Thrift Store Ideas (Steampunk)

1. Adventurer's box


I found this box covered in jungle scenes and elephants suggesting an adventure in India. Without any modifications whatsoever it could easily fit in with an interior design inspired by Victorian adventurers. However, you could also make it the base for something else and have a maze of pipework and instruments fitted inside or poking out the top. I found this for about $2, and in pretty good condition inside and out. 

2. Clock steampunk cabinet

Any analog-looking clock, especially with the wood, brass rims, and roman numeral details, is a gold mine for steampunk projects. Even if the rest was junk, you could still break open the clock and salvage it for cogs, gears, and other bits and bobs. The cabinet beneath presents an opportunity though, and if you are technically inclined you could used the window to display moving parts, lighting effects, bubbling containers, clay-made creatures, or audio effects. This was about $4.

3. Steampunk wrist-mounted device or communicator


This, believe it or not, is a folding hairbrush with a mirror. I found this one at a Goodwill but I often see similar products in dollar stores. This one came in gold and silver varieties, but conceivably any item with these shapes could be spray painted to look metallic. My immediate thought was to include this as a wrist-mounted gadget or communicator, set on a leather or metallic-simulated band or harness. Age it with some rub n' buff metallic wax, or some careful paint, and it would really fit in with a steampunk costume. You could even add LED lights or sound equipment, with the guts inside the container. This could also pass muster for some sort of futuristic device (I get Flash Gordon or Star Wars when I see it). This was about $1.

4. Copper pipework device or frame



All right, so the glasswork in the middle doesn't really go with the rest. But I like the idea of using the copper pipe to frame or construct something. You're not likely to find this in a thrift store very often, but does present some crafting possibilities with the medium, especially if you have tools for metal-cutting and welding. 

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