http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:velvetgoldmineee&section=today deviantART RSS for by:velvetgoldmineee en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:28:08 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/29013897/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/29013897/ Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:44:07 PST I've done it!
My instrumental track, "Arkham (Welcome Home)", is featured as SepiaChord's Song of the day!
I am flabberghasted and amazed right now!

I started this as just something to amuse myself and a few friends, and now it's featured! Haha!

Huzzah! Drinks all around!

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28853961/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28853961/ Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:09:28 PST [link]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. I have recorded it.
The song I spoke of last night?
Well.. it took me about eight hours... Eight drunken hours..
To get the thing done.
But there it is. Apologies about the scratchiness, it seems it's impossible to record a wax-cylinder to Babbage engine without losing some quality!

(But in reality, it's so much harder to make music sound old than it is to make it sound decent.)
Also, there's a few slip ups on notes here and there, but ignore them.
IGNORE THEM!

I'll eventually record another one, but that one's up by popular demand.

There's also an instrumental track I composed up. There will be two more in that vein uploaded sooner or later, following the theme of Lovecraftian cities.

So, yes. Go easy on me. >____o

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28835085/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28835085/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:09:22 PST
I've decided to finally start "recording" again.
I put it in parenthesis because, well, it's me shouting into a microphone taped to a Jager bottle and accompanying myself on some random instrument, usually while intoxicated.

Due to my recent cabaret and rum binge, I've decided that I will not rest until I have recorded one song I have my ruddy heart set on recording. It's going to be a cover of a modern pop song.
I can hear the groans already.
Well, I'm not forcing you to listen, dammit!

But, it should be interesting. I'll save a couple of the bloopers just for s's and g's.
Well, I must be off. I've only got another five hours of darkness to record under.

Ta!
-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28791550/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28791550/ Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:44:20 PST [link]

Yes, yes. I've become hooked on Gilbert and Sullivan again.
Damn you, 19th century (usually comic for the most part) operettas.


And yes, that IS Vincent Price as Despard Murgatroyd.
And yes, again, that is perhaps the most badass name ever.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28443655/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28443655/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:16:33 PST I knew most patterns were quite conservative, and it would only go about as high as most historical pairs.
But, being the absolute lunatic I am, and having the absolute genius of saying "We can do that!" the pants now go up about mid-chest.
Oh yes. Bill the Butcher would be envious.

But, they should be done shortly.
And yes. There will be pictures.
And a waistcoat.
Mwahah. Though ideas on the waistcoat would be spectacular.
I'm thinking black with the pinstriped material as trim so as not to over do the pattern.
Meh. We'll see.

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28375506/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/28375506/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:16:37 PST But I did swing by the fabric shop and grabbed three yards of a lovely maroon pinstripe that hopefully will turn into my new trousers. With a real high waist. And spiffy buttons.
I've also been working on Gaiters v2.5. They're looking quite military. Or safari.
So, I'm either going to work on a British Anglo-Zulu War Uniform or the stereotypical Victorian hunter apparel. Either way I need a pith helmet. With a pickelhaube spike. And a great seal on the front.

So, new things should be popping up. Quite like daisies. Or zombies.

Well, I'm off to go set up my new workshop in the garage. How lovely.

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27981789/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27981789/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:48:54 PDT Revel and enjoy.
[link]

And the long awaited Barbossa costume! With as Jack Sparrow!
[link]

That is all. Enjoy!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27796577/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27796577/ Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:07:30 PDT I've acquired, in no particular order, an Elder Sign pendant, a skeleton pocket watch (finally! I can be like the other steampunks with a decent timepiece!), delightfully random brass trinkets, the Call of Cthulhu silent movie, amazing Gift Art from CabbyHat, a pair of handmade spats, a sock-monster called Regenald, Earl Grey tea, a C'thulhu shirt, two vintage cowboy shirts and the most awesome suit ever, hat feathers and a black rose, a bottle of Tourment absinthe, a jug of Sangria, a can each of Steel Reserve and Pabst Blue Ribbon, a ticket for Zombieland, snuggles, a C'thulhu cake painstakingly iced by my dear mother, and a hangover.
It was so delightfully untraditional. Instead of the usual birthday chant, I broke everyone out in a rousing chorus of Combichrist's "Happy F*cking Birthday." Needless to say, it was much better.
Tonight, I might be going to Rocky Horror, which will be smashing!
Though, all my Tranny outfit stuff is away in storage, I'm going to come up with something ridiculous.

Anyhoo, thank you all for the wishes, and things!
It certainly made for one memorable 21st!

Your friend,
nick/Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27718482/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27718482/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:05:36 PDT Now, what I thought would be as simple as putting feathers into a hat turned into a fiasco of feathers. The thing is.. the feathers manage to look like they're just laying in the hat.
Doing that is easy enough. Getting them to do that and stay in the band is another story. I've even cobbled together a better looking hat-band with black leather and an aged brass buckle.
I currently have them in the closest arrangement I can.
Though, I will admit to going a bit overboard. One large black plume, one small black plume and a bright red one along with two pheasant pheathers. Yes, I spelt feathers with a ph. I thought it was witty.
It looks good to me, and I like the contrast of the bright red feather to the darker, more earthy and worn out colors of the rest of the costume.
But you are probably growing weary hearing me harping on about feathers. So in other news..
Last time I updated, I said I had finished nine pages of the (currently) Chthonic Chronicles. I am now up to twenty.
I've been working on dedicating a few pages to random entities with an introduction and sketch page before each section, along with a brief history of the Necronomicon, since this one will supposedly be written in the 17th century by a protege of John Dee.
So, when the book seems like it can hold no more, I will bind it, do some finishing touches, and take pictures!

