Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios

by

Yes! The peeps at North Light Books have bequeathed upon me a copy of Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios by Jema “Emilly Ladybird” Hewitt to give to one lucky reader of Recycled Crafts at CraftGossip.com! Can I get a whoo-hoo?!?! The author Jema was kind enough to do a little Q & A with me which I posted over at Sweater Surgery along with a fun quick and easy gear and Swarovski crystal earring project.

The details: Leave a comment here by Midnight June 16th, 2011 and you are in the running for a copy of Steampunk Emporium. The fine print: Open to USA residents only.

Looking for Steampunk supplies? Check out these steampunk papers, embellishment and stamps.

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Would love to learn more about steampunk – wondered why i bought those watch parts years ago.

  4. This sounds like a very interesting book. Count me in. Thank you for the opportunity.

  5. I would love to get this book!!! I’m doing Steampunk costumes this fall. Steampunk is such an interesting mix of Industrial Revolution and Victorian elements….Thanks so much for offering this!!!:)

  6. How odd…a friend was just asking me a few days ago about doing a steampunk take on a popular sci-fi series…this would be a nice boost to the concept!

  7. I’ve seen this book at the craft store & it has some awesome ideas. I love the way it touches on a lot of different aspects of steam.

  10. I have been looking for a book like this. I like your ideas and follow you blog. Steampunk makes useful so fun.

  11. Wow! Another book I need to add to my library. Wouldn’t it be great to win it.

  12. Whoo-hoo!

    I discovered Steampunk about a year ago when a designer I work with was doing a production of Othello in Steampunk. We all had a blast putting the costumes together and I’ve been trying out Steampunk techniques on my own ever since.

  13. i like gears and goggles and crazy machines, so steampunk is a natural. always like finding new books to read.

  14. As a costumer, this would be a valuable tool! Pick me, pick me! 🙂 Love Victoriana & Steampunk!

  15. What a fabulous genre steanpunk is! I would love to have this book to spark my creativity!

  16. I love books like this! I was eying it and the one on steampunk jewelery every time I go to the book store. Besides I need more ideas on goggle and necklace building.

  19. This book looks so great! I absolutely LOVE steampunk jewelry and would love to make some myself!

  21. steampunk fun. need to accessorize for 20,000 leagues under the sea upcoming steampunk convention

  22. Oh I would love to win this book ! I have been collecting “stuff” for awhile now, this looks like a great book to get it all together . Thank you for the chance to win one.

  23. I am a costuming project leader in our local 4H club. We have recently been learning about steampunk and this book would be an asset to our project. Our next project is a victorian costume and making our own jewelry and such, would be very educational.

  27. I LOVE LOVE LOVE STEAMPUNK! So many talented unique artists! I would give my watch to win this book!

  28. i would love a copy of your book,this is what i think i use as my med.in alot of my project.
    which is anything that fits with the design or theme.

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!