Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Last Week's Workshop
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sweet Amazon Finds
I was talking to Jenny about some cool stuff I found on Amazon for reasonable prices. I recommend doing searches for 'steampunk', 'victorian', 'edwardian', and 'dieselpunk'. This is going to be an incredibly long blog post. There is more if you start looking. You might want to check specific styles like 'sack coat', 'safari', 'aviator', 'saloon', 'corset', 'bustle', etc etc.
European Swiss Motorcycle Vintage Leather Boot Gaiters
$19.98
European Swiss Motorcycle Vintage Leather Boot Gaiters
$19.98
Steampunk Drive Cap - Herringbone
$23.99
Gothic long fishtail black skirt
$ 38.95
Victorian Lace Up Boot
$33.71
Victorian Womens Granny Boots Tall Two Tone Brown Tan w Zipper
$34.88
British Pith Helmet
$17.99
High Neck Cap Sleeve Pintucked Blouse
$25.98
Lighweight Frock Coat
$179.99
Men's Banded Collar Shirt
$12.96-15.96
Saloon Girl Adult Costume
$39.95 - $45.88
Bloomers Ladies Short Saloon Girl
$24.98
New Meetings and Assignments!!!
April 2nd - We're going to discuss the float. Our goal is to make a rough parts list.
April 9th - Badge & Medals Workshop. Bring your glue guns and any parts and pieces that would look good as part of a badge or medal. Look below at the two posted pictures for an idea of what's going on.
April 16th - Instead of a book to read, we're going to watch some movies and compare them! On your own, go watch some Jules Verne movies (some are posted below) and be thinking about how they compare, what styles were used for the films, interpretation of the stories, etc etc. You can watch some different films or different versions of the same film. It's up to you. Also look for parodies.
April 9th - Badge & Medals Workshop. Bring your glue guns and any parts and pieces that would look good as part of a badge or medal. Look below at the two posted pictures for an idea of what's going on.
April 16th - Instead of a book to read, we're going to watch some movies and compare them! On your own, go watch some Jules Verne movies (some are posted below) and be thinking about how they compare, what styles were used for the films, interpretation of the stories, etc etc. You can watch some different films or different versions of the same film. It's up to you. Also look for parodies.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 26th Meeting
At this week's meeting, we're going to be discussing "The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel" by Joe R. Lansdale and the introduction to the anthology called STEAMPUNK.
If you missed the last meeting which took place right before the movie showing, then you missed us discussing Golden Days. We talked about possibly hosting a Golden Days event, specifically we talked about holding a ball and having it also be a fundraiser for what's been going on in Japan. We're open to other charity ideas. A big plus to this is that people are going to be doing stuff in their Golden Days costumes and people are in the mood to do things -in costume-!!! We also need to track down music - DJs? Musicians? Can we get any acts for the ball? Perhaps a steampunk bellydance number from one of the local groups?
We also talked about participating in Clean Up Day, May 7th. BUT, in full steampunk glory! Want to be a steampunk robot picking up trash? Sweet! This might be a good time to break out mad scientist clothing and those big rubber gloves.
Also, coming up on the calendar, is World Steampunk Day/Tesla's Birthday on July 10th which is on a Sunday this year. Keep it in the back of your minds. We'll try to get out and do something as a group.
We also discussed group photos (group + ind. member). This will be real useful for a press package. It's a good reason to get costumes in order. It's also a bit of a mood-lifter! We got pretty excited about this. I think it will be a good reflection upon the group. It'll make us look a bit more organized to outsiders.
Group Outings - We discussed possibly going for a horseback riding trip for, maybe for like 2 or 3 hours, through a local guide. Any other ideas?
If you missed the last meeting which took place right before the movie showing, then you missed us discussing Golden Days. We talked about possibly hosting a Golden Days event, specifically we talked about holding a ball and having it also be a fundraiser for what's been going on in Japan. We're open to other charity ideas. A big plus to this is that people are going to be doing stuff in their Golden Days costumes and people are in the mood to do things -in costume-!!! We also need to track down music - DJs? Musicians? Can we get any acts for the ball? Perhaps a steampunk bellydance number from one of the local groups?
