Take your teens back in time to reinvent history with Club Steampunk!
I hosted this week-long program last summer and my teens had a blast.
As always, please adapt the below programs to suit your library's needs.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction/speculative
fiction. What would the world be like if
Steam Power was the main source of energy?
Welcome to a world were in Victorian fashions reign and dirigibles roam
the sky!
CLUB STEAMPUNK
Project 1
Steampunk Goggles
INTERMEDIATE
Supplies:
Swim goggles, Fabric Tac, Scissors, Leather Scraps, Jacquard Fabric Paint (metallic), pencils, scrap paper, paint brushes, Exacto knives, heavy cardstock or cardboard to protect tables
Instructions:
There are perfect step-by-step instructions at
Encourage teens to put there own stamp on goggles by printing out images of different styles of steampunk goggles from cosplay. I even had one teen boy create a "cyclops" goggle using a single lens.
Project 2
Clockwork Handkerchief
EASY / INTERMEDIATE
Supplies:
Plain white handkerchiefs (one for each person)*, needles, embroidery floss, fabric paints, pencils, newspaper to protect tables
*I found these at an outlet mall on clearance.
Instructions:
Teens can use either paint or needle & embroidery floss to decorate their own handkerchief. (Some of them won't even know what one is!) For embroidery instructions check here:
You could even make some plain handkerchiefs out of a dark, solid color then use gear and cog templates and bleach water spray bottle to bleach fun designs into the fabric. *I recommend doing this project outdoors because of possible damage to carpet and the smell.
Project 3
It’s All About Spats
VERY DIFFICULT
Supplies:
Canvas (enough for 2 spats for everyone), buttons, needle, thread, Fabric Tac, Jacquard Fabric Paint
Instructions:
These are not for the faint-of-heart! They are very difficult and time consuming, but look awesome when done. Step-by-step instructions here:
I substituted canvas since it is a heavy, paintable fabric but you could use whatever you have at hand.
Project 4
Tiny Top Hats
DIFFICULT
Supplies:
Lots of duct tape in different colors, scissors, Exacto knife, ruler, cardboard OR see instructions for fabric hat supply list
Instructions:
For duct tape hats:
For fabric hats:
Project 5
Time Traveler’s Journal
EASY
Supplies:
Blank journals, scrapbook paper, ink pads, stamps, paint, pens, fabric scraps, glue, quotes, cog templates, and anything else you want to add for decoration purposes
Instructions:
Have teen decorate the covers of the journals to create the perfect place to document travels through time.