You should expect a plethora of photos soon enough.
I just need to get my ruddy camera working.
I keep complaining, yet I never do anything about it.

Ah well.
Anyhoo, it is off to bed for me. I'm going to put on At World's End and try to figure out what the blazes is going on with those damn feathers and probably dream of them.

Until we speak again, o dear friends,
-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27661192/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27661192/ Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:26:28 PDT
It was only today that I downloaded their album, The Chthonic Chronicles. Good Lord. I've been listening to it nonstop and began working on the next tome in a series of eldritch tomes. This one was going to be the fabled Book of Eibon, but after reading some of their lyrics from that album, I noticed that they have a list of Bal-Sagothian tomes.
"The Tome of Shadows, the Forbidden Books of the First Cataclysm, the Epsilon Exordium, the Scrolls of the Third Circle, the Oracle of Antediluvian Blasphemies, the Diabolist's Lexicon, the Arcana Atra Libri, the Thirteen Cryptical Prophecies of Mu, the Manuscripts of the Cultists of Ur, the Chronicle of Shadows, the Black Bible of Kor-Avul-Thaa, the Ancient Book of the Six Keys, the Cydonia Manifesto, the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, the Star-Maps of the Ancient Cosmographers, the Cursed Books of the Z'xulth, the Praxeum Codex, the Chthonic Chronicles"

I don't even know where to begin. My new goal is to create my own take on at least five of these. I think the Book of Eibon will now become The Chthonic Chronicles.
Thirteen cups of coffee later, I had nine pages written out (only fronts due to inkbleed after staining) and the innards ripped out of a red faux-leather photoalbum. I have the basis of it.
I've been including things I've dug up through my journeys on the interwebs. Most importantly, the Rite of Yog-Sothoth.

So, there's something to definitely keep an eye out for. As soon as I can get my ruddy camera working, I'll post some excerpts and such.

But yes, if you're into epic/symphonic black metal band with strong death metal elements (according to Wikipedia since classifying metal is so damn difficult these days) then I highly recommend them.

That is all. It's almost 4:30 and I am really really tired. D:

Farvel-
Renfield/etc.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27477356/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27477356/ Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:24:07 PDT But it's still just meandering about and not arriving!
If anyone can turn time ahead to the 15th of October (hint hint!) It'd be much appreciated.
But in other news, the spacebar and G-key on my laptop detest me, so I'm going to wrap this up by saying that things are still going alarmingly well and I went to see the local playhouse's Evita on opening night, and it was fantastic!

Sooo, wish me better luck on forcing time to move ahead quickly!

-Me

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27261472/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/27261472/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:05:29 PDT Either the universe is actually playing in my favor, or is preparing me for something terrible.
Let's go with the former!


I'm finally in one of those sickeningly cute relationships, and dammit, it's amazing. I haven't brooded in almost a fortnight!

Then, there's my Barbossa costume, which is coming along obnoxiously well. I picked up a few belts and cannibalized them into a baldric and a belt-belt. Found a cheap costume sword that works well. Since I'm gonna be going out in the costume, I'm trying to keep all weaponry (basically just the sword) as cheap and fake looking as possible. I'll invest in a decent prop if this works out as well as I hope and maybe wear it to a con or something.
I've modified a pair of old boots into pirate boots, which was surprisingly difficult, but turned out well. I just need to darken the "suede" I used, since it's an obnoxious orangey-brown, as opposed to a black/dark dirty brown. The shirt has been modded, I've added more feathers to the hat, though still no luck finding ostrich plumes. I'm going to attempt to sculpt the necklace tomorrow night, and maybe attempt to cast it in actual brass if I'm feeling brave.

But that's my update!
Huzzah! Drinks all around!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26837570/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26837570/ Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:49:50 PDT At this point, a spark goes off in my mind like a flintlock firing.
I can grow a scraggly beard. I have a big felt pirate hat and a decent hand (okay, so that's being generous) at sewing.. Why don't I be Capt. Barbossa?!

Needless to say, I've already begun work on the costume and I'm roughly... 70% done.

So far:
I steamed my tricorn into a more... up-brim style thing and I've added a band and some peacock feathers, courtesy of Norkus's neighborhood. I still need to find some decent big poofy feathers. (If anyone knows what kind of feathers they are exactly so I have an idea what to ask around for, it'll be most appreciated.)

I found some upholstery fabric in a strange floraly-paisley carpet pattern and made it into a VERY ROUGH 18th century waistcoat. Lined it in faux silk salvaged from a trench coat.

Modified said trench coat into a frock coat, because I'd have no idea where to even think of beginning on making one from scratch. And I have not the slightest clue on how to use patterns. Luckily, I found 10-packs of plastic buttons that look PERFECT for anything piratey. They're painted an aged brass, and even age like brass when they are subjected to bleach. Oh yes - the trench coat was black. But Barbossa's is a very faded grey. So I tried spritzing it with bleach. It now looks like a mottled brown/black. Not what I was going for, but it'll have to do. Besides, it's Florida. There's a good chance I'll never wear the coat.

Bought 2 yards of a goldenrod cotton fabric and added tassely things to the ends. Easiest sash ever. I'm working on aging the living hell out of it. I've used a bit of watered down bleach and just sprayed it from a distance. I tried coffee-staining it, but there must be a trick to it, since it really didn't stain. Instead, it evened out the bleach spots. Well, if I ever get bleach on a yellow shirt.. I've been taking a razor to it and just running it along the "front" to catch on a few threads and to wear some holes.

Bought half a yard of faded-looking green fabric and cut two headbands out of it. Razored em and coffee stained one of em for 24 hours. No change in coloration at all. Even sun-dried it. But it's already a decent color.

