Mmm... Smells Like Christmas

With this year's rather disappointing lack of snow in my region, I've been looking for seasonal idea's to make up for it's lacking--in steampunk style, of course, since I'm crazy and obsessed. After a bit of derping around  on the aetherwebs, I've found these insanely simple instructions for these Victorian-ish clementine and clove pomanders on (of all embarrassingly un-steampunk places) Good Housekeeping's website.

Home Office Designs

I really can't think of much to say about these steampunk office designs other than that they're really, really awesome. *sigh* If only I could have an office like this... But then, I'd probably never get anything done.

Industrial-styled Lamp Made From Old Books

This picture isn't mine. Please don't sue me. 

I'm not sure I could bring myself to destroy a stack of books like this, even for the sake of art, but I have to admit that this tutorial looks pretty cool and remarkably easy.

DIY Jewelry Hanger

A simple jewelry rack made from some screw-on hooks and a wooden coat hanger. I really wish I'd found this tutorial earlier: http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/07/diy-collaboration-hanger-jewelry-holder.html.

Blaa Kannan Cafe in Akureyri, Iceland

Finding the ideal spot for a cup of tea (or coffee, if you insist) and a good slice of cake is of utmost importance to every steampunk. The best place for such, at least that I've encountered, is the Blaa Kannan (Icelandic for "Blue Teapot") Cafe, located in a dramatic Edwardian-era building in Akureyri, Iceland. I've visited it several times throughout the four days I've been here.
The food is fantastic, consisting of a daily lunch buffet, as well as more traditional cafe foods like sandwiches and some very good cake, accompanied by a reasonably large selection of teas. The rustic/steampunk decor is nearly as drool-worthy as the food.

Pulley-Operated Curtains

            This is an idea I came up with after getting sick of trying to keep track of curtain ties. It’s really quite simple to set up, and it greatly eases the complications that come with flowing, Victorian-style curtains.

1.Hang up your curtains normally.

2. Affix three fairly sturdy nails evenly spaced a few inches above the window, putting the middle nail slightly higher than the other two.

3.Hang a double pulley from the  middle nail.

4. Cut two very long (about seven ft.) pieces of string. Tie a small loop on each end.

5. Attach one end of a string to the back of the curtain, about halfway down the window. I used safety pins, but sewing would probably look more professional. Do this for both sides.

6. Thread each string over the nail on its side and through the pulley, so both hang down in the center of the window. The ends of the ropes should reach a few inches above the bottom of the window.

7. Affix another nail about four inches below the bottom window, positioned so that it lines up with the pulley and the dangling ropes.

8. To open your curtains, pull down your ropes and hook the looped ends around the bottom nail.