April 7–April 10
1770 South Amphlett Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94402
Need to pick up your badge? Get it here! For more information on pricing, pickup requirements, and other details: https://www.clockworkalchemy.com/clockwork-alchemy-registration
The Temporal Entourage of the Western Territorial Frontier Tea Duelling Association has dispatched their “Tea Witches” out to the wilds of California. Have you always wanted to Tea Duel? This weekend is your perfect opportunity! The winners from each day will duel it out in the final challenge on Sunday. If it is raining, this session of Tea Dueling will be moved to Connect 6.
Visit our Maker Area in the back of Connect 3! We will have an ongoing 3D printer demonstration, a costume emergency repair center, ongoing wood painting workshops, and more. Bring your own projects, or stop by and chat with our makers. Maker Nexus is a membership-based non-profit makerspace in Sunnyvale, California. To learn more, visit https://www.makernexus.com/
Do you have questions about the convention? Our highly-trained Info Desk staff is eager to assist. These individuals will either have the information you seek or be able to direct you to someone who does. You can also email us at info@clockworkalchemy.com.
Authors' Alley may look like an alcove, but trust us, it's bigger on the inside. Why, you may ask? Because it’s filled with whole worlds of stories and adventures created by 11 fabulous authors, including our Guest of Honor, Shelley Adina.
Describe a near historical scenario involving Hector Santos- Dumont and the Wright plane in Paris 190? Allow Members to finish the story. Includes a trip to Maxims Restaurant by airship.
Clockwork Alchemy’s Artist’s Bazaar is an artist-only venue where handcrafted unique, one-of-a-kind finery and frippery are offered for sale next to fantastical instruments and armaments. All visitors are sure to find something to amuse, bemuse, delight, or strike their fancy. Come sample the astonishing talents of the steampunk community’s makers and dreamers, and maybe even showcase some creations of your own! Because our focus is on artists and artisans, at least 90% of the items offered for sale in a booth must be made by the Artist(s).
Wanna make a Steampunk-themed video for YouTube, but never done it before? Then this lecture's for you! Topics covered include types of content, cameras vs smartphones, and a few tips for shooting, editing, uploading and publicizing. (And if you've shot Steampunk videos before, come along and share your wisdom too!)
Do you have steampunk-worthy costume treasures in need of a new home? Are you looking for an easy way to build up your steampunk wardrobe? Come to the Garb Giveaway! Gift your garments and accessories (clean and undamaged please!) that no longer fit you or your style for new treasures. Masculine and feminine styles welcome!
In Victorian times, galleries were the cultural hubs of proper society, and exhibitions would showcase the ingenuity and inventiveness of the period. The Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery and Exhibition is a place to see and experience the art of Steampunk with minimal distraction. Please visit our gallery to personally experience the art and science of Steampunk!
Basic Waltz and Ballroom Etiquette: With NO training needed, you will learn a turning waltz and ballroom etiquette for the modern steampunk. No partner required.
You gotta get a gimmick! (Or why Professor Steam wears a big hat)
Come and find out what's necessary to create a living, breathing world for your characters, whether you're writing a book or running an RPG.
If you find yourself in need of respite, a trip to the Alchemist Tea Parlour is in order! At the Alchemist Tea Parlour you will find delicious tea blends to help you refresh your weary soul, and some light nibbles to energize your body for the rest of the day.
In this workshop, you will make a headpiece that features gears, lace, and ribbon. The gears are cut from cardboard and painted to provide the look of real metal without the weight! You will attach your gear and lace design to an elastic band or hair clip for easy wear. All ages, hot glue required.
Join sideshow fire performer and fan of oddities, fraud, hoaxes and history, Major Blaze as he shows some of the amazing things you might want to include when creating your own oddities collections. Subjects include the Barnum Museums of the 1800's, sideshows and attractions, acquisition and display tips and other fascinating things to round out your cabinet of curiosities. (mature audience recommended) See www.majorblaze.com
Welcome to Clockwork Alchemy's Gaming room. Here you will find an assortment of games ranging from board and card games to role playing. Many games are free to borrow and all we ask is that you treat these games respectfully. Please also check our schedule for scheduled role playing game events and speak with our staff if you wish to be in one or run one of your own.
