Nova Albion Costume Contest

Photo by David Bedno

I am pleased to announce that the Banwell contingency at the Nova Albion Steampunk Exhibition won the Conquering Hordes category of the costume contest at the Ball of the Brass Dragon.

Photo by Arandale

My wife Jill went as Dr. Beulenpest, son Erin as the Sentinel, daughter-in-law Kristina wore the Rhino gas mask, and I donned the Olifant.

Watch the video

Respirator Workshop at Nova Albion

In less than a month Nova Albion, this year's northern California steampunk convention will be taking place in Santa Clara, March 25 - 27.

I will be teaching a hands-on workshop in which participants will begin construction of a leather respirator, very much like the Excursionist pictured. The only difference is that most of the rivets will be replaced with hand stitching so that everyone can be working on it at the same time.

Cost of the workshop is $20 to cover materials, and everything is included except for stain (for the leather and canisters) and contact cement. The Excursionist sells at my Etsy shop for $125. Such a deal! The schedule for workshops has not yet been announced.