How to make steampunk stuff?

[wildpurplechild]

My friend likes steampunk, and I also think it's really cool, but how do I make stuff look like steampunk, and where can I find the materials to make it? I'm thinking about starting with a steampunk camera. Any tips?

[Ante Bellum]

http://www.instructables.com/technology/steampunk/
Here are some things on a website that might help.

Of course, you might not want to go with real brass unless you can spare the cost and maintenance.

[wildpurplechild]

Thank you! Also if there's any suggestions on how to keep cost down, that's nice too.

[Ante Bellum]

Well, I know that if you want to use metal, like large pieces, you might want to go with aluminum and use brass spray paint. It depends on the amount of wear and abuse you expect it to go through.
And practice on scraps, if you can get them for really cheap or free. There's no feeling like making a crucial mistake on your final project. I haven't made any steampunk stuff myself, so I can't quite tell you about the style. It just depends on your tastes, and how you can make it similar to the steampunk idea.

[firestorm]

thanks so much ante this has helped me too. oh I i drew the basic design for the bow I want to make too. I'll show it to you a bit later.