Pokemon are still a Thing

And that's alright. In fact it's kind of awesome.

When I was a bit younger, I remember Pokemon being a cartoon on tv. I also remember eating a LOT of Kids Meals trying to find the talking Pikachu my little brother wanted. I also remember playing Pokemon Gold on a black and white Gameboy.... But in today's modern Pokemon Go phase there is a multitude of merchandise being pushed. But with that in mind, there's a number of unique items you can collect to accessorize and show off your love of the little digital monsters, regardless of the team you've chosen.

You don't doubt me on that I'm sure, but to prove the point I'm going to share some of the interesting things that I've seen on Etsy of late. I'm always exploring and enjoying the various pieces people share there.

So one of the first item's I'd like to share with you actually surprised me. Because it turned up in my feed when I was researching chainmail, not Pokemon.

These chainmail pokeballs are gorgeous little heavy duty keychains, that you can see offer a unique take on the classic pokeball.  They're available in a variety of colors (and I suspect if there's a color you'd prefer other than what's shown, well... maybe it can happen). Love these and highly recommend them for the more classic gamer type, or even the newer sort. They have a nice classic edge to them. When this blog was written they were available for $6.00, not bad for gifting. (Just remember to order early) Find them here : Aislinn's Collared Designs Chainmaille Pokeball

Our next selection is actually something that plays with the fighting between the teams.

A maker called TheFreshPinsofLA has this pin available. To my rather untrained eye, it appears to be a combination of the three team emblems featured in Pokemon Go! The Team Harmony pin made me smile, because it was a unique take on a rather silly thing. People shouldn't be split up based on the team they pick, unless it's friendly rivalry of course. You can find the pin here:  TheFreshPinsofLA Team Harmony Pin

The next thing up for your perusal is something that I kinda wish I'd get to see in person. I'd wish it was something I could get except I'm not really someone that looks good in yellows.

Isn't it the cutest apron ever? It's a Pikachu cosplay apron! It even has a tail!!! It'd be an awesome look for any Pokemon fan that's not really sure they'd be comfortable in an adult onesie at con. Or for a gal (or guy) who wants to cosplay as a couple (you know.... if their partner wants to be Ash or something >.>). These are handmade by a seamstress that I've been following for a long time, and I do personally own some of her pieces. Maybe I'll share them sometime, but her attention to detail on this piece is smashing! So YES! Pikachu Cosplay Apron for the Win! Find it here : Violet Phoenix Designs Retro Anime Cosplay Apron (P.S. She also has some awesome Team Ties available)

I hate to admit it, but the next item I'm sharing plays into one of my personal odd likes.

Yes, that is an Oddish Planter. It's adorable, and everytime I look at the picture I can't help but smile. The idea is really cute, and they also have Bulbasaur available. Meaning you can pick whatever plants (within size reason) you want to grow out of them. Too cute, and also a reasonable gift for the holidays. Available here : 3DPMakery Pokemon Planter

And how about something to end on a giggle.

Yes... That is a Deadpool Pikachu Cross Over enamel pin. Why I found it in my instagram feed, I have no idea. But I love this pin. It's in my checkout basket right now, I just haven't figured out if it's one of those purchases I want to make because it's a cross over of two fandoms I kind of like... Or if it's a purchase I want to make because it's a cross over idea I never would have expected. It's too cute and I laughed too hard.  You can find this on etsy here : KingOfThePin Deadkachu Pin

Anyways, I'm glad you stopped by, and I hope you're still enjoying your Pokemon of various sorts as much as I am. See you soon!

Steampunk Shopping (1)

When it comes to shopping for your steampunk accessories, it can be difficult if you want to be unique. Ideally many steampunkers make their own accessories. But I know at times that can be difficult, and not everyone is a leather or metal worker (and that is ok. You don't have to be.) Which means shopping might be in the near future. You have a few options.

Thrift stores are a great place to find things to create a base look. While you may not be the best seamstress, or even a tailor, generally speaking, modifying something that's pre-made can be simple. Not only that there are often a number of vintage pieces to choose from, at reasonable prices. I recommend looking for pinstripes and corduroy. Also look for interesting patterns, these can be good for adding detail or just as inspiration for your look. Of course, these are just recommendations for things to look at. You may decide to go in a whole different direction.

Corduroy, Pinstripes, Ticking, Stripes, and Damask Samples

The internet is a great marketplace to find accessories to help you build your look. But try to be discerning. Not every plastic doodad with a gear glued or painted on to it is steampunk, no matter what the description says. You want to pick pieces that will be sturdy enough for wear, as well as activity. You never know who or what might happen after all. You never know when there might be a pirate invasion, or a plague of boggles.

Steampunk Pearl Ear Cuff by Etsy shop Meowchee

Accessories come in a variety of styles and purposes. Meowchee on Etsy offers some handmade pieces that are charming. They're earcuffs, which don't require your ears to be pierced(so can be worn by men or women.) Things like this add deeper detail as people get closer to you, making the look seem more than just an outer layer. You want to have some layering, as it gives you a more cohesive feel. But don't just wear things because it 'looks' steampunk. Picke pieces that you feel express you, or the character that you're developing.

Hummingbird Pendant by Desert Rubble

Of course, you can look at bracelets and necklaces. Today I'm  also going to recommend Desert Rubble, an online shop that offers a variety of sculpted pendants and accessories.  If you look through them you'll note that each one has a variety of detail, from the metallic shading, to the sculpted textures. If you have a character you've decided on, necklaces and bracelets(or Bracers or...well the list goes on) can be used to illustrate who and what you are, as well as the types of things that you're interested in.

Well, today we'll stop there, we don't want to turn this into a shopping list after all. Just want to get you thinking about the types of things that can express this style. Not sure where or how to start? Stay tuned, Friday we'll be discussing some basic ideas.