I have always been fascinated with the steampunk subculture. I’m old enough that when I was young, steampunk only existed in the works of Jules Verne and the like, but once it started growing on the internet, I watched it with great interest.

I’m not much of a steampunk myself, I’m more of a punk goth when I dress up and demure goth at other times. (Yes, these distinctions matter!…) But the aesthetic is fun; I love the aviation narrative with airships and so on, the Victorian fashion, etc. I’m not too keen on the blatant British Empire copying that some people do, but apart from that it’s all good.

See, I can be steampunk too!

Anyway! I’m currently preparing for a steampunk fair – the Eastbourne Steampunk Festival (links to Facebook event) – where I shall be selling my wares like the trader I am! It’s been a lot of fun trying to think in steampunk ways rather than my usual stainless steel, Viking sort of ways, with bronze and gears and keys and all that stuff instead of my hammers and simple chains.

I’ve also been playing with ribbon maille as a result of this, which I think I will make a fixture in my Etsy shop too once the festival is over.

Ribbon maille bracelet.

So are you joining me in Eastbourne on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of September? Remember to look for the Destai banner!