Embark on an epic journey filled with mystical creatures, dazzling magics, and intense combat. Join us for Learning Pathfinder 2e where our guide will lead you through the ABCs of character creation, role-playing tips, combat tips, and some highlights of the rules system itself. To help you along with your journey, purchase our optional hand made dice bag and Chessex dice combo for $35. Experience the thrill of adventure, its missteps, and its delights - sign up now! (Recommended tablet or smart device larger than a phone.)
The Victorian Era is known for its audacious belief that Science would improve mankind’s lot. The men (and some women) of science were an intriguing mix of personalities and circumstances. Go beyond Darwin and Tesla and learn the stories of Victorian scientists who brought about the modern age.
Use buckram to create a deceptively simple, authentic Victorian style hat, the boater. Pieces will be precut and ready to sew with all supplies included. Learn about the basics of the material as well as how this shape of hat can be altered to make many other styles! This is a hand sewing workshop, so please bring a thimble if you prefer to use one. There is no age limit, however experience and comfort with a needle and thread is required to enjoy the workshop.
Hands-on workshop. We supply the cards, you supply the hands. We will be presenting about a dozen original tricks {as time allows). All are royalty free for your uses. For the most part self-working with a tiny bit of manipulation. The goal is for a pleasant hour at the table and hopefully presenting an amusement you can share to make others smile. Age range: 10+
In the early 1900’s Professor, Pierre Vigny developed Canne Vigny, a devastating method of personal protection utilizing the common walking stick, the common everyday accessory at the time. This system became part of self-defense systems, Bartitsu, La defense Dan la rue. This street-proven method went on to be introduced by H. G. Lang to the Indian Police force in the 1930s as a core tenant of the training curriculum. This class will focus on the use of the walking stick, parasol or umbrella in practical situations based upon Vigny’s methods. The syllabus includes; stick drills, stick defense, stick vs stick, and stick against various weapons.
Participants get a chance to learn how to use a bow and experience the Warbow League in a controlled and safe environment. The three experiences alternate every 10 minutes: - The Beginner is there people can learn the basics of shooting and range safety in our enclosed shooting booth. - Shooting under pressure: learn how to shoot a bow at inflatable targets connected to a scoreboard. 2 teams work against each other to her the highest amount of points in the time frame. - Ambush! This will be similar to above although we will have sky pirate staff who will be ambushing the participants by throwing balls. The archer shoot the balls to stop them or evade. The goal is simple, "survuve the ambush" by avoiding the balls and shooting the inflatable targets. This is also scored.
Building on the Basics Waltz class, the wonderful PEERS leaders Cathleen and James will teach several patterned waltzes full of clockwork and useful moves. No partner required.
Artists and creators of all stripes are dealing with challenges and controversies involving generative artificial intelligence, and steampunk is no exception. This panel will examine the technology and why so many artists are concerned. We hope this will be a springboard for a discussion about whether AI has a place in steampunk culture.
There’s something about seeing a map when you open a book or start a new D&D game that sucks you in. Want to make one? Don’t know how to draw? No problem! Learn how to create a map that will let you describe your world in 4K High Def with smell-o-vision. Plus, a bonus section on villain’s lairs!
Jealous of those fancy aeronauts with their gorgeous airships? Can’t afford an airship of your own? Come learn the skills needed to help you and your friends to ‘acquire’ one of these flying beauties.
Assemble a pocket-sized junk journal to record memories and ephemera from your travels. Learn to choose materials, make pockets, and bind your journal, plus options for embellishing and distressing pages. (Free, Materials Provided, All Ages)
Get your books signed by Madeleine Holly-Rosing.
Basic origami folding and how to use it in SteamPunk art.
Do you collect pins (or want to), but have nowhere to display them? Then look no further. I will discuss some of my favorite sources for pins, sourcing the materials for the board, different painting techniques, and how to make a beautiful pinboard.
Get your books signed by our Author Guest of Honor, Shelley Adina.
Get your books signed by Drake and McTrowell.