We also talked about participating in Clean Up Day, May 7th. BUT, in full steampunk glory! Want to be a steampunk robot picking up trash? Sweet! This might be a good time to break out mad scientist clothing and those big rubber gloves.
Also, coming up on the calendar, is World Steampunk Day/Tesla's Birthday on July 10th which is on a Sunday this year. Keep it in the back of your minds. We'll try to get out and do something as a group.
We also discussed group photos (group + ind. member). This will be real useful for a press package. It's a good reason to get costumes in order. It's also a bit of a mood-lifter! We got pretty excited about this. I think it will be a good reflection upon the group. It'll make us look a bit more organized to outsiders.
Group Outings - We discussed possibly going for a horseback riding trip for, maybe for like 2 or 3 hours, through a local guide. Any other ideas?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Ongoing Quest
It seems like I'm always posting steampunk videos for you guys to watch. I hope they're being enjoyed and I hope that they expand your horizons. Anyway, have fun this weekend, enjoy the videos, and show up to the double-feature steampunk movie showing at Sipping Streams at 6pm. QAEL members - 5pm for the meeting.
Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight, Tonight"
Dresden Dolls "Coin-Operated Boy"
Vernian Process "Behold The Machine"
Abney Park "End of Days"
Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight, Tonight"
Dresden Dolls "Coin-Operated Boy"
Vernian Process "Behold The Machine"
Abney Park "End of Days"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 17th - Air Kraken Day!!!
What is Air Kraken Day?
Air Kraken Day was established in 2007 as a way to celebrate the 1903 Air Kraken attack (as seen above) on March 17th. Many folks celebrate with squid food, flying squid kites, making squidy things, or by taking their pet squids for a walk.Often times stories appear about people seeing Air Krakens or even battling Air Krakens. Art of Air Krakens has slowly started to emerge.
Read about the Air Kraken in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Horror of the Heights (1913).
Read up on this day:
- http://www.wunderkabinett.co.uk/damndata/index.php?/archives/769-Happy-Air-Kraken-Day.html
- http://brassgoggles.co.uk/blog/200703/happy-air-kraken-day
- http://electricchildren.com/wordpress/?p=323
- http://daily-steampunk.com/steampunk-blog/2010/03/17/happy-air-kraken-day/
- http://blog.wingsofsteam.net/?p=325
- http://www.thesteampunkempire.com/forum/topics/air-kraken-day-approaches
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mar. 19th - MOVIE NIGHT!!!!
5PM Meeting. 6PM - Double Feature Movie Night at Sipping Streams. Chosen movies are: The Assassination Bureau and Monarch of The Moon. Free showing by QAEL.
Snacks and drinks can be purchased at Sipping Streams - support them because they support us! Also, there will be some intermission shorts that will knock your socks off!
Email Jessie for a PDF flyer
 |
| Starring Oliver Reed and Dianna Rigg |
 |
| Starring Blane Wheatley and Monica Himmelheber |
Snacks and drinks can be purchased at Sipping Streams - support them because they support us! Also, there will be some intermission shorts that will knock your socks off!
Email Jessie for a PDF flyer
Cookie Jar & Antiques
Steven, Jenny, and I went to the Cookie Jar - where it was totally packed - and had a great time. I was facing the corner of the room, but I was told that there were a few people behind me who were eyeballing us. It was a delicious and good time.
Afterward, we decided to go to that fairly new antique shop on 1st and Cowles. They had a lot of really cool stuff including some steampunk jewelry. They do have a vintage clothing selection upstairs, in case you're looking for something.
Here's something brought to you by Steven.
Question: Do we want to participate in Clean Up Day as a group? I think it's May 7th.
Afterward, we decided to go to that fairly new antique shop on 1st and Cowles. They had a lot of really cool stuff including some steampunk jewelry. They do have a vintage clothing selection upstairs, in case you're looking for something.
Here's something brought to you by Steven.
Question: Do we want to participate in Clean Up Day as a group? I think it's May 7th.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
2011 Golden Days theme picked
FAIRBANKS — The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce has selected “For Gold Time’s Sake” as the theme for the 2011 Golden Days celebration.
