While not all steampunkers have the know-how that may enable them to create custom designed goods for their homes, those who do are able to use their skills in the manipulation of mass produced items for the home to gain profits. Computers are probably one of the most popular objects that encompass a do-it-yourself attitude and there are several online and print tutorials for those who are technologically savvy enough to merge the new technology of computers with a historical or Victorian aesthetic style.Click here for an example of a simple steampunk keyboard tutorial and click here to see a simple steampunk computer desk do-it-yourself tutorial for those who may not have the advanced skills to recreate computers and laptops.
A skilled and well-known steampunker within the steampunk community who retrofits computers and accessories is Datamancer, who sells his modified keyboards for four hundred to seven hundred dollars a piece (Datamancer). Although the items are custom-created and individualized for steampunk homes, the notion of do-it-yourself is complicated. While Datamancer may embrace the steampunk do-it-yourself philosophy, his creations are not made for himself, but for customers. Personally, I feel that purchases that are hand-made or at least custom-altered by steampunk enthusiasts such at Datamancer still embrace the do-it-yourself quality of steampunk interior design more so than mass produced material culture created by large corporations. Large companies may be interested in steampunk only because it exists as a relatively new market of consumers to sell products to, which is demonstrated by goods such as the household items labelled ‘steampunk’ that are sold by the multinational corporation Design Tuscano, which sells steampunk statues, book ends, wall clocks, and sculptures for the home through large corporations such as Walmart (Design Tuscano).
A skilled and well-known steampunker within the steampunk community who retrofits computers and accessories is Datamancer, who sells his modified keyboards for four hundred to seven hundred dollars a piece (Datamancer). Although the items are custom-created and individualized for steampunk homes, the notion of do-it-yourself is complicated. While Datamancer may embrace the steampunk do-it-yourself philosophy, his creations are not made for himself, but for customers. Personally, I feel that purchases that are hand-made or at least custom-altered by steampunk enthusiasts such at Datamancer still embrace the do-it-yourself quality of steampunk interior design more so than mass produced material culture created by large corporations. Large companies may be interested in steampunk only because it exists as a relatively new market of consumers to sell products to, which is demonstrated by goods such as the household items labelled ‘steampunk’ that are sold by the multinational corporation Design Tuscano, which sells steampunk statues, book ends, wall clocks, and sculptures for the home through large corporations such as Walmart (Design Tuscano).
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| Datamancer working on a custom steampunk computer |
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| Products labelled and sold by the large corporation Design Tuscano as "steampunk" |
By supporting individuals and small companies that deal exclusively with steampunk aesthetics, homeowners who do not have the necessary skills to do-it-themselves and create unique electronics, furniture, and household items are able to support the steampunk community and, I feel, maintain the ‘punk’ perspective of steampunk by rejecting mass produced merchandise created by huge corporations. Although it is favourable for individuals to create their own goods for their homes, the steampunk community may be unable to survive without additional help from professionals and those who have extensive knowledges of crafts such as woodworking, electrical, stonemasonry, and more.
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| Andre Rothblatt's steampunk bathroom required a knowledge of plumbing to put together |
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| Skills in welding and knowledge of ventilation would be necessary to create this unique steampunk fire place |
An added benefit to those in the steampunk community such as Datamancer or the owners of ModVic (Modern Victorian) Home Restoration, Melanie and Bruse Rosenbaum (Von Slatt), is that the escapism from work and other social environments available through steampunk homes is accessible through work as well. The do-it-yourself aspect of steampunk that is available to many on a small scale, in which individuals can create decorative pieces for their homes, and to fewer on a large scale in which knowledges of trade skills may be necessary, allows skilled individuals to benefit and share their creative passions and expertise with fellow steampunkers by selling their unique products.
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