From the ghosts haunting Ebenezer Scrooge to Dr. Frankenstein’s childlike creature, Victorian horror embraced a new class of complicated, morally ambivalent heroes and villains such as Prince Prospero, Carmilla, and Dorian Gray. If Mr. Hyde is a part of Dr. Jekyll, who is really the villain here?
A workshop for adventurers, writers, choreographers and martial artists. When your enemies attack, they’ll usually choose a time when they have an advantage, such as when you’re out walking without your trusty halberd. Here you will learn strategies for unmatched weapons, learned from the writings of Renaissance European weapons masters. Your best strategy will depend on your reach, strength and speed.
Bring your racer and test the new circuit before the competition on Saturday.
Join us to make the latest Steamy Tech geared coaster. You'll get to decorate the Octopus, assemble the coaster, and experience a Steamy Tech Maker Night.
I have been a bit at odds with my love for Steampunk and my passion for environmental sustainability. It seems to me that glorifying the Victorian Era and Industrial Revolution, as is typical of many steampunk themes, is problematic, or in contrast, to caring for the environment and reversing a lot of the damage that has happened to the planet in large part by industry and empire. I would be interested to help organize a panel on Steampunk and Climate Fiction (CliFi), where they intersect and diverge. However I am not an expert on either subject, but rather a fan of both genres. I do feel this topic is missing from the overall discussion and would gladly help facilitate a talk if the organizers could assist with suggesting potential speakers.
A history of Victorian footwear, it's influence on Steampunk fashion and how to safely walk around a convention all day and still wear those stylish fantasy shoes.
Chronicled in the annals of Sherlock Holmes, Bartitsu, purported to be the first mixed martial art system of self-defense was originally developed and practiced in England in the years 1898-1902. A blend of Western and Eastern martial arts, Bartitsu synthesized elements of jujitsu, boxing, wrestling, savate and Vigny stick-fighting.
Come find out what our Host With The MOST has been up to as Strangely shares tales of Northern lands, ships, and vagabonds!!
The rise of retrofuturism has introduced a fantastical new line with the DC Bombshells -- heroines without the men, all set in World War II. Their aesthetic and clever adaptation mirrors the best of steampunk rewriting. There's also Gotham by Gaslight, JLA: Age of Wonder, The Golden Age, Batman: Leatherwing, Batman/Houdini, and more. Marvel has offered their own retellings, in the alt-Battleworld, with J. Michael Straczynski's Golden Age-style The Twelve, and with even earlier fantasies back to 1602: Witchhunter Angela. Who's doing it right, and how steampunk are these stories?
Shelley Adina shares what worked in creating, plotting and editing the Regent’s Devices series with R.E. Scott, using online tools. Madeleine Holly-Rosing will discuss team management, planning and plotting with multiple artists to create the Boston Metaphysical Society webcomic and graphic novels.
In his 1570 treatise on fighting, Joachim Meyer has a chapter devoted to polarms. The “short staff,” an 8-foot pole, is considered to be the basis of all long weapons. This workshop will teach some of the fundamental techniques for fighting with a stick, which can be used for fighting with other weapons such as a spear, halberd, partisan, glaive, or any other type of long-hafted weapon.
Many cultures have a history of cursing. Though cursing was on the decline during the Victorian era, the Irish continued to be impressively colorful purveyors. This panel explains the structure, 'rules,' and mechanisms. Attendees will get to craft their own curses.
Attendees may sign up for 30 minute slots during Tea Room Hours, or walk in to see if a reading is available when Fortune Telling is being held.
Participants get a chance to learn how to use a bow and experience the Warbow League in a controlled and safe environment. The three experiences alternate every 10 minutes: - The Beginner is there people can learn the basics of shooting and range safety in our enclosed shooting booth. - Shooting under pressure: learn how to shoot a bow at inflatable targets connected to a scoreboard. 2 teams work against each other to her the highest amount of points in the time frame. - Ambush! This will be similar to above although we will have sky pirate staff who will be ambushing the participants by throwing balls. The archer shoot the balls to stop them or evade. The goal is simple, "survuve the ambush" by avoiding the balls and shooting the inflatable targets. This is also scored.