The shirt is probably just going to be a dress-shirt a couple sizes too big with a bit of modification. I have no idea what I'm going to do for the boots or pants >_o Hopefully, I'll get lucky at a thrift store. That's where most of my accesories are gonna come from. A couple of cheap rings, and a baldric and a belt. I think I'm gonna break down and buy the Barbossa necklace online.

But yes, expect pictures when I get everything together!

-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26414495/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26414495/ Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:55:58 PDT
]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26173513/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/26173513/ Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:38:32 PDT I won't be too far off, I certainly promise you that!
But, supposedly this place is rather lovely. It's cheap, it's two bedrooms, and did I mention cheap?
I will finally be on my own. ..With a roommate. My sister, in fact.
But I will be a bachelor against the world!
Fighting for the right to be a madman!
Swigging absinthe from coffee cups!
Smoking hookah like a caterpillar!

It will be quite epic, but I'm certain I'll be crying and wanting to go back home in two weeks. That's my bet.

Hahah, I do indeed jest.
But yes. Keep your fingers crossed, send good thoughts and cash, and bid me adieu!

-Nick/Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/25416118/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/25416118/ Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:09:40 PDT Needless to say, it's going to take a good bit of time to sift through those, comment back, etc. And there's a good chance I might accidentally hit "close" on some, so if I don't get back to you, I'm sorry about that.
I'm usually quite caffinated, and thus do not have the most steady of hands.
But down to brass tacks!
I've made a few delightful new artifacts since last I updated.
Among them, a steamified "Pip-Boy"-ish gauntlet, a military style waistcoat, and a Necronomicon for the Call of Cthulhu RPG campaign I'm working on.

So, do expect random updates here and there!

Sincerely,
Renfield

PS: SEEING GOGOL BORDELLO NEXT MONTH! AWESOME!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/24145726/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/24145726/ Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:40:49 PDT Let me first say, I've been madly addicted to Fable 2. Indeed there are many who will chide and scoff at me for this, but I'm new to the world of RPGs. Before now, I was more of a Katamari/LittleBigPlanet/weird games in general person. So I'm a noob.
ANYHOO. I've decided to attempt to begin working on a Reaver costume. I feel like me and him have a bit too much in common. Plus, it's Stephen Fry voicing him. If I had a dime for every game that Stephen Fry voiced that I love, I'd have twenty cents.
I've found some pretty good reference pictures, but none of his gun up close. Which I am planning on making as accurate as possible. Because no one can resist the Dragonstomper .45.

But yes, unfortunately, I'm at work at the moment, so I must go before the boss co-....

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23679195/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23679195/ Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:42:27 PDT It was indeed a double breasted brown pinstriped jacket. Now, from what I've seen, there are only a couple of tiny differences between this jacket and Andrew Ryan's. One being that it has 6 buttons, as opposed to 4. It also has one extra pocket above the right front pocket. And it's pinstriped. I'm not sure Ryan's was. Though, really, I couldn't pass it up. So I forked over the $13 and it is now mine.
I've already begun searching for pants that will go with it. The rest will just be waiting for my stash to grow back out. Yes, unfortunately, I shaved it after MegaCon as a birthday present for a friend. They despised it, and since I have feelings for said person, I shaved it off, and took a sign-picture for them.

But yes, I think I'll keep this costume in the back of my mind for a while, probably for whatever I go to after MetroCon.

Pictures to come soon!
Well, as soon as I finish the flintlock. Yes, the picture you saw was just the beginning, dear droogies.
Hopefully I'll get some more parts tonight.
Bwahaha!

-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23598155/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23598155/ Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:45:00 PDT [link]

It's still in progress, but enjoy.

-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23514518/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23514518/ Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:40:29 PST Unfortunately, I didn't get to stay in Orlando, and thus only went on Saturday.
This also left me without all the splicers I had planned.
So basically.. I'm gonna hold of on the Bioshock crew until I can actually guarantee that the rest of them will be at the convention.
So, I figure this out last minute. "No worries," says I. "At least I'm still going," says I. But wait. Who in blazes is going to get that I'm Sander Cohen? Four or five people is who!
So, in a panic, and in remembering that there is a high chance I'll run into some other steampunks, I threw together what I thought would be good steamgear in 90 million degree weather. Oh yes, Florida, I know you, you fickle-weathered fiend!
So I did. Needless to say, without prior planning, it was quite shoddy. I'm still kicking myself over that.

But I did hang out with The Outlanders. That was quite epic.
Yes, I said it, you guys are epic.

But again, I digress. I'll throw up some pictures.

Also! Further digressing! After disappointing myself, I got home and began work on new things. I went Joan Crawford on my Nerf guns. I decided that by Metrocon, I'll be kicking some figurative ass. So far, I've finished a revamp of my first creation: The Monoggle Headband. It is everso delightful.
Then, I decided I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and have a back-mounted thingy.
And after much thinking, and reminiscing of how I got lost, I decided on a Time Machine.
Now I know at least one or two of you are rolling your eyes, but wait.
Let me finish. This is no ordinary time machine. No! It has a clock that runs backwards mounted on it!
Yes yes. I've made time work to my advantage. I can feel my beard unshaving itself! Wait.. It does that normally.. Blast.

Well. Uhm. I'll get some pictures for all you lovely people out there in the dark.

Apologies if I seem more eccentric than usual. I don't know what kind of tea I'm drinking and that has a placebo effect on me.

KJgfksdmfkjse!

Sorry, another digressing. Well, two.
MetroCon - I PLAN ON GOING ALL THREE DAYS THIS TIME.
NO ONE WILL RUIN FOR ME! HEAR ME, FATHER?! ...Ahem, sorry.
But, so far, one day is definitely going to be the Steamcrew, and I have an idea for the second day. I'll see how it comes out first.
Third day, hopefully will be Sander Cohen. Yes.

