Loving all things Victorian, I was delighted to hear a familiar sound whilst gardening; it was a steam engine coming down the road. Luckily they don’t go too fast so we had time to grab our cameras and take some photos while it was passing our house. This magnificent sight inspired my steampunk page.
I started by colouring the edges of the page with Tea Dye and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink using a blending tool, fading the colours as I reached the centre of the page. Then I stencilled cogs, keys and text by Viva Décor using the same inks and highlighted areas with Black Soot Distress Ink and a terracotta Spectrum Aqua marker. These colours and images remind me of the steam engine that we saw. I cut the world image and rulers from some vintage paper by Kaisercraft and I used some street map paper by American Crafts to illustrate where we had seen the steam engine. I aged all these papers with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and edged them with Black Soot Distress Ink using a blending tool and then I stuck them to the page using Liquitex Matte Gel Medium. Once the medium had dried I added colour and detail using a black Uni Pin marker and terracotta, tan and slate Spectrum Aqua markers. Next I stuck on the three Victorian tags, the very dapper looking gentleman, the top hat and the fountain pen/pocket watch, all of which I aged and edged in the same way as the world and map paper. I coloured three clocks which are outline stickers with a black Sharpie permanent marker and stuck them to the page. I added the keys which are rub-on transfers and then layered up lots of different items including: Salvage Stickers from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Crowded Attic collection, Bees that I had stamped using Archival Ink onto some of the Kaisercraft paper and rulers that I cut from the same sheet of paper. All these items are edged with a black Sharpie pen and once in place I added shadows using a Slate Spectrum Aqua marker by smudging the colour with my finger and a baby wipe to produce a grunge effect. I stencilled white cogs with modelling paste and when it had dried I outlined them with a black Uni Pin marker so they stood out more. I added star outline stickers that I had coloured with the black Sharpie marker and some assorted buttons using Glossy Accents. I coloured and underlined the “Past Times” text with a black Uni Pin marker and applied Glossy Accents on top of this wording, the black stars, the metal button in the centre and around the holes of the tags to give a 3D glossy look.
I’m so pleased to be able to join Erica who is the guest designer for the “Steampunk” theme over at Try it on Tuesday and also Rosie who is hosting the “Circles” challenge over at Art Journal Journey.
Here’s the wonderful old steam engine as it passed by our house! The sight, sounds and smells were wonderful, reminding us of times gone by. Steampunk captures this era very well as it incorporates technology and designs inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery and is referred to as Victorian futurism. If you are interested here is some more information about steampunk:
- Steampunk is a fictional style and is often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”. Neither of these style cares too much about historical accuracy, the purpose is to have fun, be creative and use your imagination and not to accurately re-enact a period of real history.
- Technologies that were new or important to the Victorians, such as steam power, clockwork or electricity, are big themes in steampunk.
- The first science-fiction novels by authors H. G. Wells and Jules Verne strongly influence steampunk and as such fictional machines are popular. If either of these authors wrote a science-fiction novel today, it would be considered steampunk.
- The “punk” in steampunk comes from going against convention that sets something apart, which is borne from creativity, imagination and one’s individuality, be that style or gadgets.
- Steampunk is thought to have originated from well-known science-fiction authors William Gibson and Bruce Sterling and/or writer K.W. Jeter.
- Steampunk may also, though not necessarily, incorporate additional elements from other genres like fantasy, horror, goth, historical fiction, alternate history, or speculative fiction.
In the Victorian era, afternoon tea was also invented and became very popular; it is still popular nowadays although it is seen more as a special treat. So we decided to take advantage of the “Afternoon Tea – 2 for 1” offer whilst visiting a local Garden Centre which also has a wonderful craft shop (grin!). As T Stands for Tuesday I’m saying a big hello to the T Gang and sharing our afternoon tea, which includes our usual choice of green tea with a selection of sandwiches and cakes. There was so much food that we both only manage to eat the sandwiches and delicious scone with jam and cream.
We took all the other cakes home to enjoy another day; from the bottom left clockwise there is a Bakewell slice, Viennese Whirl, millionaire’s shortbread, Victoria sponge, tea loaf and in the middle is a chocolate brownie. As I don’t eat nuts I was served different cakes to my hubby and I have to say the millionaire’s shortbread tasted out of this world – yum!
In case you are interested, here’s the craft shop that we looked round after our afternoon tea. I did buy a few things, well, it would be rude not too with the sale items on offer and the 20% off voucher/coupon I had (double grin!).
