Steampunk? What is that you might ask? Well in this class I will introduce you to the world of “Steampunk” and the wonders it beholds. Adventure and invention are key elements in this world and every good adventurer needs an excellent pair of goggles to protect your eyes while inventing or exploring all of the exotic places you will travel or simply to look stylish! Steampunk adventurers love anything brass and brown leather – and they especially love clock works and gears of any kind. The designing and making of your unique goggles will be a process of invention using found objects – be as creative as you wish.
We will work through the process of planning your goggles, assembling techniques, decorating your goggles to make them your own, how to strap them to your head, adding magnifying lenses and wrapping your eye pieces with leather for comfort.
Supply List:
- Dremel tool w/ a variety of drill bits (optional – bring one if you have one, but if not I will have a couple extra ones we can share) .
- Power strip (If you are not bringing a battery powered Dremel tool then this might be helpful in sharing limited outlets)
- Sand paper (all purpose)
- 4oz. ball peen hammer or rivet hammer
- Flush cut wire snips
- 16-18 gauge copper, brass or silver colored wire
- Tin snips (straight)
- Needle nose pliers
- 22 gauge brass sheet metal (optional - if you want to bend and rivet brass sheet into a tube for eye pieces)
- ¼” wide brass stripping (optional – available at most hardware stores & hobby shops)
- Assorted gears, or other interesting metal bits you might have around that you would like to use to decorate your goggles.
- Medium to heavy weight leather (small pieces are ok)
- Awl
- Tapestry needle
- Waxed poly bookbinding thread = purchase it here - any color.
- Brass rivets and/or Chicago screws
- E6000 adhesive
Due to the nature of this project and the fact we will be building your goggles out of found objects – every pair will be unique. The best way to gather your supplies is to spend some time searching through your local hardware and auto parts store and search for components that you like and can visualize being part of a pair of goggles. You will need large rings of some sort for the eye pieces (consider plumbing supplies, the inside ring in a doorknob kit, hose clamps, jam nuts, etc. – brass is best or bring gold paint to alter the color of items). You will also need either round glass or Plexiglas lenses that fit in your rings (some lighting stores carry 2” glass lenses for track lights). Or, you could use the lids off clear top tins containers (TCT4 fm www.specialtybottle.com) (You could also cover your eye pieces in wire mesh if you prefer.) Another option would be to take part from another pair of old goggles to add to your new pair. You will also need some way to strap the goggles around your head – this can either be a leather strap or a nice looking piece of elastic (preferably not white). If you opt for the leather strap you will also need a small brass buckle (1/2” size would be good). Other optional items might include: small brass tubing, a jewelers loop or flip down magnifying lenses, small brass screws with nuts, ornamental brass pieces (check your hardware store’s lamp parts section for inspiration).
