Steampunk Party
If you have been following me on Instagram, you know that I recently celebrated my 39th birthday with a Steampunk party. I’ve been a Steampunk fan for a while now and knew it would be a unique and fun theme for a birthday celebration. Since clocks, gears, and time travel are big components of the Steampunk genre (and I’m not super excited about being a year closer to 40), I titled my party “Stopping Time…Forever Thirty Nine”. Today I am thrilled to share all the details!
Details:
I knew I wouldn’t find much in stores to match my theme and that I would need to create a lot of the decor myself. I also knew I was going to have to rely heavily on treats and desserts to tie the theme together. With that in mind I reached out to several bakers and treat makers for sweets and treats (see list below). I was pleasantly surprised to learn that most of them were familiar with Steampunk and were eager to collaborate. I started the planning process with the invitation (you can see the tutorial here) using my Sizzix dies. I then reached out to Lauren of Ten23 Designs (she created the wonderful frame and Maleficent silhouette for my Maleficent party) and asked her to think up something for my backdrop. She knocked it out of the park! I literally shrieked with excitement when she sent me her design. A Clock, gears and my initials…perfection!!! My husband spray-painted the gears in several metallic colors and I added gold glitter for accent.
For centerpieces, I added coordinating flowers to the handpainted mason jars Meghann from Always the Occasion made for the cocktail tables. The Key Wine Stoppers in vintage style boxes Princesses and Tiaras sent for party favors were a huge hit among the guests!
Props:
While sourcing decor for other parties I had planned, I kept my eyes peeled for decor that would work for my party. In June I was able to find clocks, globes and gears at HomeGoods from their Father’s Day decor line. I also found some vintage style items at the Goodwill and “steampunked” them with some metallic paints and embellishments. I also painted a hot air balloon decor piece from a transportation party a couple of years ago and my husband constructed a lamp using pvc pipe and a mason jar. For accessories, I painted and embellished two pairs of welding goggles and my son’s nerf gun. I also added metal gears and keys from Outside the Box Papers.
Carrie from Scarlet Harlow created the most beautiful top hat centerpiece for my table. The handmade and intricately detailed masterpiece was the perfect focal point and added so much flair to the table!
Papercrafting:
Using my Sizzix Big Shot I embossed the popcorn boxes to match the handmade gift tags made by Fizzy Party. I also embossed the napkins and candy treat boxes. I also made a Steampunk Banner for the front table. No party goes on with out a hitch or two and I had my share this time around. Unfortunately, the cake I had ordered did not arrive as planned so I made a last minute cake topper with my Sizzix Big Shot for a store bought cake. I actually love how it turned out and best of all no one at the party even noticed!
Costumes:
My favorite part of themed parties is the chance to dress up! Between my stash of costumes and my regular wardrobe, I was able to through a costume together. The lovely Brenda from GreatStitch sent a personalized shirt and vest for my youngest son who happens to share my love of dressing up. I was also lucky enough to find him a large snowman’s hat at Hobby Lobby that I Steampunked by adding a pair of the DIY goggles.
Photo Booth:
Stacie from Fancy & Fold handcrafted the cutest little steampunk paper top hat that we used as a photo prop. Using my Sizzix and Cricut Explore, I also created several photo props. The family took turns posing with props including the nerf gun, a parasol and paper props.
I had such a great time planning and prepping for this party. I established new relationships with several pretty awesome ladies in the party business and also did several DIY projects hand in hand with my husband. Not to mention, I had a BLAST at my birthday party with family. Although most of my family knew nothing about Steampunk before the party, I was so happy to see them get into the party spirit and a couple even dressed up in costume!
Thank you so much for visiting!
God Bless,
Vendors/Contributors:
Styling, Photography and Papercrafting (banner, cake topper, candy apple toppers, favor boxes, invitation, most photo props) – Michelle’s Party Plan-It
Decor:
Steampunk Sign – Ten23 Designs
Handcrafted Fabric Top Hat – Scarlet Harlow
Ivory Lace Table Runners – Cupcake with Character
Handpainted Mason Jars – Always the Occasion
Handcrafted Paper Tags – Fizzy Party
Handcrafted Paper Top Hat – Fancy & Fold
Small Silver Cupcake Stands – Bella Cupcake Couture
Child’s Vest and Steampunk Shirt – GreatStitch
Main Table Treats:
Copper Glitter Candy Apples & Cereal Treats – Autumn Lynn’s Chocolate Sins
“Stopping Time…Forever 39” Cookies – Creating Awesomnessity
Chocolate Covered Oeros with Edible Lace and Gears – Bella Bakery and Bowtique
Small Candy Kabobs with Gears – Sweets Indeed
Chocolate Cake Pops with Gold Gears – The New York Cakepopery
Gold and Silver Gear Sugar Cookies – Jess Add Sprinkles
Window Favor Boxes, keys and gears embellishments – Outside The Box Papers
Gumballs and Sixlets – Sweets from Heaven, Outlets of Orange
Gold Mini Plates- Maison du Bonbon
Gold and Brown Paper Straws – Celebration Lane
Party Favor Table Treats and Favors:
Glitter “M” and “39” Cupcake Toppers – Pink Poppy Party Shoppe
Glitter Cupcake Wrappers – Bella Cupcake Couture
Pretzels – Autumn Lynn’s Chocolate Sins
White Chocolate Cake Pops with Chocolate Swirls and Gold Gears – Bella Bakery and Bowtique
Gumballs, Jelly Beans, Sixlets and Large CandyBobs – Sweets from Heaven, Outlets of Orange
Key Wine Stoppers and Vintage Box Party Favors – Princesses & Tiaras
Steampunk Inspiration Sources/Tutorials:
The 28 Most Popular Steampunk Materials at Your Local Hardware Store
Are you fan of Steampunk? Follow my Pinterest Board!
Follow Michelle’s Party Plan-It’s board Steampunk Party Ideas // Michelle’s Party Plan-It on Pinterest.
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21 comments
Even if I weren’t a part of this party, my jaw would be just as quickly on the floor! I love every detail of this party and am in awe of it all <3 Amazing job!
Thank you my Dear! 🙂
Beautiful! All of those treats look too good to eat!
Thank you Erica!
I am just in AWE this is by far the most stunning and amazing party I have ever seen. I am so inspired by you just so much creativity and talent beyond words.
Thank you so much my sweet friend for the kind words! xoxo
As always, simply amazing! Just love every detail!
Thank you Missy!
THIS is one of my favorite parties of the year Michelle! You TOTALLY ROCKED this! LOVIN that pvc pipe lamp…so creative
Thank you much Tonya! 🙂
Love every detail! This must have taken forever to plan. Love being apart of your parties. Always beautiful, never disappointed!
Thank you Shauna! Your lace runners were perfect!
This is amazing!! The photography and party details are fabulous! 🙂
Thank you so much Alexandria!
Glitter, gold, glamour and so much creativity put into this party! I can’t decide what is my favorite part because I love it all. You know you totally aced this! Love the family pictures and you my friend look FANTABULOUS! Gorgeous pics!
Thank you so very much Glenda! 🙂
Happy birthday!! I love all the details of your party!! The attention to detail is amazing! I just turned 40 a few months ago 🙂 So far so good! 🙂 Great job on the party!
Thank you Krista! 🙂
I loved every detail of your party..especially the M and 39 on your fireplace mantel! Beautiful party!!
Thank you!
wow I absolutely loved you part theme and set up. I’d like to have one just like that. I’m going to have one for my next big birthday, this gives me 3 years to plan.