Thanks for joining me today! If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.
Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:
- Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy, Black Soot)
- Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
- Spectrum Aqua Artist Marker (Terracotta, Tan, Slate)
- Faber-Castell Big Brush Pitt artist pen (Black 199)
- Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.1mm)
- Sharpie Permanent Fine Point marker (Black)
- Pébéo Modeling Paste (High Density)
- Hampton Art 7 Gypsies cling mounted rubber stamps (Birdsong ICO151)
- Viva Décor Universal Stencil (Past Times 900270300)
- American Crafts Paper Pad (DIY Shop 366665)
- Kaisercraft Timeless Collection (Postmarks P853)
- Outline Stickers (Timeless Silver 904935)
- The Works (Victorian Style Embellishments)
- Tim Holtz Idea-ology Salvage Stickers (Crowded Attic #TH92898)
- Royal & Langnickel Rub-on Sentiments (Home Collage #ROY533 Rub-on)
- Assorted buttons
- Ranger Glossy Accents
- Liquitex Matte Gel Medium
I have spent ages looking at your fantastic Steampunk page Jo. You have added amazing images and details, the stamps looked great. I would have loved seeing the old steam engine that inspired you to create the page. Thank you for joining us all at TioT’s.
Your afternoon tea looked delicious, taking the cakes home to enjoy later is something we would have done as well.
I smiled when you told us about the craft shop, you are not the only one who would have been tempted in there.
Happy T day.
Yvonne xx
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I stopped adding things to the page when I couldn’t fit anymore on … lol 😀. The steam engine was fantastic, we were the only ones who ran outside our house to see it and take pictures, I think the drivers thought we were a bit mad … lol! Glad I’m not the only one who has a thing for craft shops 😉. Thanks a lot and Happy T Day! J 😊
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What a sight to see coming down the road. It’s a fantastic inspiration for some art. ! Glad it had a steampunk feel so you could join in at TIOT. I also love your description of what steampunk is. 😀 And for tea, yummy. I wish we had tea shops here in the US. The food looks yummy. I wish we had more craft shops too. All we seem to have is the big box stores. I miss the one I used to visit that closed almost 2 years ago. Happy t day. Hugs. Erika
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Oh, seeing the steam engine made my day and after seeing it I added this page to my “to create” list, so I was really pleased to see your post telling me about the steampunk challenge you are guest designing for at TioT 😀. It was the perfect excuse, thank you so much! Isn’t it funny how we like what we haven’t got, I really wish we had a place that sells the delicious lobster rolls like you have over there … lol! 😉 Wishing you a Happy T Day! J 😊
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I have never gotten into steampunk, but I absolutely adore what you created in your art journal today. Leave it to you to find a way to incorporate what is outside your home with what you create in your journal for a challenge. It is a genuine beauty and true steampunk adventure. I loved the stovepipe look on that steam roller, too.
I loved what you shared about steampunk. I knew it was more about when than anything else, but you certainly cleared up a few things I didn’t know before.
Like Erika, I wish we had tea houses in the states. We had ONE in Wichita for awhile, but right after my friend Sally and I went, they closed. Seems there’s no demand for “afternoon tea” in the states. Too bad, since my grandmother practiced it daily, even though she was a big coffee drinker the rest of the day. Yours looks wonderful and was fun to see, too.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of steampunk, your journal page, and your Victorian tea with us for T this Tuesday.
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Thanks very much! Seeing the steam roller was the perfect excuse to get inspired … lol … you know how I like to create pages that have a memory attached to them 😉. And thank you for clarifying, of course it’s a steam “roller” and did you notice it was a bit rusty – especially for you … lol! Now afternoon tea is fun but I’d take one of those American “Malt Shakes”, that we can’t get here, instead any day of the week … lol 😁. Happy T Day! J 😊
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What an amazing Victorian Steampunk page. I love that there are so many fun elements to look at. You always manage to put such amazing looking food pictures on here. I come away from your blog hungry!
Kate
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Lol … I have the same feeling, I’ve been visiting blogs this morning and I think it’s time for my breakfast 😀 . Thank you and have a great day! J 😊
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So first off, you had me at your first statement as I too love all things Victorian!!! Our home is mostly in the Victorian style-tho on a small scale and not a grand dame by any means:)
Your steampunk page just blows me away with so many details -and what a super brilliant composition too!
