The stuffed animals and amigurumi I make are decidedly anthropomorphic, and I started making up narratives for them. It was natural for me to start putting groups of them together and making dioramas. I got interested in Steampunk at the same time, so making up a Steampunk scene was the next logical step.
“Steampunk” explores what the past would be like if the future happened sooner--imagine a Jules Verne world set in the Victorian era, women hiding gamma ray guns in their corsets, pirates in airships, and mad scientists with time machines. I imagined a group of amigurumi animals getting together to plan their next grand adventure.
The animal bodies are all made in the same yarn to keep a cohesive look. I used Rowan Felted Tweed in grey mist (discontinued color), a DK weight yarn, because I like the feel and look of it, especially when using a small hook for a very firm fabric. In order to keep the Steampunk theme going, I chose metallic yarns for the clothing and accessories: Vanna Glamour by Lion Brand, and Stardust from Red Heart. I had fun seeking out and repurposing items for their accessories.
I like jointed limbs on stuffed animals, so instead of buttons, I used real watch gears, another acknowledgement to the Steampunk motif. Pipe cleaners in the arms and legs make them very poseable--especially the octopus!
The octopus’ name is Professor Octavius Cephalopod, a deep sea treasure hunter. He sits upon a chest filled with the latest finds that will finance the group’s endeavors. His goggles are jewelry findings, and he holds a tiny compass (a button with a real compass imbedded into it). His underside is studded with textured washers to represent suction cups.
Madame Rowena Lapin, the rabbit, is a sponsor of the arts, a suffragette, and quite possibly a spy. Her clothing consists of a corset, with a bustle that nicely sheaths her bunny tail. Her hat has slits to accommodate her long ears, and it’s topped with the requisite goggles (jewelry findings). She carries a parasol (a repurposed cocktail garnish) and a heart-shaped key--her secrets are locked away.
The elephant, Captain Eli Maximus, is a military man. His whistle (a working jewelry charm) is at the ready to call the troops, and he’s not afraid of getting into the battle himself with his trusty sword (canape pick).
Baron Peter Scurday is a squirrel--a flying squirrel. Along with his bomber jacket and flight scarf, he wears an impressive set of wings (painted wooden pieces, gears, and rhinestones), as well as a propeller cap (top of a vinegar bottle and jewelry findings).
Dr. Maxwell Wallaby, the kangaroo, doesn’t like to be called a “mad” scientist, but his experiments can get messy. He wears a lab coat, and his apron has a big pouch--of course. His still (light socket, clock gears, tubing, rhinestones) is cooking up either an absinthe cocktail, or an ice cream float. He holds a bottle with something bubbling over (real glass bottle, glass beads, mohair yarn). His cap is made from a salt shaker top, tiny lightbulbs, and springs from a ballpoint pen.
I am currently hard at work on a book-length allegory with a different theme. Check back on this blog for my progress on this latest project!