Now, the second half - I found out one of my great-grandrelatives on my dad's side was a machinist back in the days of yon. And for some reason, my grandpa on my mom's side has some of the old tools left. I just have to help out cleaning their garage and they're mine! Hahaha! Ahem. Pardon me. I'm going to stop talking now.

Until we speak again,
Renfield?

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23031047/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/23031047/ Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:12:01 PST Unfortunately, I'm cheap and low on materials, so I'm using very basic supplies. But I'm going to make up for it by getting it to look decent.

It might be done this weekend, perhaps today later on. I've replaced the FtB ears with some 'scimitar' looking shapes based on other masks I've seen around here. I've also applied two coats of flat black paint to the front and a bit of the back. Places that might be seen, etc. Next step is the gold doodles, and thank Ryan I have one of those paint pens in a gold-ish tone. It's a non-metallic gold? You'll see.

But yes. I did my third attempt at the makeup tonight, I'd upload the pictures, but I'm far too tired. Three glasses of homemade absinthe'll do that to you.

I'm still working on fully getting into Cohen's mindset. It's much easier to do with the makeup on, and I'm sure when the mask is ready, I'll get the character.

Well, until next time, my little moths,
-Renfield

PS: I just looked at the mask again.. It is terribly lopsided. You can tell I was a bit under the influence. >_o Don't have high expectations. If it doesn't come out right, I'm going to paint it white, splatter it with red and give it to my brother. He's going as a splicer (hopefully).

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22999797/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22999797/ Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:16:04 PST After some post-upload research, I noticed I was missing A LOT for my Sander Cohen costume.
But again, this was at 1:30 AM.
Still, I digress, now that I am fully awake and have a further understanding of his attire, I'm going to begin work. Again.
The coat, in my humble opinion, works quite well. I'm going to bring up the front ends a bit so it's more tail-coat looking, maybe add a slice in the shoulder exposing the fabric underneath, cut a hole in the lapel for a flower, and if anyone can help me out with figuring out what kind of flower to use, that would be awesome.
I have a pair of dress pants I wear frequently, they're a few years old and show it heavily. One of the knees got torn out, so they're already perfect. The only trouble I'm going to have is the vest.
And then I realized his eyes had the "eyelashes" thing going on top and bottom. So that's an easy fix.
Expect an updated version by this weekend. Heh.
If I can't find a vest, I'm sticking with my black one. I think it works nicely.

Opinions are more than welcome!

-J.M. Renfield

PS: MegaCon is so close, I can smell it!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22994027/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22994027/ Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:56:01 PST Hope you enjoy.

Heh.
-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22710976/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22710976/ Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:29:23 PST
But sad news, I am now a working man. I shan't be on here as often as I used to be, but I will still put my.. creations.. on display. I probably won't be able to get back to all the comments, favorites, or watches, so I apologize in advance if it takes me longer than it should to get back to you. But it will be worth it in the long run.
Job means money. Money means new steamy things. New steamy things means inspiration. Inspiration means even more steamy things. Even more steamy things means.. well.. entertainment, I suppose. Or inspiration. Now I've gone full circle. I'm pleased.

I'll see if I have anything new to put up for the time being. If not, I shall put something spectacular up in the future.

Missing you all dearly,
Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22540827/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22540827/ Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:26:55 PST He'll return soon. Oh yes, he'll return soon.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22058450/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/22058450/ Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:21:39 PST They're all do-able. Though Andrew would be the hardest. With Sander, a painted moustache would actually fit the character. But with Andrew, I'd have to get a fake one or try real hard to grow one in a matter of hours. And I'd have to find a double-breasted brown suit and pray to the gods of cosplay that MegaCon would let me carry around a golf club. Which I doubt will happen.
By the way, don't worry, I didn't spoil anything by saying that. LOOK! A DISTRACTION!

Halp.
-Renfield

PS: I've been working on some new Nerf repaints. Nothing fancy. Just steamy repainting. They're for a Nerf War thing, so adding gears, etc, would be frivolous, because I know they'd end up falling off. But yes. They'll be up sooner or later.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21819683/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21819683/ Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:16:57 PST I do really enjoy the support though, so thank you all!

But anyway. I've recently tapped another creative reservoir in my brain after much experimentation with a pointy stick and a hand-drill. So I've distilled the contents and drank up. Good news is that there are a number of projects under way, and my website is soon to be functional!

[link]

If anyone didn't have it before.
Feel free to spread the word of my site about like jam on toast! There's even some little support banners!

The projects I have underway are another pair of goggles quite unlike anything I've done before. I'm trying a really heavy dieselpunk look. No brass or gears whatsoever. Nor any brown leather. I want to challenge myself and see if I can make something more.. futuristic. I've traveled 60 years into the future, so I know what the 1940s shall bring us! A hint if you so desire.. Upbeat dancing music. It's quite raunchy though. The women bare their ankles! It is quite bizarre to the untrained eye. But after some watching and waiting, I blended in and joined this... Swing dancing.

Speaking of the future, I bring more music to you all!
I was introduced to this gentleman's work not more than a few hours ago, and already I do enjoy it. He's quite along the lines of Prof. Elemental/Dr. Steel.

[link]

And also! Vernian Process has released another An Age Remembered compilation! It's brilliant! Check it out if so wish.

[link]

My new personal favorites off disc 2 are "Horse & I", "Salvation Tambourine", "Agony Wagon", and "Inquisitor."
Ah, such melodies to haunt my ear drums.

Well, that is it, my friends!
Until we speak again,

Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21596410/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21596410/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:49:24 PST It's so circusy, I feel like I need to work more on circuspunk stuff.
Thus, Sidworth might be making a break from the asylum soon.

