Steampunk Doorstop

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Today’s post is our next  Int’l Bloggers Club challenge (IBC) and the theme this week is “Don’t Sweater The Small Stuff”.   We have to create a project using a sweater in any way, shape or form. I chose to make a steampunk doorstop.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

We recently had a challenge using concrete and one of my attempts was this cement bottle, but it broke when I was removing the mould.  So it got chucked in the “failed” area of my shed. Another failed project was one of my sock gnomes was suppose to be a female but I could not get her hair right so “she” became a “he” in a pretty hat.  My idea was to try and create a female steampunk doorstop using the cement bottle and the sock gnome design as a guide, to create a female steampunk doorstop. More about IBC at the end of this post.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

How to make a steampunk doorstop

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Make the base

To make the base, I used a recycled plastic bottle.  You can use any plastic bottle because most of it will be covered.  Ignore the other items in the image below, they were for the other project that failed.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Mix some cement in a bowl and add water until you start getting a firmer consistency.  The mixture must still be runny enough to pour into the bottle.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Because of the shape on the bottom, I felt it would be too hard to get the plastic off without causing damage. So I had to stand mine upside down to dry.  The bottle also had a crack that I did not notice, so I had to tape the bottle up quickly.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

I left the cement to dry overnight before removing the plastic bottle. Ignore the hammer, I did not remove the plastic with that, even though the top broke off.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

You can see lots of cracks in the cement, that is not damaged it is the stones you saw in the first image just under the surface. My idea was to have a bottle with part of the side missing with all the glass stones embedded in the gaps. I left it as it was for this project because you would not see it anyway.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Using your sweater

This is where my sweater for the challenge comes in.  I wanted to add it to the doorstop as clothing and texture.  The idea was to have the sweater shaped into a dress for the steampunk doorstop. I used an old sweater and cut a section off the sleeve to use as the dress.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

I wanted to be able to create a dress and a shawl using just the sleeve. To do this I used some fabric stiffener on the sweater so I could create the shape I wanted.  From past experience, I have found this product works better if you wet the fabric first and squeeze out the excess water.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

I added some fabric stiffener to a bowl and then added my fabric.  Another way to do this step is to use a seal lock bag and add the fabric and the stiffener mix it all around in the bag.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

You should wear gloves for this step so you can massage the stiffener into the sweater.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Next, put the sweater over the bottle and shape it how you want it. I left mine on the windowsill in the sun to dry.  If you are not getting the shape you want, you may need to wait until the fabric starts to stiffen. Then go back and add your shape.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Decorate the body

I went for a steampunk theme for this project because I am still not over my phase yet. Surprise surprise. I glued a scrap of lace over the expose cement bottle and make her a leather corset similar to the one on my steampunk mannequin.  And glued it inside the shawl.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Adding the hair

To make her hair I used some white Mongolian fur.  I like using this fur as opposed to regular craft fur because it is of far better quality and you get better results.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

To cut the fur without damaging the fur, it is best to use a sharp craft knife and just cut the back lining.  That way you will not see a straight cut in the fur.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

When I was making the lady sock gnome, I tried so many hairstyles and they all looked naff. Given her pigtails or two braids were all I could come up with, until now. Yes, you are seeing this correctly, I gave my doorstop a French braid. Ha ha  This was easy to do when the lining is glued to the bottle. I added some pearl beads to highlight the braid.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Highlight her dress

To add some colour to the dress I used some bronze wax paste and randomly rubbed it over the surface. I also glued some steampunk charms to her outfit and gave her a clay nose.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Steampunk Hat

To make her felt hat I used the same method as I did for the steampunk gnomes. Once completed the hat was glued to the bottle using hot glue.

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Completed steampunk doorstop

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

Handmade doorstop made using cement and decorated in a steampunk theme. #steampunk #cementcraft #doorstop

More DIY Projects

Mixed media cow skull

Decorated skull

Old desk repurposed into a lego table 

Old desk repurpose into a storage table

More about IBC

If you follow my blog you will know I am part of IBC (International Bloggers Club) which is a group of talented bloggers from around the world. We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Each month we come together and create a project with a common theme.

If you missed last month’s “Concrete ” theme here is the link to my Zen styled garden decor.  The contributions from my fellow bloggers for this months challenge are listed below, please feel free to jump over and give them some love.