The Chamber ran a Golden Days theme contest in February, receiving more than 100 suggestions. Ginny Monsma, a teacher’s aide at Hunter Elementary School, won a $100 Bruegger’s party at her workplace by submitting the winning entry.
Golden Days is scheduled for July 20-24. It includes a parade, rubber duckie race, street fair, kids day and more. To become involved in Golden Days, call Heather Zimmerman at 374-6702 or e-mail Golden Days@FairbanksChamber.org.
The Chamber ran a Golden Days theme contest in February, receiving more than 100 suggestions. Ginny Monsma, a teacher’s aide at Hunter Elementary School, won a $100 Bruegger’s party at her workplace by submitting the winning entry.
Golden Days is scheduled for July 20-24. It includes a parade, rubber duckie race, street fair, kids day and more. To become involved in Golden Days, call Heather Zimmerman at 374-6702 or e-mail Golden Days@FairbanksChamber.org.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Overdone Fashion
Found a blog post that you guys might be interested in: 7 Overdone Steampunk Fashions at Wild Wild West Con
What do you guys think is overdone steampunk fashion?
What do you guys think is overdone steampunk fashion?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Upcoming Schedule
March 12 - We are going out for lunch! No meeting at Sipping Streams. Dress up & meet us over at the Cookie Jar at 11AM.
March 19 - 5PM Meeting. 6PM - Double Feature Movie Night at Sipping Streams. Chosen movies are: The Assassination Bureau and Monarch of The Moon. Free showing by QAEL.
March 26 - Meeting. Book Discussion: "The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel" by Joe R. Lansdale and the introduction to the anthology called STEAMPUNK.
March 19 - 5PM Meeting. 6PM - Double Feature Movie Night at Sipping Streams. Chosen movies are: The Assassination Bureau and Monarch of The Moon. Free showing by QAEL.
|
| Starring Oliver Reed and Dianna Rigg |
|
| Starring Blane Wheatley and Monica Himmelheber |
March 26 - Meeting. Book Discussion: "The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel" by Joe R. Lansdale and the introduction to the anthology called STEAMPUNK.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Videos
For a bit of fun...
High Tech Noon
Episode 3, The Dr.Steel Show
League of Steam, "Monkey Business"
Weta Raygun Commercial
Arms Race, short film
High Tech Noon
Episode 3, The Dr.Steel Show
League of Steam, "Monkey Business"
Weta Raygun Commercial
Arms Race, short film
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Mar. 5th Meeting
At the next meeting we're going to discuss the upcoming movie night, which will be on March 19th and will be a double feature. The meeting for March 19th will start at 5PM and the double-feature will start at 6PM - NO 11 AM MEETING THAT DAY!
We chose the next story for discussion. It's from the Steampunk anthology (SEE HERE). It's called "The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel" by Joe R. Lansdale. It's only 40 pages long. We'll be discussing it on March 26th. Come to the next meeting to get a copy. We're also going to talk about the introduction to the book, so you might want to read that too.
Let's go out! We were talking about going out in full costume for a dining experience. Maybe the 12th? We need people at the next meeting to discuss this!
Costumes. I (Jessie) handed out papers with male and female forms so people could plan their outfits easier. We need to look good for the parade. I'll bring the papers next time as well. You can make copies and draw directly on the figures or use tracing paper with them. If you need some help coming up with some cool ideas for costumes, I suggest looking through the links (up top on the blog), particularly the shopping links, and also do an image search in your favorite search engine.
We had a new person show up, so the flyers at UAF are working! I hope we see more new people!
We chose the next story for discussion. It's from the Steampunk anthology (SEE HERE). It's called "The Steam Man of the Prairie and the Dark Rider Get Down: A Dime Novel" by Joe R. Lansdale. It's only 40 pages long. We'll be discussing it on March 26th. Come to the next meeting to get a copy. We're also going to talk about the introduction to the book, so you might want to read that too.
Let's go out! We were talking about going out in full costume for a dining experience. Maybe the 12th? We need people at the next meeting to discuss this!
