, or repurpose an old necklace chain.

6. Personal Touches:

   Add small gemstones, beads, or other decorative elements to the watch for a personalized touch. These can be placed on the casing or inside the watch face, depending on your design.

7. Reassemble and Finish:

   If you disassembled the watch, carefully reassemble it once all decorations are in place. Ensure that everything is securely attached, and the watch is functional (if using a working model). Your custom steampunk pocket watch is now complete!

3. Steampunk Jewellery

Steampunk jewellery allows for endless creativity, combining elements of Victorian elegance with industrial components. From necklaces and earrings to brooches and rings, steampunk jewellery can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Materials Needed:

• Brass or copper chains
• Gears, cogs, and watch parts
• Small keys, lockets, or vintage charms
• Jewellery findings (e.g., jump rings, clasps, earring hooks)
• Super glue or jewellery adhesive
• Pliers for jewellery making
• Optional: Small crystals, pearls, or beads

Instructions:

1. Gather Materials:

   Start by gathering a variety of gears, cogs, watch parts, and vintage charms that you want to incorporate into your jewellery. You can find these at craft stores, online, or by salvaging old watches and clocks.

2. Plan Your Design:

   Lay out your materials and plan your design before starting assembly. Decide whether you’re making a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or another type of jewellery. Consider the balance and symmetry of your design, especially when working with earrings or necklaces.

3. Assemble the Jewellery:

   Use pliers to open jump rings and attach gears, cogs, and charms to the chains or other jewellery findings. For earrings, attach the decorations to earring hooks. For necklaces, secure the design to the chain and add a clasp.

4. Add Embellishments:

   Incorporate small crystals, pearls, or beads into your design for added elegance. These can be glued onto gears or threaded onto the chains. Mixing metallic elements with softer details like beads or pearls creates a striking contrast that’s perfect for steampunk jewellery.

5. Secure and Finish:

   Ensure all components are securely attached, and that there are no sharp edges or loose parts. Once everything is in place, your steampunk jewellery is ready to wear or give as a unique, handmade gift.

Tips for Sourcing Materials

Finding the right materials for your steampunk accessories can be half the fun. Here are some tips to help you source the best items:

Repurpose Old Items

Don’t be afraid to repurpose old watches, clocks, or jewellery for your projects. Thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales can be treasure troves for finding vintage items that can be disassembled and reused.

Shop Online

Online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and specialized steampunk stores offer a wide range of gears, cogs, watch parts, and other steampunk materials. These can be bought in bulk or individually, depending on your needs.

Visit Craft Stores

Many craft stores carry steampunk-themed items, including gears, chains, and metal findings. These stores are also great for finding tools and adhesives that are essential for your projects.

Use Nature-Inspired Elements

Incorporate natural elements like leather, feathers, or wood to add a unique twist to your steampunk designs. These materials can be found in craft stores or even in nature, adding an organic element to the mechanical aesthetic.

Adding Personal Touches

One of the best things about DIY steampunk accessories is the ability to add personal touches that make each piece uniquely yours:

• Incorporate Personal Symbols: Add symbols or charms that have personal meaning to you, whether it’s a family heirloom, a favourite animal, or a particular motif that resonates with you.
• Experiment with Colours: While traditional steampunk tends to favour metallic and earth tones, don’t be afraid to experiment with colour. Adding a splash of your favourite hue can make your accessories stand out.
• Mix Materials: Combine different textures and materials, such as mixing leather with metal or pairing industrial gears with delicate lace. This contrast is a hallmark of steampunk design and can add depth to your creations.

Conclusion

Crafting your own steampunk accessories is a fantastic way to engage with the genre, allowing you to express your creativity while creating unique, personalized pieces. Whether you’re making iconic goggles, an elegant pocket watch, or intricate jewellery, the process is both fun and rewarding. By sourcing interesting materials and adding your own personal touches, you can create accessories that are not only stylish but also one-of-a-kind. Happy crafting!