DIY Roundup: Victorian Christmas

I don't know about you, but I personally like to spend my Christmases frolicking around in poofy dresses pretending that I'm in Victorian London--well, I do that pretty much all year, but its particularly atmospheric when there's snow and Christmas trees and shiny stuff everywhere.

But there's more, of course, to the Neo-Victorian/Steampunk lifestyle than frolicking around in fancy clothes, as much fun as that is. Here are a few tutorials for a Victorian Christmas that Mister Dickens himself would geek out over.

1. Christmas Crackers
The Christmas cracker--an iconic symbol of the English Christmas. And it's surprisingly easy to make. Sadly, the bits that make it pop are tricky to find in U.S. stores, although I've found a few suppliers online. Also, they aren't magical like the ones in Harry Potter. Damn. Still pretty cool, though.





2. Make Your Own Wreath!
With the steampunk philosophy of DIYing everything that can be DIYed, why not try making your own Christmas wreath? If you've got a pine tree to trim a couple branches off of, it's easier than it sounds!











3. Light Bulb Snow Globes
A simple tutorial for making snow globes from light bulb ornaments. With a little creativity, this could be made into something mind-blowingly steampunk.













4. Hot Air Balloon Ornaments
Hot Air Balloons--the vehicle of choice for many an explorer! They also make lovely ornaments for your tree. This one's a bit more complex, but totally awesome.












5. Terrarium Ornaments
What better home decor for the scientifically-minded Victorian than a terrarium? (I mean, besides a complete size dino fossil, but those are a bit tricky to find.) Now, wouldn't that terrarium look lovely on your tree? Of course it would. Here's an easy tutorial.