Costumes. I (Jessie) handed out papers with male and female forms so people could plan their outfits easier. We need to look good for the parade. I'll bring the papers next time as well. You can make copies and draw directly on the figures or use tracing paper with them. If you need some help coming up with some cool ideas for costumes, I suggest looking through the links (up top on the blog), particularly the shopping links, and also do an image search in your favorite search engine.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Steampunk Function and Aesthetic
Opinion Piece from Steven:
Steampunk... the word conjures up visions of beautiful and ornate Victorian designs, yet at the same time the whirring and clinking of gears, the hiss of steam, and the smell of coal.
It's no surprise then, that with these two seemingly opposite aspects that getting into steampunk, one might be intrigued with the aesthetic or the function.
Neither approach is wrong, and each is an art unto its own, but they sometimes cross. The prime example is the gear. The gear is a piece of machinery designed for a purpose, such as keeping time or controlling a mechanical automaton. Yet, the intricacy and beauty of the inside of a timepiece strikes our aesthetic side. So which is it? Aesthetic or function? Either, neither, both?
So, when someone starts into the world of steampunk, they might be intrigued with one side or the other. It may be the case they want something that looks incredibly cool but couldn't possibly work. There's nothing wrong with this. The individual is mastering the aesthetic. Don't be quick to judge the lack of function. Sometimes, the aesthetic itself serves the function of being visually pleasing.
Another may be on the functional side, designing a project or gadget that does something amazing but lacks all of the ornament and beauty and brass that would be expected of a "steampunk" gadget. There's nothing wrong with this. Sometimes, the functional piece itself is it's own aesthetic, such as the gear.
So, my point is, aesthetic and function are both important, but don't worry if you haven't mastered both. That's part of the fun of this big strange world is learning what you can, playing in it, and taking something with you...
Steampunk... the word conjures up visions of beautiful and ornate Victorian designs, yet at the same time the whirring and clinking of gears, the hiss of steam, and the smell of coal.
It's no surprise then, that with these two seemingly opposite aspects that getting into steampunk, one might be intrigued with the aesthetic or the function.
Neither approach is wrong, and each is an art unto its own, but they sometimes cross. The prime example is the gear. The gear is a piece of machinery designed for a purpose, such as keeping time or controlling a mechanical automaton. Yet, the intricacy and beauty of the inside of a timepiece strikes our aesthetic side. So which is it? Aesthetic or function? Either, neither, both?
So, when someone starts into the world of steampunk, they might be intrigued with one side or the other. It may be the case they want something that looks incredibly cool but couldn't possibly work. There's nothing wrong with this. The individual is mastering the aesthetic. Don't be quick to judge the lack of function. Sometimes, the aesthetic itself serves the function of being visually pleasing.
Another may be on the functional side, designing a project or gadget that does something amazing but lacks all of the ornament and beauty and brass that would be expected of a "steampunk" gadget. There's nothing wrong with this. Sometimes, the functional piece itself is it's own aesthetic, such as the gear.
So, my point is, aesthetic and function are both important, but don't worry if you haven't mastered both. That's part of the fun of this big strange world is learning what you can, playing in it, and taking something with you...
Feb. 26 Meeting & Update
At the upcoming Feb. 26 meeting, we are going to have our discussion on Around The World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. So read the book, watch one of the movies, listen to the audio book, or whatever - just get ready for it!
We have pretty much decided what kind of base materials we'll be using for the float. It's not 100% because we are planning on not having everything go strictly to plan. We can fill you in at the upcoming meeting. We are still trying to determine the color(s) of the squid. We're trying to find materials for the float. We still have no place where we are going to build and store the float parts. Anyone have a workshop? We'll have to discuss this more at the next meeting.
Bring ideas for future projects and fundraisers. We came up with a few good ones, but it's probably good to have a few spare ideas lying around. We had a few reasons for fundraisers, including funding for the float, funding for some awesome professional group pictures, and for future endeavors.
----
If you take a look around you'll notice that under LINKS there are links to QAEL places on the internet (like facebook), but there are also General Steampunk and Steampunk Shopping links. I just wanted to point this out so you don't just ignore it. You might find something that really kicks ass. I do recommend checking out The Steampunk Home blog that is in the link section. It's fantastic.