Such a wonderful looking teatime and very generous too. But I would have given it up for the extra $ to spend at that craft store:):) Happy T day Jo!
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Oh, I bet you house looks beautiful 😀. Thanks so much, I had fun adding all the bits and pieces, it was just knowing when to stop … lol! Hubby needed a treat too and he didn’t want any craft stuff … lol … so the “2 for 1” price on the afternoon tea was his treat – well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it … lol 😉. Happy T Day! J 😊
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Wow, a wonderful Victorian Steampunk journal page. There is a lot to discover.
Thank you for sharing it at ART JOURNAL JOURNEY and I say thanks for joining us at TRY IT ON TUESDAY
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Many thanks Rosie! Have a great week! J 😊
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Wonderful journal page, and LOVE that steamroller, how fun to see it. Your afternoon tea looks fantastic, and very generous. Thanks for joining us at TIOT, happy T Day, Valerie
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Thank you Valerie! I got very excited when I saw the steam roller coming down the road … lol 😁. I had such fun creating the page too! Happy T Day! J 😊
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well, i think i would not have been able to withstand the goodies in the craft shop:) but your Journal page Shows you already have a wonderful selection of vintage stamps and such.
the Food Looks so tasty, good you could take some of it home for later. happy t-day!!
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Shush, my hubby may hear you saying I have enough craft supplies … lol 😁. You are right though I do have lots of wonderful things to choose from 😉. Many thanks and wishing you a Happy T Day! J 😊
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Fantastic page you made and thank you for joining us at Try it on Tuesday.
Just love the steam roller and you are so lucky to have seen it moving on a road. I have only ever seen them at steam rallies.
Terrific afternoon tea. They do them at our garden centre and a few other places but they are very expensive and at the garden centre you sit in a special place for the afternoon teas and everyone looks at you with envy. I would never have one there but maybe one of the other places would be nice
Have a very happy T Day
Love Chrissie xx
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Thanks Chrissie! I know what you mean we wouldn’t have indulged in afternoon tea if it wasn’t buy one get one free, so we got a bargain 😀. Have a very Happy T Day too! J 😊
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Oh wow – first of all the page is just wonderful – I love to see it linked to AJJ’s Circles and to TioT’s Steampunk – and how fabulous this old steam roller looks.- Great that you made a photo to share! Your whole post – inspired by
Victorian times is brilliant ( as your posts always are) These sandwiches and especially the cake-slices really look out of this world delicious! And wow.. what a fantastic craft store – and having coupons as well- wow. We don’t have such kind of craftstores here. All we want to have we must purchase online. But good for me, since I always buy way to much when I see things I want to have and can touch them…I am much more frugal ordering online—-
Happy T-Day!
oxo
Susi
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Thanks so much dear Susi, that’s so kind of you! I know what you mean about buying things in stores rather than online, I can never resist when I have the item right in front of me and I can touch them… lol 😉. Wishing you a Happy T Day and a great week! J 😊
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Oh that is a lovely page. It captures steampunk well. Thak you for the description. I know what steampnk is but it is nice to read an accurate description. I first encountered the term when I read a book that was classified as steampunk. (Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan) I read it as a Kindle book without the illustrations. I went online to look at the pictures and they blew me away! I was sold! I love steampunk!
Happy T-Day,
Hugs,
Lisca
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Thanks so much! I find the creativity and imagination that goes hand in hand with steampunk amazing! I love the Victorian era too so what’s not to love 😀. Thanks for telling me about the illustrations, I’m going to look them up online 😉. Wishing you a Happy T Day! 😊
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Wonderful a wonderful page Jo, so much to look at! Great photo of that lovely old steam engine too!
Alixxx
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Thanks so much! Hope you are having a great week! J 😊
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Hehehe! Got a bit carried away with the wonderfuls!! Lol xx
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It’s nice to know it’s so wonderful … lol! 😀 Thanks for stopping by and wishing you a lovely week! J 😊
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Love that big ole tractor ♥ Love the page you created for your day. Now all of that food is just way too yummy looking… I would have eaten until I popped 🙂 Happy T Day and thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Lol … it was very yummy although I didn’t fancy popping … lol 😁. Seeing the steam roller coming down the road is unusual nowadays, it was fun waving at the drivers as they went passed too! I always have fun visiting you at your blog. Thank you and wishing you a very Happy T Day too! J 😊
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Once again, you have created a beautiful, inspiring page, with fantastic instructions. Your luncheon combined with a craft store visit seems just about perfect. Happy T day.
