Making steampunk weapons and costumes/clothing; can anybody help?

'Allo, I'm Jehosephat, a veteran modder/weapons constructor.
I am a recent steampunk/cyberpunk fan and I need help from all you blokes & lasses.
I have an idea for a costume design that is mainly to be a (ominous music)
>>>Steampunk Vampire Hunter<<<
so I do need help on coordinating clothing, gadgets & weapons.
If anyone can give a good reference to a reasonably-priced online clothing store (US prefably), or a simple make-it-yourself, I would be more than grateful (for me and the needle are enemies).
As far as props go, I would prefer not to use real copper/brass, glass, or metal.
Reason is I was inspired by gmjhowe shotgun design, for it looks professional, is cheap, and uses everyday items (and simply I thought it looked spectacular)
If anyone can use similar non-expensive materials to make proffesional-looking props & gadgets, please send me a message.
Regards,
Jehosephat

Comments

[steampunked gal]

well hmmm.. sort of Al Caponish perhaps? lol you could even just sort of not wear the coat. I mean wear it but not put your arms in the sleeves and just let it hang on your shoulders like they had him do in night at the musem. there would be a good costume. If you could perhaps tell me how you usually dress that would help in making it more steampunk. The technic one usually goes by to make things steampunk is to take something new and wear it
down and ebellish it. or you could tell me your age division ( which i would tell no one and i wouldn't hunt you don't cause i'm not a creeper!) and then look up what they wore back then at that age then make it more vampire hunter and modern. ..Anyways here are some sketches for an outfit ( oh yeah keep the spats and what about an arm holster instead of hip perhaps if your going to use a guN?) and i didn't draw a hat but if you have one make sure that it just goes with time!

now for the gun i have just the thing ( if it's the right gun) personally ( an sadly) i get shot guns and revovlers and fourty twos and twenty ones or whatever all mixed up but here is one pretty good way to do it

here is the design i would prefer it copper personally cause i believe they used more copper than silver metals but silver would seem more bad guyish. the guantlets i will post seperately but i will talk to my cuz who loves hellboy and find out what on earth you are talking about! lol.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ninjavspenguin.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/steampunk-nerf-guns.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.ninjavspenguin.com/blog/2008/01/26/steampunk-nerf-guns/&h=375&w=500&sz=130&tbnid=Qn8PikP6k6icpM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnerf%2Bguns&hl=en&usg=__VMo-ZfBRLc4cpMcBQDO_aKUSTNk=&ei=22d7SpioNpC2MPGo2ewC&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=4&ct=image

and here is the gun
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ninjavspenguin.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/steampunk-nerf-guns.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.ninjavspenguin.com/blog/2008/01/26/steampunk-nerf-guns/&h=375&w=500&sz=130&tbnid=Qn8PikP6k6icpM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnerf%2Bguns&hl=en&usg=__VMo-ZfBRLc4cpMcBQDO_aKUSTNk=&ei=22d7SpioNpC2MPGo2ewC&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=4&ct=image

but as you said a nerf gun is overated so i'll keep looking. Thrift shops usually have what you need for most costumes. and if you live in a big town ( lucky duck) i'm sure you will be able to find what you need. hope this helps

steampunkgal

[Jehosephat]

Thank you steampunked gal for the insight.
I would love to use a tophat, but I think something like a cowboy hat or a 'Hellsing' hat would be more appropriate.
Actually, I never considered the "Al Capone" look; that's a pretty good idea!
I do want to use a duster, and I don't know how that would work with my 'gauntlet', so I think I would have to shorten it a bit (you will see what I mean later on). Also, I would like to do a more "mature look" about my character; meaning I don't really want to look my age, but I guess I wouldn't know until I see for myself how it looks.
I will be posting drawings of ideas I'd like to incorporate in my outfit soon (I hope) on my profile. Check it out if you want and please give me some feedback if you will.
As far as weapons and accesories are concerned, I do want to do a 'massive relover' (with a short laniard of a cross and beads) and shotgun combination. I would like to do a arm holster, but I can't find any leather ones, but I can always look online.
I have made a shotgun "holster" if you will, that runs down my right thigh and ends at the knee.
If you'd like a view of the shotgun I would like to use, check out gmjhowes profile if you can.
As far as the 'gauntlet' goes, I have ideas to do something that goes the entire length of my arm, and is reminiscent of medieval armor (with a steampunk twist of course) I have drawings of what I hope to be the final result and I will post those up on my profile as well.
I also want to add a leather duffle bag, so I can carry the 'tools of the trade', like a bible or some sort of exorcist book, along with other supplies.
Thank you for your kind consideration (and for putting up with my lengthy explenations T.T),
Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