I am also just about to get a new page set up with a book list.
If you are interested in helping out with the blog, let me or Jenny know so one of us can send you an invite. We simply need your email address.
I need someone to write up a group history. It'll get posted under Information.
We have pretty much decided what kind of base materials we'll be using for the float. It's not 100% because we are planning on not having everything go strictly to plan. We can fill you in at the upcoming meeting. We are still trying to determine the color(s) of the squid. We're trying to find materials for the float. We still have no place where we are going to build and store the float parts. Anyone have a workshop? We'll have to discuss this more at the next meeting.
Bring ideas for future projects and fundraisers. We came up with a few good ones, but it's probably good to have a few spare ideas lying around. We had a few reasons for fundraisers, including funding for the float, funding for some awesome professional group pictures, and for future endeavors.
----
If you take a look around you'll notice that under LINKS there are links to QAEL places on the internet (like facebook), but there are also General Steampunk and Steampunk Shopping links. I just wanted to point this out so you don't just ignore it. You might find something that really kicks ass. I do recommend checking out The Steampunk Home blog that is in the link section. It's fantastic.
I am also just about to get a new page set up with a book list.
If you are interested in helping out with the blog, let me or Jenny know so one of us can send you an invite. We simply need your email address.
I need someone to write up a group history. It'll get posted under Information.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Feb. 19th Meeting
Had some ideas that I'll bring up at the meeting.
- Group Pictures - I think that we (the group) should work on our outfits and put up some cash to get some professional photos taken. We can plan on having these done in May or June or something, which would give us a deadline to work with (for the usual costume construction, weightloss, facial hair growth, hair cuts, etc etc).
- Patches - We have a logo. Do we want patches?
- Film Showing - I liked Steven's idea of showing films. Since we are considered a "club" (as opposed to a "business" or a "non-profit") we have use of the Fair Use Clause which means that we can show whatever films we want without having to pay royalties. If we wanted to make a profit, THEN we would have to seek out the film companies to pay royalties. If we just had an open showing of a few steampunk movies - meaning that we weren't charging for the viewing of the movies - then we DON'T have to pay royalties (because of the Fair Use Clause).
Steampunk Empire
If you have taken a look around the blog you may have noticed the links to The Steampunk Empire. The Steampunk Empire is a social networking site for steampunks. That means you can socialize with other steampunks from all over the world. You can see how their dressed, what they're making, learn about what they're reading and watching, etc. It's kind of cool to have a place to visit, in your spare time, when we don't have a meeting (and that is steampunk). It's also a great place to trade ideas on stuff.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Golden Days Theme Note
From the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce website:
"It's that time of year again, and the Chamber is beginning to plan for this year's Golden Days celebration, and would like you to be involved! Submit a historically creative Golden Days theme for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Bruegger's Bagels to be applied towards a breakfast or lunch party for your business on us!
Please submit your theme ideas by 5pm on Friday, February 25th by emailing GoldenDays@FairbanksChamber.org."
Submit your theme suggestions!!!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Feb. 19th Meeting
We are planning on discussing the parade float. Bring your ideas, notes, drawings, suggestions, and opinions. We are trying to come up with a list of parts and pieces, so think outside the box. Cheaper is better, but it has to look right. We also need to know who is going to be involved with the two-part float. If you can't make it to the meeting, then leave a post or email someone about it. Keep in mind that our biggest competition during the parade contest will probably be the Stormtroopers.
Ray Gun Workshop
Today we had our Ray Gun Workshop. Amid a pile of parts, glue, nails, screws, tools, paint, and other various gizmos, QAEL managed to create a few steampunk ray guns for future costume use. You can check out the photos in the gallery.
This blog was just created today. This is not only for enthusiasts and interested parties, but for members as well. We're going to keep this updated as to information for meetings, photos, etc etc. Whatever we have going on, you will know via this blog.
This blog was just created today. This is not only for enthusiasts and interested parties, but for members as well. We're going to keep this updated as to information for meetings, photos, etc etc. Whatever we have going on, you will know via this blog.
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