If you're curious about them, here's a little taste of the album. Though a word of caution, there are indeed a couple clowns, in case anyone has a phobia. Though, if you're one of my watchers, chances are, you've seen it all! Haha

On to the video!
[link]


Also - I'm thinking about attempting a Jerrick Sidworth Video-Blog. Should I attempt it?
The Renfield ones are simple, because that's what I go on about normally.. But Sidworth's a bit more complicated, and I'm working on his voice. Currently it sounds like Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange. I don't know why, but that's instantly where I go.

HALP!
-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21527567/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21527567/ Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:42:44 PST
[link]


Be known, the gentleman in the beginning is no actor. He's now a crewmember! And he's most CERTAINLY not myself in a false-moustache, mind you. What kind of thing is that for a man of my stature to do?!

-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21376313/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21376313/ Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:07:35 PST
On a more serious note, I've begun writing music again! I haven't written even a line of a song in months. But I have a new found muse I guess.
Further good news, Around January 1st, I might be going on an adventure in Europe! I am quite chuffed. My mom's cousin wants to buy me a ticket to fly out to Belgium and visit that area for Christmas. I'll be visiting Bruges (Have I mentioned "In Bruges" is one of my favorite movies?), Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Not sure where in each or in what order, but those are some of the places that came up.
I do hope this actually goes through, it's always been a dream of mine to visit Europe.

Well, it's time for another Dissarono and Chai!

With his fingers crossed,
Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21208645/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/21208645/ Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:02:46 PDT Basically, from what I recall from last year, is mostly everyone wearing what they'd usually wear or a slutty costume. Nothing too fancy.
Welll. Since the premiere of The Dark Knight, I've been collecting things to further improve my Joker costume. Crazy socks, an actual green vest, the tie, purple gloves, the clown mask from the opening, etc. But I still can't find anything that resembles the blasted shirt, aside from a pale blue and yellowy cowboy shirt. I'm going thrift shopping tomorrow, so hopefully, I'll luck out and find something perfect.

And here's where you come in.
Good idea? Bad idea? You (I) can do better? Do it, dammitall and take plenty of pictures?

Let me know. I'm even planning on getting my hair cut to a more workable length as opposed to the veritable mop I currently have.
I'm gonna pass on shaving though. I do enjoy my 'stash and goatee far too much.

Ah, and one more thing. As you probably know, I'm a social smoker trying to cut down (who isn't?), fellow indulgers of tobacco, what would go well with the costume? I'm thinking a soft-pack of something-or-another would look as worn in as the costume.

Bah, this cold weather is lovely, but terrible in a room with no heat.
So, please leave suggestions and ideas.
If you have anything negative to say, please send it in a note or don't say it. I do not want to turn this is journal into an argument.

Thank you all, expect a new hand-gun soon, by the way!
And pictures of my new gas-mask! It's Russian, so I'm told.

-Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20897423/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20897423/ Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:48:00 PDT So I thank you all now!
I thank you for the support and putting up with me!
And of course, to the people watching me! Thank you all!

Your dear resident insane scientist,
Dr. Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20774794/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20774794/ Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:47:57 PDT [link]

Most smashing! I'm grinning like a chesire right now. Ah, it does my clockwork heart apparatus good to know my work is enjoyed.

Thank you everyone for your kindly words and praises and sometimes taunts! I'd tip my hat if I were wearing it, but being put up next to such excellent steampunk artisans has knocked it right off my head!

Have a delightful day!

-Dr. Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20755508/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20755508/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:01:52 PDT
CarnEvil, of course. What with a freakshow, a big top, and an AIRSHIP! What could go wrong?
[link]

Tiger Lillies, they go without saying.
[link]

Captain Spaulding from House of 1000 Corpses/The Devil's Rejects
[link]

Add a bit o' Creature Feature
[link]

And last, but certainly, not least; Despite the fact that he's not circus per se, one of my favorite actor/character "results", Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka, and one of my biggest inspirations, with my all time favorite song, "Pure Imagination." (Sorry for the lack of grammatical perfection. I've just woken up.)
[link]

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20304634/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20304634/ Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:24:37 PDT I fear my life has gotten busier and my camera card has disappeared.
I promise to return to bringing my creations to the masses soon enough.

Have a most wonderful day!
-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20210121/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20210121/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:43:44 PDT
[link]

Do give it a look!

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20130075/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20130075/ Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:29:17 PDT This is a repost of a repost, possibly of a repost.
I'm copying it directly from my friend's blog:



Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day

This is an article I found on teh intranets, I guess it was from (or, for, if you've travelled to the past) last year. Wonder if it caught on? Should have a go at it this year, eh? I would be from a dystopian future, obviously. Just follow steps 1, 2, and 2. I know, hey - I didn't write it.

Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day

You must spend the entire day in costume and character. The only rule is that you cannot actually tell anyone that you are a time traveler. Other than that, anything's game.

There are three possible options:

1) Utopian/cliché Future - "If the Future did a documentary of the last fifty years, this is how badly the reenactors would dress." Think Star Trek: TNG or the Time Travelers from Hob. Ever see how the society in Futurama sees the 20th century? Run with it. Your job is to dress with moderately anachronistic clothing and speak in slang from varying decades. Here are some good starters:

- Greet people by referring to things that don't yet exist or haven't existed for a long time. Example: "Have you penetrated the atmosphere lately?" "What spectrum will today's broadcast be in?" and "Your king must be a kindly soul!"

- Show extreme ignorance in operating regular technology. Pay phones should be a complete mystery (try placing the receiver in odd places). Chuckle knowingly at cell phones.

