Introduction: Gena Rumple's How-To Make an Affordable Steampunk Helmet

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About: I'm a wife, mother & Domestic Goddess. My hobbies are photography, crafts, and cooking. I'm self taught. Most of my projects are experiments at trying to lower costuming costs. Comments are welcomed. Than…

I have created a penny saving tutorial for everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful world of Steampunk. Meet… The Helmet.

Step 1: Construction Hard Hat

I purchased this Construction Hard Hat at a local Thrift Store for 2 dollars and fifty cents. You are welcome to buy one brand new for less than ten dollars as well. Make sure you take a damp rag and wipe away any dirt.

Step 2: Flat Black Is Greater Than Satin or Gloss

Remove all the straps and harness that are located inside the helmet and put them aside for later. Spray paint the helmet by using a flat black spray paint. Flat black works better than Satin or Gloss. Tip: I make sure to get the inside of the helmet as well. As I’m spray painting the helmet, I try to hold the spray can a little away from the helmet to prevent the paint from running. Important: Please use spray paint in a well ventilated area (outside is best). And if you don’t like paint on your hands, I recommend wearing rubber gloves.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

While your paint is drying, gather up your other materials you will need. I got some stencils, Rub ‘n Buff - Pewter, white colored pencil, half pearl embellishments, a glue gun, and glue sticks.

Step 4: Gears and Cogs

Once the paint is dry, use a white colored pencil to trace out lines or designs you would like on your helmet. I used cogs and gears as my stencil. Tip: Don’t worry if some of the spray paint comes off when you are drawing your pattern on the helmet.

Step 5: Hot Glue Is Your Friend

Use your glue gun to trace the lines you made with the white colored pencil. Add your embellishments along the lines you made or in the corners. Tip: Make sure to clear away any spiderwebs from your helmet (I call the left over glue spiderwebs).

Step 6: Secret Weapon: Rub 'n Buff

After all the hot glue cools, take the Rub ‘n Buff - Pewter, add a little to your finger tip, and finger paint the hat. Tip: This is really potent stuff, so a little goes a long way. Once you have painted your helmet to your liking, seal your helmet using a Clear Matte Finishing Spray Paint.  Update:  I just found out that there is the potential for wrinkling to happen when you utilize two different types or brands of paint/clear coat, so if your flat black differs from your clear coat, this can happen.

Step 7: Steampunk Engineer Costume - GO!

Finally place the harness and straps back inside your hard hat and there you have it! The Steampunk Helmet!

You are more than welcome to add other things to your Steampunk Helmet, like goggles, or a head lamp.