IBC Projects

  1. Meegan Makes |Handmade drop cloth and recycled sweater tote
  2. Interior Frugalista|Easy Easter Egg Sweater Wreath Ideas
  3. Me| Unique Creations by Anita
  4. Birdz of a feather |Needle Felted VW Beetle
  5. A Crafty Mix| Sweater into a Handbag

IBC ChallengePinterest pin

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

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36 Comments

  • Reply
    Sara
    March 22, 2021 at 11:17 pm

    Wow, she is so fabulous. Especially love how you did her hair; you didn’t miss a single detail!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:22 am

      Thank you Sara, the hair was a bit OTT but I have the time so why not. lol

  • Reply
    Cat Michaels
    March 23, 2021 at 12:51 am

    This would be such a cool gift for steampunk-lovin’ tweens and teens especially! Appreciate the detailed tut!

  • Reply
    Christy Little
    March 23, 2021 at 12:52 am

    So cool! You are so talented and creative!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:22 am

      Thank you so much Christy, that is very kind of you to say.

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    March 23, 2021 at 12:57 am

    She is sooooooo gorgeous, Anita. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed seeing all the small, intricate details you added, from the tiny bottle on her top hat down to the metallic handbag. If all my failed projects turned out like this little lady I would be over the moon.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:23 am

      Thank you, my friend, I always hang onto my failed ones in case I can repurpose them in the future.

  • Reply
    Rosemary Palmer
    March 23, 2021 at 1:01 am

    You are so creative – I bet your stash of stuff in unbelievable. I really like this.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:24 am

      Thank you so much, Yes i do have a big staff from back in the day when china was so cheap and I used to buy in bulk. I am just short on storage now. lol

  • Reply
    Maria
    March 23, 2021 at 2:06 am

    I truly enjoyed reading this project. It’s just amazing how you created it! I love concrete or that tuff you used to create the body!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:31 am

      Thank you so much Maria.That is very nice of you to say.

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    March 23, 2021 at 2:27 am

    Anita, Your work is awesome She is stylish and a little sassy. I can just imagine a Steampunk store with you work in the windows.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Thank you so much Deanna, I am going to open an Etsy store to sell my Steampunk project because my house is now full. lol

  • Reply
    Marie B.
    March 23, 2021 at 2:46 am

    You and Miss Steampunk rocked this challenge, Anita! Your attention to detail with your steampunk creations is impeccable. I love her french braid!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Thank you so much Marie, I felt really sill doing her hair but she turned out really cute.

  • Reply
    Kim Purvis
    March 23, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    Your creativity never ceases. he is adorable. Love his hair.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:34 am

      Thank you so much Kim, that is an awesome compliment.

  • Reply
    Brooke
    March 24, 2021 at 12:11 am

    What a fun project. This turned out so cool. Love all the details. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply
    Maureen Reynolds
    March 24, 2021 at 1:08 am

    That is the coolest door stop I have ever seen! Thank you for the easy to follow tutorial!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Thank you Maureen, I am glad you found the tutorial easy to follow.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    March 28, 2021 at 10:29 am

    Anita! She is such a gorgeous piece. From the lovely hair to the steampunk accessories, you have outdone yourself. So very impressive! Thanks for inspiring me to DIY out of my comfort zone.
    Have a great week, my friend!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 28, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      Thank you so much Meegan for the awesome comment. I thought I was over steampunk after last year, but I don’t think so. lol

  • Reply
    Cecilia
    March 28, 2021 at 10:44 am

    Anita, your attention to detail is meticulous! Thanks for sharing your creative doorstop at Vintage Charm!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 28, 2021 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you so much, Cecilia, she was lots of fun to make.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    March 30, 2021 at 4:49 am

    Anita, this is absolutely fabulous! So adorable! It will be featured in next week’s Traffic Jam Weekend party.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 30, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle for the feature.

    • Reply
      Kimberly
      April 1, 2021 at 12:31 am

      That’s right, Anita! It also had the most views during last week’s linky party. See you on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST. Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend!

  • Reply
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    March 31, 2021 at 9:44 am

    […] Unique Creations By Anita-Steampunk Doorstop […]

  • Reply
    Carol
    April 2, 2021 at 12:25 am

    LOVE!!! I’m still serious about you needing to do a book. Featuring when my link party opens up!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      April 3, 2021 at 5:27 pm

      Thank you Carol, I might have enough one day to give it a go.

  • Reply
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    […] when trying to reiterate some of them to kids…like #3!”     Michelle chose Steampunk Doorstop from Unique Creations by Anita. “Anita’s creativity never ceases to amaze me.” This […]

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    […] chose Steampunk Doorstop from Unique Creations by Anita. “Anita’s creativity never ceases to amaze […]

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