Perhaps steampunk was originally a literary genre, but today its influence is felt throughout the musical spectrum. Friday night’s concert brings together vibrant examples of this musical genre.
Need to pick up your badge? Get it here! For more information on pricing, pickup requirements, and other details: https://www.clockworkalchemy.com/clockwork-alchemy-registration
Do you have questions about the convention? Our highly-trained Info Desk staff is eager to assist. These individuals will either have the information you seek or be able to direct you to someone who does. You can also email us at info@clockworkalchemy.com.
Even Steampunks need to exercise. Experience the exercises that British Expeditionary forces used to expand the Victorian Empire. Indian clubs were exceptionally popular during the health craze of the late Victorian era, used by military cadets and well-heeled ladies alike, and even appeared as a gymnastic event in the 1904 and 1932 Olympics. If participants do not have clubs they could use two short sticks or a pair of small bottles.
Nowhere in the course of human history has more hairbrained ideas that in the art of combat and war. Lets look at some most insane, stupid , weird and just downright loony weapons people have come up with.
Rapid prototype this small motor circuit, then experiment with tiny materials provided to create a robotic bee. Make the robot move around on the table, add or remove materials to change how it moves. Tenaya of Rogue Making brings the coolest materials to create little robots that interact and battle on the table-top. Materials Fee $10.00
An interactive panel where everyone in the room picks one change they would make. How could we improve the past? Or the present? Which worlds would we most like to read or watch? Which live in? And which terrifying dystopias would be best to observe from a far far distance?
Clockwork Alchemy’s Artist’s Bazaar is an artist-only venue where handcrafted unique, one-of-a-kind finery and frippery are offered for sale next to fantastical instruments and armaments. All visitors are sure to find something to amuse, bemuse, delight, or strike their fancy. Come sample the astonishing talents of the steampunk community’s makers and dreamers, and maybe even showcase some creations of your own! Because our focus is on artists and artisans, at least 90% of the items offered for sale in a booth must be made by the Artist(s).
Basic origami, next level. People with basic folding skills will learn more advanced projects.
In Victorian times, galleries were the cultural hubs of proper society, and exhibitions would showcase the ingenuity and inventiveness of the period. The Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery and Exhibition is a place to see and experience the art of Steampunk with minimal distraction. Please visit our gallery to personally experience the art and science of Steampunk!
Come have some fun creating your own Steampunk Treasure box. Supplies will be provided - includes a wooden treasure box in a range of different stain colors, LOTS of gears and other decorations, felt lining in your choice of colors, and the use of tools needed to steampunk bling your box out. Children are welcome 10 years and older, with an accompanying parent.
The Naginata, a long-handled weapon used by samurai, dates back to the 9th Century. Focusing on balance and leverage rather than brute force, the sweeping movements of the Naginata develop physical balance and poise. Currently, Atarashii Naginata (All Japan Naginata Federation style Modern Naginata) is specifically designed for competitors using the same weapon. Practice includes striking techniques, attack-and-defense drills, and free sparring with armor.
If you find yourself in need of respite, a trip to the Alchemist Tea Parlour is in order! At the Alchemist Tea Parlour you will find delicious tea blends to help you refresh your weary soul, and some light nibbles to energize your body for the rest of the day.
Review of places in and around the Bay Area for Streampunk visits.
Authors' Alley may look like an alcove, but trust us, it's bigger on the inside. Why, you may ask? Because it’s filled with whole worlds of stories and adventures created by 11 fabulous authors, including our Guest of Honor, Shelley Adina.
What kind of art can you build with scrap wood cut on a laser? We'll bring the wood scrap, decorating supplies, and glue. You bring your creativity. When the session starts everyone will have 15 minutes to pick out a maximum of 35 pieces of wood from the Scrap Box. You will spend the next 90 minutes making your masterpiece. Our judges will vote and present awards to the best pieces. All ages.
Get your books signed by Drake and McTrowell.
