Steampunk Mannequin
$35
2 Months
Advanced
"Tillie" is far and away the coolest gift my husband has gifted me. He took a beat up mannequin, purchased from a thrift store for $12, and turned her into a statement piece! I love the versatility of this mannequin. First we put her by the fireplace where she picked up light. Then she traveled to my resale store where she attracted attention displaying hats and bags. Next she was featured in a steampunk art show. And currently she resides in our Mirrored Black Dining Room (see my other DIY project). Here's how my "fresh husband" (of 3 years) made her:
Front
Back
Side
He started with an ivory rough mannequin (made of fabric to the neck and plaster) and spray painted it black.
Then he disassembled disk belts (you can find these on eBay) and went through bags of my old costume jewelry for chains and interesting metallic pieces (you'll notice a lot of 80's earrings).
The dents and stippling in the mannequin lend it even more character. Steampunk has a lot of gears, which you can buy in lots at Hobby Lobby.
Old keys also work well in Steampunk.
Some pieces were attached to the plaster with Gorilla Glue, others were hammered in with nails. Larger chains were from old belts. You can see here that spray paint was scraped away in spots on purpose.
He also used pop bottle tops.
Metallic feathers and clock pieces also come in bulk at Hobby Lobby.
Another side view
Here copper colored wire is woven throughout a larger piece.
"I wanted to celebrate your femininity" he said.
In the center you'll notice a mirror. He broke a Cover Girl powder compact in half for that piece. There are also vintage shoe buckles scattered throughout. He hammered on her for several months in his spare time and then gifted Tillie ("battle mighty") to me for Christmas. Joy!!!
And there's my fresh hubby in the background 
Note: Tilly is wearing two steampunk necklaces. The top was made by my mother. 
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2 of 16 comments
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Why thank you!
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Beautiful!! The man does have an eye. -And a Merry Christmas was had.
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