2) Dystopian Future - This one offers a little more flexibility. It can be any kind of future from Terminator to Freejack. The important thing to remember is dress like a crazy person with armor. Black spray painted football pads, high tech visors, torn up trenchcoats and maybe even some dirt here or there. Remember, dystopian future travelers are very startled that they've gone back in time. Some starters:

- If you go the "prisoner who's escaped the future" try shaving your head and putting a barcode on the back of your neck. Then stagger around and stare at the sky, as if you've never seen it before.

- Walk up to random people and say "WHAT YEAR IS THIS?" and when they tell you, get quiet and then say "Then there's still time!" and run off.

- Stand in front of a statue (any statue, really), fall to your knees, and yell "NOOOOOOOOO"

- Stare at newspaper headlines and look astonished.

- Take some trinket with you (it can be anything really), hand it to some stranger, along with a phone number and say "In thirty years dial this number. You'll know what to do after that." Then slip away.

2) The Past - This one is more for beginners. Basically dress in period clothing (preferably Victorian era) and stagger around amazed at everything. Since the culture's set in place already, you have more of a template to work off of. Some pointers:

- Airplanes are terrifying. Also, carry on conversations with televisions for a while.

- Discover and become obsessed with one trivial aspect of technology, like automatic grocery doors. Stay there for hours playing with it.

- Be generally terrified of people who are dressed immodestly compared to your era. Tattoos and shorts on women are especially scary.



And that's it. Remember, the only real rule is staying in character and try to fit in. Never directly admit you're a time traveler, and make really, really bad attempts at keeping a low profile. Naturally, the dystopian future has a little more leeway. And for the record, I've already tried out all of these in real life, in costume. It is so much fun you want to pee yourself.

I've set the tentative date for December 8th. Who's in?

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20129972/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20129972/ Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:23:49 PDT But please, once you've destroyed their back-gears, leave the rest of them intact. I'd like to figure out how the blazes Professors Green and Widowmaker did to these things after I left the facility.

Update: It appears some renegades have taken out 156 of them already with grenades.

I take it back. Save at least one whole one for me to inspect.

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20113645/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20113645/ Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:07:00 PDT [link]

Watch! I have no time to explain!

..And to think I could've used this as an opportunity to RickRoll everyone, but I didn't! This is a matter of bumbling etc.

-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20023852/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/20023852/ Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:55:45 PDT
Here's the first:
[link]
(Apologies for the darkness of this video.)
And the latest:
[link]

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19986449/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19986449/ Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:28:57 PDT This is a great honor, and I'd like to thank everyone for all the comments of goodness, and the favorites, etc!
You are all amazing!

Read the article here:
[link]

And to end this, here are some people who's work you should check out!












And I am sorry to cut it off there, but for now, I must go! I must build a contraption to assist me in the lab!

Until we speak again, friends,
This is Dr. Renfield, signing off!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19895937/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19895937/ Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:26:42 PDT JonasMRenfield
Feel free to add me or contact me or anything.

Also - if you want to add my myspace,
[link]

That is it for now!
Until we meet again,

-Dr. Jonas Mortimer Renfield (Doctor of Obscurities, Not Medicine; Clocksmith; Lunatic)

PS: If you've never seen The Mysterious Geographical Explorations of Jasper Morello, give it a watch! It's amazing!
[link]

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19769052/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19769052/ Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:49:43 PDT [link]

Shortly before hearing about him, my good friend Lim notified me of a band called Creature Feature, "The Greatest Show Unearthed." The title lives up to it's promise of bizarre, cicusy goodness. The album artwork is a tribute to Edward Gorey, for the sake of all things strange! They are delightful for when I need a more sinister air in the room.
[link]

If you're still itching for more weirdness after these, examine the Deadfly ensemble. Lucas Lanthier's falsetto is downright flawless. On songs such as "Horse on the Moor," I was sure I was listening to a female singer along the lines of Marianne Faithfull.
[link]

Speaking thusly of falsetto, no playlist is complete without a touch of Tiger Lillies. My good friend Norkus describes the lead singer, Martyn Jacques, as "King Diamond takes up the accordion and joins the circus." Which hits the nail right on the head. I could listen to this band all day, and have, on occasion, done that before. There's something about falsetto combined with accordion that wins my heart.
[link]

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19717959/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19717959/ Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:11:52 PDT It was one of the first few days that it dawned on me. It was written in 1879. It is not only public domain, but set in the perfect era for steampunk.
"Airship Pirates of Penzance."

Of course, I'd take "Major-General" very literally, as being the very model of a modern major-general.
When I first saw this: [link]
(from Spookypop), I immediately found inspiration.

But yes, it's just a simple idea I thought I'd journal about.

Until we speak again,
JMR

PS: If you've never seen Pirates of Penzance, watch these:
[link]
[link]
[link]
And especially this:
[link]

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19651246/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19651246/ Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:21:07 PDT In an attempt to be more productive, I've shut myself in the workroom of the Blackwind with only my pipe and 3 days worth of Earl Grey with plenty of hot water to keep a fresh cup.
And how it worked! I've finished 2 pairs of goggles, "Fee Verte" (My new revolver), a holster made of purple leather for it, added bits to my top-hat and sungoggles, begun work on a new waistcoat, and tidied the room up (it was becoming quite cluttered).
The photographs I have just uploaded were the surface of my creations. More to come shortly!

Thank you all!

JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19545562/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19545562/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:49:07 PDT I always say, "live and let live, unless the other person's a jackass."

You know, I just come on this site to share my stuff. And until now, I've had nothing but a positive experience.

Sorry to rant, but that really just gets to me.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19545201/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19545201/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:21:18 PDT Anyway, it wasn't my cup of tea. Though I would've enjoyed doing a 50's comedy. Ah, and to think I brushed up on my oldspeek for that.

But, anyhoof. I have a new style of goggles!
Check them out, they should be uploaded momentarily. I like to call them "The Captains."

