The Black Cat Carnival

I knew after watching Laura Carson's Halloween Carnival videos, that I wanted to make something similar and participate in her Event Challenge and Giveaway. If you haven't read her post, I would highly recommend you visiting to see all her wonderful creations.

Weeks ago I started thinking about what my Halloween Carnival theme would be. As I am surrounded by all things Victorian and rusty industrial goodness, it should come as no surprise that I love Steampunk. Yep... I so enjoy movies like Hugo, Around The World In 80 Days, The Time Machine, Sherlock Holmes (um, RDJr... hello!), Sky Captain and Lemony Snicket to name a few. So the idea of a Steampunk-themed carnival was born - but to link it to Halloween, it would also be a Black Cat Carnival.

Yep. Black Cats and Steampunk - makes sense, no? ;)

So I began pulling together all kinds of gears, wire, gadgets and tiny metallic thingamabobs that I could use. A few trips to Goodwill, Michael's and even Home Depot helped supply and inspire.

Here's a shot of my carnival so far; it includes a welcome banner entrance with balloon sales on a penny-farthing bicycle, a hot air steamship, a mechanical ticket dispenser and a swing ride carousel ride. The great thing about this project is that I know I will be adding to it this year and I can continue to expand on it year after year.

The first item I made was the hot air balloon ride - a Steampunk Airship made from a light bulb. I have JoJo to thank for bringing this idea to my attention - she made a wonderful light bulb craft a few weeks back. Now I have never, ever taken apart a bulb before, so off I went to YouTube to learn the tricks. It was easier than I thought! In mere minutes, I dissected two light bulbs without any bloodshed - yes, two; in case I damaged one. I sanded down any sharp edges and kept the metal base of the bulb for the airship's "basket".

Since it was Steampunk, I used chain, silver brads and metallic tape to decorate. E6000 glue was great to attach the chain and brads to the glass.

It also held the stakes in the base so the airship would "float" above ground "held down" by its restraining ropes.

Glossy Accents also proves useful to hold things in place

Aleene's Tacky glue attached sage, green and yellow Flowersoft for a grassy effect.

The chain attaching the balloon to the basket was kept stiff with a good slathering of E6000; otherwise it wouldn't "float" like I wanted. A few metal clock bits made a funky prop and brads with metal wings were added for decoration.

The "ropes" holding the balloon down were painted white and the wood coloured with Copics. I covered the Lemax Halloween guidepost and black cat with my own sign and a pointing hand brad.

After I finished it, wouldn't you know I found an even larger rounder bulb at Goodwill for 49 cents. So I do believe a second airship may be on its way...

Up next: how I made the Ticket Machine, Balloon Bike and Entrance.

Also sharing with Tee's Halloween Linky Party!