Use heat to shape "the new buckram," Fosshape into a simple fascinator shape and hot glue to decorate with provided decorations for immediate wear! This is a quick and easy project that will introduce you to a newer product in the millinery world that can be shaped into anything you can imagine! This workshop will use heat guns, irons and glue guns so please be prepared to have an adult accompany any student under 16. Not recommended for under 13, and previous experience using items like curling irons or clothing irons is recommended for teens for their comfort and safety.
Visit our Maker Area in the back of Connect 3! We will have an ongoing 3D printer demonstration, a costume emergency repair center, ongoing wood painting workshops, and more. Bring your own projects, or stop by and chat with our makers. Maker Nexus is a membership-based non-profit makerspace in Sunnyvale, California. To learn more, visit https://www.makernexus.com/
Editor Stephen Beale discusses his online steampunk publication, including the new World of Steampunk video series. He introduced the publication at Clockwork Alchemy in 2018 and it has since grown into one of the world's top online steampunk destinations.
There are various forms of duelling, but the most refined form of duelling is with the mighty leaf! The Tea Witches will continue to share this elegant sport as a more civilized way to handle heated discussions.
Join historian Dawn Devine aka Davina for a look at how the bicycle impacted womens in lives in the late Victorian and Edwardian era. Dawn will share with us some of the rare archival images from her original research on this subject.
Come on by and learn the skills of juggling, plate spinning, balancing stuff, and other circus things at my useless class. I have been a useless teacher for over 20 years and I want you to be as uselessly skilled as me. All ages and abilities levels are welcome.
The Philippines have a long, rich tradition of fighting with shorter, faster, weapons. This will be an introduction to the rich traditions of arnis, escrima, kali, and why they matter. We’ll cover both single stick and double stick styles and what you can expect when you’re faced with a practitioner of the Filipino Martial Arts. Sticks provided. Gloves strongly recommended for a more rich experience.
Steampunk is more than brown, boots, and buttons: our adventurers must travel the world in style! Learn about the science behind the leviathans of the skies. From how they stay up to how they crash down, explore how the physics of flight gives distinctive shapes to airships past, present and future!
We will cover the use of single handed weapons in the Steampunk verse including the basics of short weapon usage.
Looking at some of the popular myths and believes of the time. Do they have any grounding in truth or just just cleverly made up stories?
In the first part of this two-part workshop, you will get the chance to hold in your hand a real giant beetle and then pin it in the position you desire! Three beetle species are available to choose from. After you pin your beetle, leave it to dry, then come back the next day for part two! All ages.
Welcome to Clockwork Alchemy's Gaming room. Here you will find an assortment of games ranging from board and card games to role playing. Many games are free to borrow and all we ask is that you treat these games respectfully. Please also check our schedule for scheduled role playing game events and speak with our staff if you wish to be in one or run one of your own.
A master criminal has been making her way across the Moonsea, stealing priceless treasures at every stop. It's up to you to trace her steps, find her allies, and stop her before she can claim her final prize. Tier 2 RPG: levels 5-10. Pre-generated character sheets will be available if you do not already have a D&D 5e AL-compatible character. Adventures are suitable for all ages. Limit 6 players per game.
Shelley Adina, Madeleine Holly-Rosing, and Sumiko Saulson sit down to talk about the publishing industry—and the many ways to get your worlds into readers’ imaginations. We came to publication on different roads, and we’ll share our experiences. Writing, marketing, retailer quirks—ask us anything!
Vader, Joker, Catwoman, often the villains are more compelling than the heroes. In recent times, many creators have started deconstructing and flipping the stories, giving us films like Maleficent, Despicable Me, and Dr. Horrible as well as the Wicked novel and musical. The villain's journey is a path of adulthood, ascending to rulership and then sliding down the slippery slope. The villain's shadow is the innocent questing child, Luke or Dorothy, who acts as the villain's inner conscience. Often the villain dies before completing the arc. If he survives, he sometimes finds the path to redemption and wisdom with experience forged in darkness.
Get your boks signed by BJ Sikes.
An introduction to swing dancing for use at the dance tonight.
Get your books signed by Michael Tierney.