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It was pretty perfect too, we had such fun and the afternoon tea was yummy 😉. Thanks so much, that’s very kind! Wishing you a Happy T Day too! J 😊
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You had me at Steampunk…LOVE it… So sorry for the fly by visit… super super busy… But wanted to wish you a happy T day! Hugs! deb
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Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comments 😀. Wishing you a Happy T Day too! J 😊
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How cool – a vintage steam engine coming down your road while we’re in the middle of a steampunk challenge! Oh my goodness, it’s a huge road construction steam engine. Your page is inspired, Jo 😉
Your afternoon tea meal looks delicious. I’d love a slice of that millionaire’s shortbread – yum!
Happy T-Day! Hugs, Eileen
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This page was actually on my “create list”, I get a bit behind sometimes with my pages you know how life gets in the way … lol 😉. So I was very thankful to have the perfect excuse to get creative and join in the fun over at TioT 😀. I thoroughly enjoyed creating this page too with all those vintage embellishments. The millionaire’s shortbread was so yummy – Happy T Day! Many thanks! J 😊
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Your page is fantastic – sooo many interesting details!
Thanks for sharing it with us over at TioT this time.
Lula oxo
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Thank you Lula, its always fun to join the challenge over at Try it on Tuesday 😀. Wishing a great week! J 😊
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Your steampunk page is wonderful! Reminds me of the title for Doctor Who (I’m a big fan). How fun to see the steam roller. I love having afternoon tea, but as you said for a special occasion or outing. Those cakes look amazing can only imagine they taste amazing as well. Happy T Day
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Thanks a lot! The title came from the stencil I used, I’m glad it reminds you of your favourite Doctor 😀. The steam roller was amazing, as was the afternoon tea – Happy T Day! J 😊
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I’ve never seen a steam engine actually rolling down the street. I’m so glad you were able to get pictures of it 🙂
I wish we had someplace around that served this kind of afternoon tea. Those are treats I’d welcome! Everything looks soooo tasty! Happy T Tuesday
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Thanks so much! We heard the steam engine first it was so noisy and it was the most wonderful sight as it came down the road 😀. The afternoon tea was delish, wishing you a Happy T Tuesday! J 😊
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love the steam engine rallies they have, your afternoon tea looks like a nice treat and a craft shop too..perfect afternoon..love your page too
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Thanks very much 😀. Wishing you a Happy T Day and have a great week! J 😊
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I love you steampunk page and pleased to see you at Try It On Tuesday! I loved looking at all the elements that made up your page! I would so have loved to see that steamroller going past! I remember the excitement when they used to come past our house when I was little! The afternoon tea looks like a bargain and if they have a craft department too a good place to visit! Happy T Day! Chrisx
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Thanks so much! I loved seeing the steam roller too , Happy T Day! J😊
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What a stunning page Jo! Love all the fabulous steampunk details you added.
The sandwiches and cakes look delicious!
A great post as always.
Thank you for joining us at Try It On Tuesday. Mar x
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Thanks very much! I enjoyed creating this page, steampunk is a fun theme for a challenge 😀. Have a great week! J 😊
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Good morning, I didn’t have the chance to post yesterday but still wanted to stop by for a visit today–that is awesome to have a steam engine drive right by-and I always enjoy your art!
I really appreciated your explanation of steam punk as I never really understood what it was really all about-so thanks so much for that.
Your afternoon tea-wow amazing looking foods-and craft sale-too perfect.
enjoy your day! Kathy
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Thanks so much for your lovely comments! It’s always nice to chat to you and I’m pleased you were able to stop by today 😀. Have a wonderful week! J 😊
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Your steampunk page is gorgeous! Oh, how I love this old steam engine (astonished at the horse-picture at the frontside, as those famous red cars have it for symbol)! As child I played with my little steam engine in plastic, it was my favorite game!
Thank you for your explanation of steampunk – I never really knew what is the meaning.
Best wishes, Rike
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I used to love steam engines as a child too and remember seeing them often at a rally we used to pass on the way to my auntie’s house 😀. How lovely to hear that you had a little steam engine to play with as a child, that must be a very special and happy game! Thanks for your kind comments and sharing memories, it’s always nice when you visit 😁. Have a great week! J 😊
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your collage is just perfect! xo
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That’s very kind, thank you! Have a great week and weekend! J 😊
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