By the way, I have uploaded some pictures on what I would like to create; they are the sketches (Sorry if the picture quality is not the best, I don't have a scanner at the moment). Regards, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

This message contains numerous rough sketches (this one is my initial idea of this character) of my costuming idea on the steampunk vampire subject.
My apologies if the quality if the pictures (not the best), but I don't have my scanner with me at the moment.
Please feel free regarding any questions.
Regards,
Jehosephat

[badideasrus]

on the cylinder again....

you may think the nerf guns are over rated, but that doesn't mean you cant use a piece on another gun..... go yank the cylinder of an old maverick.... or buy one of those cheap nerf gun rip offs they have out now with a huge cylinder, and 're-appropriate' it

[badideasrus]

hey! i can reply to myself.

check this out. http://www.imfdb.org/index.php/Van_Helsing

helsing's revolvers are at the top of the page.

[badideasrus]

i assume you have already solved these problems by now, but on the revolver.

for the cylinder. you could go to home depot or lowes or similar and look though the door nobs and sink nobs for a revolver like cylinder, that already can turn. then just drill holes in the top to simulate bullet holes. also, a cool add-on would be the silencer from sherlock holmes. completely useless on a revolver, but pretty sweet looking (and basically made out of some pipe, end peices, and a wing nut....)

on that note (and very off topic) did anyone ever notice how the silencer was not allined to the barrel? one shot would have blown it right off.

[pyro=fire]

whats steampunk ?

[MrSalvador]

There are a few great DIY goggles on here, the best ones using everday materials. There are a couple others that are also amazing but require more moenyz :( I am acctually trying to do the same thing as you, and using a 'able to make plastic look like wood. give me a sec and Ill link you to some...

Baseball and Gatorade goggles!
www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Goggles/

More difficult, but looks better
www.instructables.com/id/Goggles/

Personal favourite
www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Shutter-Shades/

This is the wood look-a-like 'able, but it dosent seem like it (stupid name)
www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Pirate-Gun-Mod/

Hope this helps! Ill show you a pic of my nerf mod when I'm done... I'll show YOU whats overrated >:D

[ElusiveGreen]

Well if the nerf gun is overrated there is always squirtguns. The repaint on a dollar squirtgun was the easiest thing ever with rather satisfying results. Also you've probably looked through all the steampunk instructables by now so I won't reference any of those. I would like to say though from my experience with the rifle I'm building(instructable inbound once I finish it) PVC is a marvelous material. On the idea of a vampire hunter I would suggest some kind of rotary gatling stake gun. Lots of barrels and it should still work with cardboard, wood, and pvc. Give it hoses, make it look gritty and pneumatic and post pictures of anything lol. On the vampire hunter angle I just want to say a big hat for some reason... A Van Helsing inspired look if you would, cause he had a fair amount of gadgets and all.

[Jehosephat]

This message contains numerous rough sketches (this one is my initial idea of this character) of my costuming idea on the steampunk vampire subject.
My apologies if the quality if the pictures (not the best), but I don't have my scanner with me at the moment.
Please feel free regarding any questions.
Regards,
Jehosephat

[ElusiveGreen]

Well thats helpful although I can't really offer anything specific. A lot of it is going to come down to experimentation but I can offer a few ideas. On your mechanical arm I'd suggest breaking it down a bit. I saw an instructable where someone found a sweater with big weave and he spray painted it to look like chainmail. Maybe you could get something with huge cables in the pattern.(local goodwill and whatnot) Then you take the arm you want, paint it brass or whatever and use it as a base. From there I'd personally take it down to a glove, a vambrace, and something for the upper arm and you can attach those to the sweater so they still have that connected look but they won't be crippling your mobility. I noticed it's the right arm, I hope you aren't right handed, may want to consider that. As far as all the straps and buckles I just say canabalise plenty of thrift store belts.

[Jehosephat]

Oh, really? If you can point me to that Instructable, it would mean a lot. Thank you, Jehosephat

[ElusiveGreen]

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Lazy-Mans-Chainmail-Shirt/ Credit given where credit is due. I think you could try something like this but find a different weave so it looks more cables and wires and less chainmail.

