How to Make a Steampunk USB
Steampunk started out as a literary movement centered around the Victorian era, advanced machines and the supernatural, but it quickly became more than that. It now includes games, movies, music, jewelry, fashion, clubs, home decor and construction and has become a way of life for its many adherents. With a little imagination, common items such as USB sticks can be transformed into cool, yet practical works of art.
Things You'll Need
- USB stick
- Air-dry copper clay
- Air-dry bronze clay
- Watch parts
- Copper wire
- Rolling pin
- Pliers
- Wire clippers
- Super glue
- Hot glue
Instructions
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1
Knead a handful of copper clay for several minutes until it is warm and pliable. Roll it into a thin sheet with a rolling pin.
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2
Measure the USB stick, and then cut a rectangle out of the sheet of clay that is large enough to wrap around the stick without impeding the connection to your computer.
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3
Wrap the USB stick in clay.
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4
Roll out a handful of brass clay and cut a strip to cover up the seams in the copper clay. Be careful not to push the seams together too much or you will leave dents with your fingers.
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5
Super glue one end of a short length of wire to the center of a watch gear. Repeat on the other end.
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6
Bend the wire into a geometric shape, and then attach it to the USB stick with hot glue.
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7
Continue attaching watch gears and wires until you are satisfied with the look.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful to form your clay well. Bumpy clay on a project like this will look unpolished and amateurish, and will not give off the Steampunk vibe you are looking for.
Do not get kiln- or oven-dry clay for this project or you will destroy your USB stick.
References
- Photo Credit Paul Tearle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