Well, I must be off to bed. Got some books to drink and some tea to read.

JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19519458/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19519458/ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:47:05 PDT And I don't know the director. So, chances are, next show I'm doing is Rocky Horror.
But, wish me luck or a broken leg, or whatever you wish upon someone during auditions.


Adios!
JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19429855/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19429855/ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:34:22 PDT
First off:
Lim! Thank you for putting up the picture of us from Megacon! That brought me back onto this site.
Thank you for all the compliments and comments you've left. They're very appreciated!
Your work is amazing! I promise to buy the artifact one of these days! Thank you!
Mr. Dantes, you are the gentleman who got me hooked on this steampunk thing. I thank you kindly!

I apologize that I couldn't get everyone else yet, but I am quite pressed for time at the moment and will be back to edit this to add more people.

Until then,
Your friend,
-JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19295683/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19295683/ Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:06:45 PDT I've tried to respond to as many as I can, but due to my attention problems, I might've missed a few.. I know I accidentally cleared all the favorites, so if you've favorited any of my work to-day or added me as a friend, I thank you from my heart!
This keeps me making things and creating fresh ideas!

I wish you all the very best, and I'd like to thank you all once more!

Your friend,
Jonas Mortimer Renfield


PS: If you enjoy bizarre accordions and falsetto'd vocals, please, check out Tiger Lillies. They're a wonderful trio that plays circusy nightmare music!
They did the score for Shockheaded Peter, which I know there's a few of you who know what that is.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19183009/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19183009/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:43:35 PDT
Hobopunk:
Era: 1920's-1930's, Dustbowl/Great Depression-era.
Characteristics: Anti-establishment, wandering and wayfaring, Living off the fat of the land
Look: think O' Brother, Where Art Thou?
Music: Early bluegrass, general "hobo" music.
Reads: "Grapes of Wrath", "The Jungle", etc

Gonzopunk:
Era: Late 1960's-Early 1970's
Characteristics: Heavy drug use, prominent usage of sarcasm, very political
Look: Aviator sunglasses, Hawaiian shirts, cigarettes
Music: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, etc.
Reads: Anything by Hunter S. Thompson

Wonderpunk:
Era: Late Victorian
Characteristics: Imagination
Look: Hatters, cats, caterpillars... etc.
Music: Honestly.. I have no idea.
Basically, this one just popped into mind from looking at some Alice in Wonderland doodles.

Some I'd like to work on:
Romeropunk, Fightpunk..

The list goes on. Fightpunk is roughly anything Palanuihk (Sp?)

Enjoy, my friends. I hope this gave you a good laugh or two, and maybe some bad ideas.

JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19075168/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19075168/ Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:17:21 PDT You'll know when you see it. Because it will be that intriguing.
It's something I've been planning for so long, but I am now going through with.

July 18th will see a new costume.


Hahahaha!

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19048201/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/19048201/ Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:55:27 PDT I shall talk about them now.

MOVIES:
City of Lost Children: It's French, it's dystopian, it's VERY steam/dieselpunk. It's amazing. I've never seen a movie so amazingly put together. Everything just.. fit. Needless to say, I'm going to make one of the headpieces.

Zulu: Old, 1960's war movie about the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Truly gives you an insight to what the British military of the time was like. The ending (no spoilers) gave me shivers. Few movies do that to me.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow: Thank Tesla I finally broke down and rented it. The entire movie was filmed on a bluescreen. I had to rewatch it after I found that out in the special features to see if I could notice, but to no avail, it was flawless. I hope to see more movies by the gentlemen that came up with it. They truly have innovative thinking.

MUSIC:
Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer: Music by a gentleman, for gentlemen. Proper style, banjolele-driven hip-hop. Don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of hip-hop at all, but this is just downright dandy!
Recommended Tracks: Piece of My Mind, Let Me Smoke My Pipe
Elemental: The gentleman infamous for "Cup of Brown Joy." Turns out, he has another delightfully steamy song called "Animal Magic." Perfect for working in the lair late at night.
Recommended Tracks: Animal Magic, Cup of Brown Joy
Jonathon Coulton: Nerdcore at it's finest! I recently re-discovered him after a friend played "Code Monkey." Listen to him at your own risk. He's very catchy.
Recommended Tracks: Code Monkey, Re: Your Brains, Skullcrusher Mountain, Still Alive
Boxcar Serenade: Yes, ladies and gentlemen! More hobo music! Kinda Tom Waits-meets-1920's hobo. Wait.. That would be.. Tom Waits.
Recommended Tracks: End of the World
Deadly Nightshade Botanical Society: What steampunk doesn't a bit of industrial? This band is downright perfect for relaxing when you don't want something to put you to sleep.
Recommended Tracks: Clockwork Dream, These Eyes, Tender Wounds

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18816012/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18816012/ Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:52:13 PDT But that didn't stop me from trying to continue construction on a top secret new project at 1:00 AM!
As I added a screw to it, two parts FELL OFF. I was downright angry. So I go to put it down and it knocks over three of my corked bottles in my collection. This never happens. My props usually stand up for at least a week. Then, I repaired it and set it on my desk to dry once more.
When I woke up, the glue had somehow managed to work it's way onto my Dr. Steel armband and a pair of freshly cut goggle lenses.
So, basically.. I'm going to be even more behind on my goggle-smithing.
I apologize, but such is my luck.


JMR

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18487421/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18487421/ Sun, 25 May 2008 00:02:48 PDT Born in 1863 in Whitechapel to a scientist father (R.M. Renfield) and an opera singer mother (Jacqueline Hawkes), Jonas was raised to enjoy the more obscure side of life. He was taught at an early age the art of alchemy and how to play the accordion. Neither of which stuck, due to his focus being drawn to the darker side of life. He studied sky-pirates, and how to make a button-gun from bits of clocks. Most of his young years were spent in the garden with his father's goggles on, pretending to pilot an airship. But, after being told one too many times that pirates are not something to make fun, he was sent to work for a hatter.