[Jehosephat]

By the way, I have uploaded some pictures on what I would like to create; they are the sketches (Sorry if the picture quality is not the best, I don't have a scanner at the moment). Regards, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

Yes I was leaning towards that a bit with the hat & the trenchcoat, but I did want to create a style that suits me & is original. Never thought of squirt guns considering they are dirt cheap & easy to mod. Thank you very much for the idea, Jehosephat

[ElusiveGreen]

If you like here's a picture of mine. I left the orange tip unmolested first and formost due to rules about safety and the fact I wanted it to work still. iddn't wanna risk gumming it up with paint.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30387730&l=05165b691a&id=1536169962

[Jehosephat]

Wow, you made something amazing out of a squirtgun! Kudos for you my friend. I would use that more for a aristocrat or a scientist themed costume though. I do want to do more of a revolver/shotgun combo, a tradtional pairing for vampire hunters. As far as your orange tip, I would spraypaint a sheet of paper until it gets a little gooey and 'smear' around the tip. For parts along the 'squirthole', just use a fine brush and touch it up with the same colour. Hope that helps, Jehosephat

[ElusiveGreen]

Well the thing that concerns me is that if I were to take it to a convention, all the ones I know of have a requirement that all firearm esque props have an orange tip. I like the idea with the paper though, that'll probably let me do a worn look on a lot of other things I'm working with.
As for the shotgun revolver pairing I like the instructable by gmjhowe as far as the shotgun is concerned. For the revolver I think a capgun would do well enough. I've actually seen some fairly good ones with more copper and bronze tones that look rather dirty and used. And of course anything you buy can be modified if it doesn't quite suit. If not I'd say using some of the card techniques in the shotgun instructable piece together a revolver.

The instructable to which I'm refering if you haven't seen it yet.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Vampiric_Cyberpunk_Double_Barrel_Shotgun/

[gmjhowe]

Hey, you pointed me here, so i will try my best to help! Firstly, it would be cool to get a sense of your style, and how you have done things before, any chance of uploading a few pictures? Other than a few specifics on ideas that i can help with, everything i know is in my I'bles.

[Jehosephat]

Hello there, I'm informing you that I have posted new pictures of what I want to do. Also, I have posted pictures of some props that I have made in the past (also, they are the only ones that I have with me at the moment) . View them if you want to, Jehosephat

[gmjhowe]

Cool, i would like to see, where about have you posted them?

[Jehosephat]

By the way, The pictures of my idea are the sketches (Sorry if the picture quality is not the best, I don't have a scanner at the moment). Regards, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

They are all under my image library page. Regards, Jehosephat

[gmjhowe]

Your image library is personal, only you are able to access it, you can either put the pictures up as a slideshow for all to see, or just add them as a reply to a comment to share with relevent people!

[Jehosephat]

This message contains numerous rough sketches (this one is my initial idea of this character) of my costuming idea on the steampunk vampire subject.
My apologies if the quality if the pictures (not the best), but I don't have my scanner with me at the moment.
Please feel free regarding any questions.
Regards,
Jehosephat

[gmjhowe]

Nice, i love the way all the sketches are looking. Overall, the design is coming together nicely.

[Jehosephat]

I will be posting a drawing on a revolver idea of mine on one of these comment boxes addressed to you soon. It kind of has the same idea as your break-action cyberpunk handgun. Regards, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

Oh, I see. I'm doing one as we speak. Thank you, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

Yes thank you for your help. Sadly though I do not have pictures of my past projects but i can upload some as soon as I can. And, as for some paranoia issues I have I prefer not to reveal my identity all that much (stupid reason I'm sure). But I will contact you as soon as I can get pictures up. Thank you, Jehosephat

[gmjhowe]

I fully understand! As long as your props dont have your picture on them, we shouldnt have any problems!

[Jehosephat]

Thank you very much for understanding. Also, I forgot to mention what kind of goal I'm trying to achive for this project. That I commented on "steampunked gal" 's reply. I also want to try to make a kind of "steampunked gauntlet" on on my left arm so it runs down the entire length of it. Think Devil May Cry 4's Nero or that arm contraption that Rasputin used to mirror's Hellboy's arm in the 1st movie. It would help if I could post a drawing of what i would like to do but sadly my scanner is down and my friend is borrowing my camera until Tuesday. T.T I'll get some pictures of all these things by then. Thank you for your patience, Jehosephat

[Jehosephat]

Oh, by the wayside,
I did find out an "archetype" guide for the steampunk genre.
If you look under the Hunter/Fighter section, it is pretty much a basic model of what I would like to do.

