S is for...

steam·punk

ˈstēmˌpəNGk/

noun

noun: steampunk; noun: steam-punk

1. a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.

The Snarky Sisters are back with a new challenge... STEAMPUNK! Edna is looking very fine in her steampunk garb, don't you think? I find steampunk as a design genre much easier to recognize than define... and much easier to admire than create. So of course I had to attempt this twice. ;)

For my first card, I went to the always reliable Pinterest to do the bulk of the work for me...

After trying to find the origin of this fabulous cat on both Google and Tin Eye, I concede defeat. It was just too much fun not to use. I paired Captain Mittens with some patterned paper that I sponged around the edges. I added some faux cogs and gears thanks to some washers and a metal button. All of them were soaked briefly in vinegar and salt to add a little ageing. 

Then I remembered I have one almost-steampunk stamp! Attempt #2:

I split the sentiment into three, partly so I could selectively ink the third word. This time I had real gears, thanks to a visit to my mother-in-law's basement and the discovery of a '50s era alarm clock. 

Of course I'm entering my cards into Simon Says Stamp's current Anything Goes challenge. 

And there you have it! Steampunk meets clean and simple. :D For some true steampunk inspiration, you need to see what my snarky sisters have created, as well as this challenge's guest designer, Shelly! And let's just say, if I can do steampunk, anyone can, so let's see your creations! 

Supplies: (Ambrose Mittens) black cardstock, Staples photo paper, Studio Calico Abroad patterned paper, Memnto tuxedo black ink, Marvy-Uchida corner-rounding punch; (dream, fly, imagine) white cardstock, Heidi Swapp No Limits patterned paper, Unity stamps, Versafine onyx black & Colorbox mango tango ink, Zing clear embossing powder, Memory Box woodland branch die