Participants get a chance to learn how to use a bow and experience the Warbow League in a controlled and safe environment. The three experiences alternate every 10 minutes: - The Beginner is there people can learn the basics of shooting and range safety in our enclosed shooting booth. - Shooting under pressure: learn how to shoot a bow at inflatable targets connected to a scoreboard. 2 teams work against each other to her the highest amount of points in the time frame. - Ambush! This will be similar to above although we will have sky pirate staff who will be ambushing the participants by throwing balls. The archer shoot the balls to stop them or evade. The goal is simple, "survuve the ambush" by avoiding the balls and shooting the inflatable targets. This is also scored.
Clockwork Alchemy Presents: Villains and Heroes Strut Their Stuff! Come one and come all to this highly sought out (but not sold out!) event on Saturday afternoon! Join in as an artist or model or merely spectate the excitement of the Clockwork Alchemy Fashion Show. Dare to be creative! Bring your very own version of an Original Character™ and join us in the dark shadows where our Steampunk Villains strike a devilish and dastardly pose. Or be a beloved Steampunk Hero ready to strut the floor, take names, and kick… well, you get the idea.
A fan favorite for many years at Gaslight Gathering, CombatCon and Clockwork Alchemy every year! Learn what every airship crew member needs to know when defending against an aerial attack and repelling a boarding action. We will study close combat use of Singlestick, 19th Century Saber, Steampunk longsword, Cutlass, war club and boarding axe on land, sea and air in our Steampunk universe.
Need a quiet place during the chaos of con to sit down and write? We've got you covered. Come by the Authors' Salon and hang out with one of our authors for some writing time.
Get your books signed by Dover Whitecliff.
Get your books signed by our Author Guest of Honor, Shelley Adina.
If you find yourself in need of respite, a trip to the Alchemist Tea Parlour is in order! At the Alchemist Tea Parlour you will find delicious tea blends to help you refresh your weary soul, and some light nibbles to energize your body for the rest of the day.
This class explores the use of the English Rapier and Dagger as taught by Joseph Swetnam in his manuscript "The Noble and Worthy Science of Defence" from 1617. We will be working on the ways to use the rapier and dagger in different guards and how to move with a unique stance that he teaches. Swetnam sayd to use his rapier like a backsword so we will be working on techniques that caut the thrust into the attack.
Refresher of ballroom for the dance--ettiquete, and a quick reminder of all forms.
Join us for the Convention Group Photo! Weather permitting, in the Courtyard.
Learn how to create a mix and match/interchangeable bustle from cast off dresses and skirts.
Camille Santiago has stolen a spelljamming ship and escaped into Wildspace - now it's up to you to track her down! Explore Wildspace, discover new and classic systems, and collect the clues to see where Camille's next heist has taken her. Danger awaits in the depths of space, but if you can put the pieces together, you can still save the day. Tier 2 RPG: levels 5-10. Pre-generated character sheets will be available if you do not already have a D&D 5e AL-compatible character. Adventures are suitable for all ages. Limit 6 players per game.
Hawaiian weaponry is typically made from naturally occurring elements, such as wood, rock, bone and shark teeth. Hawaiian weapons are known as mea kaua, and today we will be learning to use the maka pahoa (eye dagger), a two-pronged weapon used for striking, grabbing, piercing and controlling an opponent, and the ka’ane (strangling cord), a close quarter tool used for subduing and controlling an adversary.
A smaller, more intimate performance of two of our favorite instrumentalists accompanied by live belly dancers. Featuring live music by Nathaniel Johnstone and Unwoman, and MC'd by Davina aka Dawn Devine.
The authors of “The Adventures of Drake & McTrowell” will lead fellow authors Dover Whitecliff and Stephanie Clemens, and the audience in a madcap improvisational writing game show reminiscent of their signature “Hot Potato” team writing style.
Get your books signed by Stephanie Clemens.
Join sideshow fire performer and fan of fraud, hoaxes and history, Major Blaze, as he tells you about some of the curious and unsettling things that questionable "Doctors" or "Quacks" sold to the public over a hundred years ago. Also learn about the dangerous medicines that were being used by Doctors until better solutions were found. (mature audience recommended) See www.majorblaze.com
Have you admired those jewelry pieces made of tiny watch parts and wished you could add that kind of intricate clockwork to your own projects? Well, now you can! Here, you will assemble tiny watch parts to make an accessory which you can add to a hat or gun, or wear as jewelry! (Not for young kids, ages 8 and over.)
