vehicles to their own tastes.

Steampunk Modifications

Perhaps the trickiest part of modifying any gadget is
changing it without breaking it or making it impossible to
use. Ideally, the artist will know how each gadget works
before beginning modifications. For most projects, the artist
doesn't try to change the performance or function of the
original device. Instead, he or she changes the gadget's
appearance to look like an invention from the 19th century.

Let's look at modifying a computer keyboard as an example. To
turn a modern computer keyboard into a steampunk creation,
artists take inspiration from the design of old typewriters
like the Underwood 5. Each artist has his or her own process,
but in general, a keyboard modification requires these steps.

First, the­ artist purchases old typewriter keys, making sure
the back of each key is smooth. If necessary, the artist saws
or sands down any excess metal on the back of the keys.


The artist removes the computer keyboard from its plastic
frame. Each and every key cap has got to go. The key cap
includes the key face (the part of the key you can see) and
an under-cap that snaps into the keyboard frame. Steampunk
artist Jake von Slatt recommends using an IBM Model M
keyboard because the under-caps are flat, which makes it
easier to attach the new key faces later.

Next, the artist removes the key face from each key cap,
making sure the top of the key cap is a flat surface. The
artist then snaps the key cap back into place on the
keyboard.

After taking measurements of the keyboard's components, the
artist designs the new steampunk frame. The keyboard's layout
won't change, but its appearance can undergo a drastic
transformation.

The new frame's design includes a faceplate. Most companies
design modern keyboards so that the keys are flush against
each other. Changing the style of the key faces means that
the user will see more of the keyboard's surface. A faceplate
masks the plastic parts and circuitry that otherwise would be
visible. The artist builds the frame and faceplate using
appropriate materials like copper, steel, wood or brass.

­­Once the faceplate is in place, the artist can glue the old
typewriter keys onto the appropriate key cap. Artists usually
must create customized key faces for certain keys that have
no typewriter analogue.

Last, the artist assembles the frame around the keyboard.
After many hours of meticulous work, he or she has created
a new steampunk keyboard, just like the Victorians never had.

Of course, keyboards are just one example of gadget
modification. Other devices might have more or fewer steps,
but the principle is the same: Change the object's outward
appearance so it looks like it could exist in a steampunk
universe. Artists have created steampunk computer monitors,
computer mice, electric guitars, mp3 players and watches.

Steampunk Original Creations

Not all steampunk art relies on modifying existing gadgets.
Some steampunk artists create completely original pieces.
While most of their work tends to be ornamental, a few
inventive gadgeteers have created functional -- if not
practical -- devices based on the steampunk style.

Jake von Slatt designed and built a telegraph sounder that
accepts data from RSS feeds, converts the information into
Morse code and taps out the messages. He first researched
telegraph sounders to find out what materials he would need
to build his own. After buying aluminum, brass and other
supplies, he used various power tools to cut and shape the
raw materials. Using some hitch pins, a few washers and some
electric wire, he fashioned the electromagnets needed to make
the telegraph sounder work. Once he had assembled the
telegraph sounder, he connected it to his computer keyboard
so that the sounder intercepted the signal sent to his
keyboard's LED lights. He used a program called Morse2LED to
translate text into Morse code. Normally, the LED lights on
his computer keyboard would blink out the encoded messages,
but since he had hooked up the telegraph sounder to intercept
those signals, it tapped out the messages instead.

Von Slatt's creation is a good example of steampunk. It
accomplishes a high-tech task -- transmitting information
from RSS feeds -- using antiquated technology. Is it
practical? Not unless you're fluent in Morse code. But many
people in the steampunk community praised von Slatt's
inventiveness.

Other creations have little or no practical purpose beyond
establishing a steampunk theme. Some are relatively simple,
like a pair of goggles made out of brass and leather. Antique
tools and furniture are also commonly used to create
a neo-Victorian atmosphere. Many steampunk fans are
do-it-yourselfers who tailor their costumes, houses or


Although most steampunk gear is custom-made, a few companies
offer mass-produced options. Weta Workshop in New Zealand is
famous for two things: designing and building props for films
like the "Lord of the Rings" series, and creating and selling
collectibles. Weta's collectibes include a line of limited
edition steampunk prop rayguns. Dubbed "Dr. Grordbort's
Infallible Aether Oscillators," the gun designs bring to mind
old science fiction pulp series like "Flash Gordon" or "Doc
Savage."

The art and design of steampunk has its origins in both the
history of engineering and in science fiction.