Steampunk Style Gift Wrapping Inspiration

I’ve always loved Vintage, Adam Ant and his slightly way out style, pre loved heirlooms and decided this blog post would be dedicated to Steampunk Style Gift Wrapping Inspiration

Steampunk is a term originating from science fiction novels and is a style that has exploded quietly over the last decade or so, to become one of the biggest, creative trends that many people have never heard of.  Having its own polite, tea sipping philosophy of looking ‘splendid’ and of giving oneself a suitable Steampunk name (such as ‘Lady Jane Crinoline’), Steampunk has gatherings and events all over the world, with our the historic city of Lincoln playing host to the largest Steampunk festival in Europe each August.

 

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin

Steampunk is a combination of Victorian elegance and futuristic fantasy, a mix of old and new, set in a world without electricity, where clockwork and steam power have inspired revolutionary invention and where imagination and individuality are to be admired and celebrated.

Image from Giftwrapped by Jane Means

Accessories know no limits.  There are a few iconic symbols of Steampunk that will immediately make your theme recognisable.  Goggles, cogs and gears, watch faces, keys and locks, wire springs, compass faces.  Vintage bronze keys, cogs and embellishments can be purchased very cheaply online and found at flea markets.  Any colours are appropriate for Steampunk but brass and copper, along with black and brown are classic Steampunk colours.  Lacing and buttons, as well as buckles and opulent fabrics reflect Victorian garment detailing with corsetry and crinolines in mind.

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin

Subtle Steampunk.  Try selecting, either, my Calligraphy Clock tissue paper, Pewter Garden tissue paper or Victorian Posy tissue paper and a coordinating cross grain ribbon or a length of wide, black lace, together with my old-fashioned luggage or eyelet tags.  Tie your multi-layer, tissue-wrapped gift with ribbon/lace and embellishments, adding your handwritten label.  Recycle vintage keys, jewelry charms or tie in old necklace chains with a pendant or pocket watch.

The perfect Steampunk enthusiast’s gift could be a beautiful teacup and saucer.  Select a box of appropriate size and line generously with tissue paper.  Try wrapping the box with brown parcel paper and adding black handwritten ‘tea related’ script to the package.  My brown stitched ribbon is perfect to tie in a teaspoon to the bow and add an old-fashioned luggage label with such a greeting as… Keep being Splendid! You could really push the boat out and go for an opulent velvet ribbon with lace and feathers.

Image courtesy of Sara Sund Berlin 

Or, what about giving a Steampunk novel (such as Frankenstein or The Difference Engine), wrapped in brown parcel paper, bound with luxurious fabric and/or lace and secured with a recycled metal buckled belt that has been cut down to size.  May I suggest a homemade, cogs and key embellished, top hat bookmark, carefully slotted into the belt.

Military Steampunk style is also a vital component of any Steampunk gathering.

Gold braid and red ribbon (see my red grosgrain ribbon) used over plain black paper or fabric, with added gold buttons, medals, compass faces or, whatever else you can track down at flea markets and in charity shops, will evoke the look of a Steampunk uniform.

 

Image courtesy of Steampunk Corporation

Dressed for steampunk.  If you want to get really crafty and creative, use some taffeta or other lavish fabric and stitch on hooks and eyes to secure the luxurious wrapping.  Wrap generously with lace, embellished with vintage pendants, and tie in ribbons, brass chains  (small plumber’s chain is ideal) and add some leatherette strapping. I love this cuff that I found on Etsy decorated with cotton, scissors and lace.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Dressed for him.  Male Steampunk style takes many forms and lends itself beautifully to masculine gift-wrapping.  The Victorian gent, the sci-fi, gadget geek and the military type can all be complimented with pocket watches, goggles, buckles, vintage medals and metallic papers and by using bright satin handkerchiefs to tie into cravat style bows over plain paper or a more luxurious brocade fabric.  (Inexpensive tablecloths provide the perfect material).  As always, embellish as much or as little as you wish. Jonny Depp had a classic steampunk edge when he played the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

 

Printed words.  Using a computer to quickly create your own very personalised wrapping paper designs is a great way to impress the recipient of your gift.  Here I have used definitions of Steampunk and Steampunk values as inspiration.  Wrapped with lace for her or with a buckled belt for him and with added, themed embellishments, the look is complete.

 

Lacing.  Corsetry is a poignant feature of Steampunk styling and can be a very effective way of securing your gift-wrapping too.  A selection of buttons and a long shoelace instantly achieve the Victorian look.  Try combining a plain fabric with my Victorian Posy tissue paper and add embelishments to inject steampunk style.

 

Split brass paperclips can also be used to create button detailing or assist in adding lacing your gift.  Use them on double layered/folded paper for added strength or use them on fabric.

 

Narrow Grey Stitched Ribbon by Jane Means

Pleating.  This is the perfect style of wrapping (described in my book) to reflect dress detailing of the Victorian period and can be accompanied by a plethora of buttons, bows and buckles or can be kept elegantly simple with the addition of a single ribbon, embellished with a lock and key. I found these old scissors in Istanbul and accessorised a friends gift with them.

 

Anything can be Steampunked, from a person’s style, to a musical instrument or a hi-tech gadget and from a motorbike to a hat or a book cover.  When it comes to wrapping a gift in a Steampunk style, a little background knowledge and a creative imagination are all you need and I hope these ideas have inspired you.

 

Image Courtesy of Visit Lincoln

You could even visit the Largest Steampunk Festival in historic Lincoln from August 26-29th.  You can join in the fun in the Cathedral Quarter with plenty of events. More details at Visit Lincoln

Have fun!