Classic Whist is a trick-taking game similar to contract bridge or euchre, famously played by Jane Austen's heroines, Phileas Fogg, Captain Hornblower and Sherlock Holmes. You'll be playing in groups of 4; cards, a worksheet explaining the rules, and a mechanical card shuffler (for those who have trouble shuffling cards) will be provided.
Get your books signed by Madeleine Holly-Rosing.
Prototype circuits and create your hand-sewn design with lights. The workshop with Tenaya of Rogue Making will involve sewing a few lights onto a patch of fabric, so you can get the hang of it. Later, personalize your costumes with wearable tech to shine brightly at night! Not a sewer? Still please join us, first we will make the circuits with wires, then we'll take time to hand sew two threads to a fabric patch. You can also take your materials home to sew later! Materials Fee $10.00
Making Music Videos - Panel on the making of Marquis of Vaudeville music videos for "We're All Mad Here" & "The Enigma Men" (and talk about what is to come!)
Learn to defend your crew from airship pirates with the versatile boarding pike. Pikes were a primary naval melee weapon used by sailors from the 15th through 19th century. Pike wielders will learn to safely repel all pirates armed with boarding axes, clubs or cutlasses.
Get your books signed by Thena MacArthur.
Join us for Clockwork Alchemy’s Splendid Tea Pot Racing Competition – On your mark, get set, go! Glenda the Tea Witch and Mistress Meesh will be judging this exciting competition. Get your teapot racers ready, dastardly or otherwise! Spots are limited so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign up.
Get your books signed by Anthony Francis.
In the Victorian era, there seems to have been as many scientists that tried to prove paranormal phenomena as there were trying to disprove it.
Practicing useful moves for dancing to Lee Presson and the Nails. Basic swing for those who need it, but also moves copied from Lee.
Card Magic: Advanced Tricks
Did you ever have an idea for a mashup character? An Original Character? See a character in a book, on TV or in a movie, and love it, but wanted to make it your own? Cosplayer and Maker Buck Potter will sit down to explain how to go about exploring and setting a solid design idea, from Marvel to DC, Steampunk to Sci-Fi. Bring your character thoughts, designs and creative think cap for this.
Sometimes it's not obvious who is the hero and who is the villain. We have the traditional heroes, anti-heroes, villains we love to root for, and villains we love to hate. Then there are the redeemed villains and fallen heroes! It’s a slippery slope and a lot of fun to play with as an author and a reader.
And of course, Produced, Written and Directed by Christopher Villa
Walking down the street and accosted by ruffians, what do you do? You fall back on the one thing almost all gentlemen carried, the walking stick. This will cover basic strikes footwork and defense used while carrying a walking stick and how you might use it against different attacks common to ruffians.
The 2023 Aetherblade Open, here again at Clockwork Alchemy, is hosted by The Saber Legion (TSL) Steampunk Charter. Join us for the first Northern California Saber Legion Tournament of 2023. All are invited to come and watch, however participation is for active TSL members. Anyone that has attended any of the War Room classes on LED Saber Flourishes and Choreography will enjoy seeing these skills taken to full contact combat levels. Saber Legion armor requirements will be in effect. Rules and video from previous tournaments can be found on the Saber Legion Facebook and Youtube pages.
Attendees may sign up for 30 minute slots during Tea Room Hours, or walk in to see if a reading is available when Fortune Telling is being held.
The authors of “The Adventures of Drake & McTrowell” will lead two guest authors and the audience in a madcap improvisational writing game show reminiscent of their signature “Hot Potato” team writing style. It has an emphasis on audience participation. WARNING: This is the spicy version. IDs will be checked at the door.
The Henchineer Union welcomes both Villains and Heroes for a night of Music and Dance! This is definitely NOT a trap; all weapons (including Biological) must be secured and stowed for the duration of the event. The ball to feature all of the best dancing from Victorian times, the swing era, and an alternative today.
