We have returned from our Italian adventure and are ready to get into the spirit of the season by spotlighting the work of Rob Sacchetto at ZombiePortraits.com. In the summer of 2008, I learned about Rob and his work and instantly wanted to give Aerin a zombified portrait of us for a wedding present. Granted, at the time, I had no idea how popular an idea this was. So while it’s not the most original wedding gift, I still feel that for people like us, it was a perfect present. Check out the Zombie Portraits Flickr set for hundreds of examples of Rob’s work.

As for our portrait, my favorite part is that you can tell we’ve been kissing…and swapping more than just spit…

{Zombie Steamline}

Happy Halloween, everyone.

… J

From top left:

1. Industrial Heart Pendant by Monster Kookies
2. Skeletie by Toybreaker
3. Heart Tie Tack by Tilly Bloom
4. Brain in a Jar by Your Organ Grinder
5. Tin Woodsman’s Heart badge by Cici’s Stash
6. Crochet Oxygenated Blood Cells by Concertina Pieces
7. Tell Tale Invitation by Royal Steamline
8. Anatomical Brain Placemats by Girls Can Tell

{You little prybaby...}

But why are we posting Peter’s work on Royal Steamline? Because of one of Atwood’s latest creations called the Ringtool. It’s simply ingenious: the world’s smallest hex wrench and, with it’s attachment, a handy screwdriver.

{Ringtool - Dont worry, it comes in other colors too. This was just the best photo I could find.}

What could be a more perfect gift for the steampunk groom-to-be? Can’t you just see this on the hand of some airship mechanic? (And I’m sure they’re worn by all of the wrenchenfolk.)

Click here to see the steel ring in its natural color (with its screwdriver attachment as well), not to mention buy one for a paltry $45. For handcrafted jewelry (that’s also extremely practical), that’s a steal…

… J

I know I’m late to the game, but, holy cats: Sillof. This guy’s an artist and an artisan; he produces (generally for fun, not profit, mind you) handcrafted action-figure versions of many familiar heroes and villains (Star Wars, Marvel, Dune, even Terry Gilliam characters). Not only is his aesthetic sense spot on, he even explains his design inspiration, choices, and production technique.

Indeed, many of his creations re-imagine famous characters transplanted to clockwork realms. He requests that blogs do not link to his images, so unfortunately we can’t show you photos of his steampunk Spider-Man or Lord Vader or “Man of Iron” with actual steam emerging from his engines.

Just go here to begin your journey.

… J

{I spy}

Find all the details How to Turn a Book Into a Top-Secret Camera Case at Photojo. And if you don’t happen to have any extra old books sitting around, eBay is a great resource to pick some up for decoration or craft.

… A

And don’t just think this is a one-way gift to the guys. Women rock, too…

{Custom sterling silver guitar pick}

{Hand-stamped guitar pick necklace}

Find it here:

1. Custom guitar pick by Lisa’s Pieces
   
2. Guitar pick necklace by J2 Jewelery

{Message in a bottle}

{Micro-miniature book on parasols}

{Handmade miniature "vampire killer's kit"}

Find these miniatures here:

1. Message in a bottle letter service by Miniature Rhino
2. Micro-miniature book on parasols by Bo Press
3. Handmade miniature vampire killer’s kit by Pjjammer