Although it mostly shows female costuming, it give a general idea for both sexes.

http://www.squidoo.com/dressingsteampunk

I will also send you a rough drawing/sketch as a message to your profile.
Shout out any ideas you might have and feel free to be a critic (not to harsh though chap).
For all your help,
Jehosephat

[kidfabrik]

If you're into diy sorta building stuff outta crap, this video is off of an indie movie website on how to make steampunk goggles. i dunno maybe they could be special vampire vision goggles or something like that. i think there might be a link to a diy steampunk costume on there, but don't quote me on that. ]f you're into diy sorta building stuff outta crap, this video is off of an indie movie website on how to make steampunk goggles. i dunno maybe they could be special vampire vision goggles or something like that. i think there might be a link to a diy steampunk costume on there, but don't quote me on that.

http://www.indymogul.com/episode/BFX_20080825

hope it helps.

[Jehosephat]

Thank you ver much kidfabrik (I am familiar with Indy Mogul's work by the wayside) Although those goggles are easy to do, I personally like to modify things; unless there is no other option, I build from scratch. I already have some great goggles that go along with my idea, so the issue is more of a clothing & props dilemma. Thank you for your insight though, Jehosephat

[steampunked gal]

male or female? good guy bad guy( or girl)? Mysterious or plane to see what they are? gothish or non gothish? here are two ideas( good guy and bad guy) I read in a book by Brian Jacques about a character that used a knotted piece of rope to put her enemies down. One would probably make the nots rather large. I can image the clothes would be easy to put together so would the rope but here are some harder ,but much cooler ,weapons.

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs31/f/2008/235/d/a/Steampunk_Pistol_w_Laser_Sight_by_DrJubal.jpg

http://www.shagnastylabs.com/photos/Early%20Steampunk%20Pistol/nerf%20002.JPG

http://media.photobucket.com/image/steampunk%20pistol/plasmatwins/steam-pistol2.jpg

the first outfit consists of a white v-neck shirt, black with white ribboned vest, pocket watch ( or something sinister) short grey suit jacketwith high stiff collar and slash cuffs, black pants and black shoes with spats. the second consists of brown pants, boots, heavy leather, fur or just brown cloth over coat, a belt, bag, white long sleeved shirt ( if you were to take off the jacket you would see ohh i don't know what they are called but they go around the arm and make the shirt tighter and are usually brown or black) hope this helped!

steampunkgirl

[Jehosephat]

Thank you steampunkgirl for the suggestions and ideas. I am thinking of goin with more of an mysterious male Anti-Hero look, like Punisher or Hellboy. As far as a gothish look goes, I'm trying to keep it not too over-the-top (like lace & too much jewelry).€ I am considering doing more of a European turn-of-the-century English look. Also I am more keen on using a leather trench & as TyrenRaven suggested, getting a large hat, so it would kind of hint at a Van Hellsing influence. As far as weapons go, I like the six-shooter NERF but i want to kind of lean away from that a tad and try something new...that revolver on the other hand, looks pretty badass if you don't mind me saying. If you can find a way to do something similar or give a couple of pointers on how to go about it, I would be very grateful. Thank you kindly, Jehosephat

[eielofview]

there are a ton of steampunk weapon options, easy ones would be to take a nerf gun (like the maverick 6 shooter model) and simply break it apart and spray paint it you can embellish with bits and pieces you like too just use and epoxy style glue to hold them in place. As for inexpensive clothing options, it doesn't have to come from a steampunk store to be steampunk, you can get a simple black vest at say a thrift store, and some nice slacks, and older style shirt preferably one that takes some cuff links, be creative! that's really what steampunk is about.

oh here is an easy link to a steampunk style nerf gun http://www.weeklygeekshow.com/2007/09/how_to_make_a_kick_ass_steampu.php

[Jehosephat]

Thank you eielofview for the suggestions. I do, however, know how to do most of the NERF mods with the Maverick V-6. I love it, but frankly (to me), the nerf gun is over-rated. I prefer to be original and use most often as I can simple materials like wood and recently, cardboard; but I do appreciate the gesture. Thank you though for the insight on the clothes ( I was at a dead end there T.T) Seems I need to check out my local thrift shop. Thank you indefinetly, Jehosephat