After suffering a severe bought of Mercury poisoning at the age of 16, he resigned the job, never to be caught working in a hat shoppe again. He did, though, acquire a bowler derby he made himself, purposely a bit too small for a customer. This deed was not the last in his streak of trickery, for he also managed to sneak away with the hatter's goggles. A lovely pair made of green Kraken-hide with amber lenses. Unfortunately, these were lost when he was sent off in 1879 to fight in the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa. But needless to say, he was promptly shipped back to Whitechapel due to his insanity.

That is when he decided to make true his childhood dream of being a Sky-Pirate. He lurked in dark alley ways, looking for a Captain in need of a crew member. When at last, he found one. A man by the name of Nikolai T. Caligari III. A strange gentleman with an infatuation for tobacco pipes. Renfield picked up his smoking habit and a handgun during his one-year tutelage with Dr. Caligari.

He felt ready to recruit his own crew, and fly the skies, sparing no offense. He returned home one last time, bid his family fare-well, asked for a bit of money to rent an airship from the shipyard, and vanished into the skies that night.

Since that moment, he's been collecting a motley band of pirates, scientists and viking to raid the skies. Never stopping a moment to regret his choice. He will always be there, when you look up. Patrolling for the next tobacco delivery ship, sciencing away the night.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18470566/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18470566/ Fri, 23 May 2008 21:18:09 PDT If you're looking for new sounds to delight your ear, give these artists a listen:
Jason Webley [link]
He's music for the sky falling down and making love by train-tracks.
Recommended tracks:
Against the Night, Eleven Saints, Dance While The Sky Crashes Down

Hobo Jazz [link]
Wonderful to listen to while looking for a boxcar to jump aboard.
Recommended Tracks:
Mr This & That, None of My Jelly Roll

Dax Riggs [link]
Melancholy words flowing through a worn down voice.
Recommended Tracks:
Demon Tied To A Chair, Night is the Notion

The Hellblinki Sextet [link]
Delightful melodic noise that sounds like Tom Waits processed through a dirty accordion.
Recommended Tracks:
It Comes to This, A Pirate's Life

The Scarring Party [link]
Music of the darker 1940's with more oom-pa.
Recommended Tracks:
No More Room, Revelator, Everybody Knows

And here are some all time favorites!

Tom Waits [link]
He's finally on tour! If you've never listened to him, give him a chance to grow on you. His earlier work sounds like a gin-soaked, cigar-smoking barfly. He gradually gets weirder through the years. Replacing his piano ballads with dresser-drums and accordions.
Recommended Tracks (Early Years):
Tom Traubert's Blues, The Piano Has Been Drinking, Ice Cream Man
(Later Years):
Rain Dogs, Underground, Singapore, Innocent When You Dream, Little Drop of Poison

Two Gallants [link]
Another band worth listening to. Wonderful drum-guitar/vocals duet. Very outlaw music.
Recommended Tracks:
Steady Rollin', Las Cruces Jail, Seems Like Home To Me, Miss Meri

Jill Tracy [link]
Dark, cabaret noir music. Delightfully eerie vocals.
Recommended Tracks:
Doomsday Serenade, Evil Night Together, Extraordinary

Abney Park [link]
If you're into steampunk, you should know this band. They are amazing.
Recommended Tracks:
Airship Pirates, Sleep Isabella, The Secret Life of Dr. Calgori, Herr Drosselmeyer's Doll

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18445065/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18445065/ Thu, 22 May 2008 10:10:01 PDT -Themed-goggles are fun. I'm making a pair of Jeckyl & Hydes as we speak.
-Coming up with designs for themed-goggles is difficult.
-"Pure Imagination" is one of my favorite songs ever, and a great song to create to.
-Hookah makes life good.
-Rockband is evil. Especially "Go with the Flow" on hard. 3 days and I still haven't beaten it.
-Roommates will not help you with Rockband.
-No matter what, acrylics always come off everything.

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18431011/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18431011/ Wed, 21 May 2008 13:08:10 PDT
Must get to work!


-J.M.Renfield

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18295105/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18295105/ Mon, 12 May 2008 18:49:58 PDT
So, here's what you do:
1. Pick a color for the goggles (at the moment, I have black and brown faux leather, but can get more if needed)
2. Pick a color for the lenses (all i have in my workshop is clear, but I can find others)
3. Measure around your head and the distance between your eyes.
4. Tell me any little extra things you want added to them. [Springs, gears, chains, etc.]
5. Tell me to make them, and when they're finished, send money. It's a pick-your-own price thing. Minimum $10 + shipping. And they'll be sent to you.

This is a limited time, once again. But if this goes over well, I'll keep making them for you guys.


Your friend,
N

]]> ~velvetgoldmineee http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18235312/ http://velvetgoldmineee.deviantart.com/journal/18235312/ Thu, 08 May 2008 23:34:24 PDT -Speaking of character, I take my photos, write the description and reply back to you all in character. I'm strange. You'll learn to love it... I hope.
-I am the modern man from an alternate past.
-What I wear in the pictures is close to what I wear on a day-to-day basis. The hat doesn't leave my head unless I'm asleep, in the shower, or if it's late at night and I don't feel like wearing it.
-I'm an amateur. I aspire to be able to create such beautiful things as you kind folks do. If you have any tips for me, please know they are more than welcome.
-I have a myspace and I would be thoroughly delighted to recieve requests of friendship from anyone.
[link]
-I need a carbonated beverage.

Be back later, my freaky darlings.

-N

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