Tip Top Top Hats by Gypsy Lady Hats on Etsy

We are rapidly approaching the time of year which harbors many, many Steampunk and related genre events. Do you know what you shall wear on your perfectly-coiffed head?

I have a suggestion.

Behold this fabulous brown suede, black leather and brass tack top hat which a friend of mine purchased as a custom order item from Gypsy Lady Hats on Etsy.  I must admit, I almost "squeed" when I saw it.  The quality of workmanship astonished me, especially as the price paid was not much more than the prices listed in her shop for already-made hats of similar style.

The Gypsy Lady Hats shop page mentions that custom orders may take between two and three weeks for completion, but I say that judging from this example, the wait would be well worth it.  I may have to place an order; even though hats usually do not flatter me whatsoever, I would love to wear one of hers, anyway!

What did you say? Chap-hop? ... Brilliant!

If one of you resolutions for the New Year was to branch out in your musical tastes, the contents of this post may very well give that effort a massive shot in the arm. If it was not, consider this an adventure anyway.

I give you... chap-hop.

Yes, you read correctly. Chap-hop. Professor Elemental has brought the phenomenon to life over the last few years, and seems intent on continuing to astonish his audiences with his cheeky rhymes.  This has to be heard to be believed.  The following two tunes give you a sample of the style.


"Cup of Brown Joy"
and
"Fighting Trousers"

Professor Elemental describes himself: 

"Elemental. The quintessential English fellow, explorer, scientist, exotic dancer and some might say raving lunatic.  Banned from 13 of the colonies for 'unspeakable scientific experiments', yet heralded as something of a deity in a great many more."

Of "Fighting Trousers," he says this: " Brace yourself, as Professor Elemental fires off the first shot in a chap-hop/ steampunk battle."  The opponent? Mr. B. The Gentleman Rhymer.

Both of Elemental's tunes hail from the "Indifference Engine" album, and for a small fee, you can download MP3 copies of his individual songs or the entire albums from his web site, or from the Professor Elemental section of  Tea Sea Records.


Enjoy the madness!

Rather Unofficial Girl Genius Day 2012 News and Poll!

A happy Girl Genius Day to you all!

Perhaps unofficially, as my research has not found out if January 12th, 2012 is to be a repeat of 2011's public merry-making and steampunk celebration.  January 12th, 2011 was declared by the Foglios to be Girl Genius Day, as well as Kaja Foglio's birthday and the release date of their wildly popular (and excellent) novel, Agatha H. and the Airship City.

This year, it seems that the Foglios are attending the Arisia con out on the East coast. From their calendar:

"Arisia '12

When: Jan 12 – 16, 2012

Where: Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel/ Boston, MA (map)

Description: A fine science-fiction convention held in the frozen north. Science fiction conventions tend to be more literary (when they're not all about Dr. Who).  Boston is a charming city with the worst drivers in America, and that takes some doing. There are many fine museums and seafood restaurants."

The sequel to the first Agatha novel is slated for availability this month.  If you are a GG fan and have not read the first book yet, I highly recommend it; I obtained it for the Kindle, and enjoyed it very much. If books do not appeal to you at this time,you may wish to peruse the Girl Genius wiki, here.

So, happy birthday, Kaja! And readers, if you wish, vote for your favorite Girl Genius characters in the poll posted on my blog in celebration of the many years of wonderful steampunk comics that the Foglios have given us!  (If your favorite is not listed, please leave a comment and tell us who is!)

Results of the poll, "who is your favorite GG character?":

Agatha	4 (12%)
Gil	2 (6%)
Tarvek	0 (0%)
The Castle	3 (9%)
Violetta	1 (3%)
Theo	1 (3%)
Krosp	0 (0%)
Zeetha	2 (6%)
Sleipnir	1 (3%)
Baron Wulfenbach	1 (3%)
Bangladesh DuPree	0 (0%)
the Jagermonsters	5 (15%)
Othar Tryggvassen	1 (3%)
Von Pinn	0 (0%)
Higgs	1 (3%)
The Other	1 (3%)
the clanks	2 (6%)
Moloch	2 (6%)
someone else!	6 (18%)

Votes so far: 33
Poll closed

Brass Wing and Smoky Glass Bead Earrings by DreamSteam

Brass Wings and Smoky Glass Bead Earrings by DreamSteam

It's 2012!  As promised, here are my first pieces of jewelry of the new year.

The faceted glass beads have a pretty smoky quartz color to them.  I really like the stylized, almost art-deco wings that I chose for these earrings, and I am very picky about my wings!

I had to convince myself to post these for sale in my Artfire shop, because I like them so much.  (But if I do not like the things I make, they do not go public, hence I will actually want to keep most of the things that I sell. Catch 22!) 

Two resin rings are in process now; I am using some new materials and have to fidget with them until I am happy with the results. Soon, I hope!