People have always loved the way we love. Woman-led Victorian homes are as foundational to modern BDSM culture as disaffected gay veterans of WW2 or shibari, but their influence is much less recognized. How did they do it then & how did they think about it? What’s changed & what’s still the same?
Too excited to go to bed? We get it. Strangely has a little show to entertain and delight before you turn off the lights.
Need to pick up your badge? Get it here! For more information on pricing, pickup requirements, and other details: https://www.clockworkalchemy.com/clockwork-alchemy-registration
Polish up your quizzing-glasses and bring your bonny baskets to celebrate Aether Sunday on April 9, with Clockwork Alchemy's inaugural (and probably only!) Aether Orb Hunt! Search the halls, nooks, and crannies of the convention space for hidden orbs stuffed with candy, jokes, and goodies from Clockwork Monster Millinery! A special kids-only outdoor courtyard section will be reserved just for them to participate. Will you be the one to discover the grand prize Golden Orb? And keep an eye out for a certain wascally Aether Wabbit hippity-hopping down the halls...The event will run from 9 AM to 12 PM or until all the orbs are discovered, whichever happens first.
Do you have questions about the convention? Our highly-trained Info Desk staff is eager to assist. These individuals will either have the information you seek or be able to direct you to someone who does. You can also email us at info@clockworkalchemy.com.
Do you have steampunk-worthy costume treasures in need of a new home? Are you looking for an easy way to build up your steampunk wardrobe? Come to the Garb Giveaway! Gift your garments and accessories (clean and undamaged please!) that no longer fit you or your style for new treasures. Masculine and feminine styles welcome!
The Aether Bunny pays a visit to Clockwork Alchemy with a special aether orb hunt for the littlest steampunks.
Japan is a country full of legend and lore and as it opens to the west, there is, understandably, much to interest the intrepid traveler. Along your journey, you may be tempted to try the local cuisine (I highly encourage it) and even don kimono so that you might blend in a bit as you search for the mysterious beings of this land. This is all well and good, but I have seen too many travelers unfamiliar with kimono make the most awkward mistakes in dressing. That's why I'm here today to give you the very basic Do's, Don'ts and Details so that you do not become that Gaijin.
Authors' Alley may look like an alcove, but trust us, it's bigger on the inside. Why, you may ask? Because it’s filled with whole worlds of stories and adventures created by 11 fabulous authors, including our Guest of Honor, Shelley Adina.
We're always told we can't change the past. But when the past, along with the present and the likely future is depressing, some writers ask "why not?" This panel examines the therapeutic use of re-writing history: Fix injustice, racism and sad endings. Take your favorite real-life villains and beat them up--literally or figuratively--or worse: convert them to your way of thinking. Let's make history work for all of us!
If you find yourself in need of respite, a trip to the Alchemist Tea Parlour is in order! At the Alchemist Tea Parlour you will find delicious tea blends to help you refresh your weary soul, and some light nibbles to energize your body for the rest of the day.
Clockwork Alchemy’s Artist’s Bazaar is an artist-only venue where handcrafted unique, one-of-a-kind finery and frippery are offered for sale next to fantastical instruments and armaments. All visitors are sure to find something to amuse, bemuse, delight, or strike their fancy. Come sample the astonishing talents of the steampunk community’s makers and dreamers, and maybe even showcase some creations of your own! Because our focus is on artists and artisans, at least 90% of the items offered for sale in a booth must be made by the Artist(s).
The Vidalia Sandbar fight made Jim Bowie famous, but what about the knife he used? We’ll go over the basic of what is a bowie knife and how one would fight with one.
Create a hero's medal using bits and bobs of ribbons, gears, resin castings and other wondrous things. Heros will choose their ribbon color and resin casting choices before the workshop, then we will decorate and assemble our tributes in the workshop. Show the world that you are a HERO. All ages, with those under 15 assisted by adult.
In Victorian times, galleries were the cultural hubs of proper society, and exhibitions would showcase the ingenuity and inventiveness of the period. The Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery and Exhibition is a place to see and experience the art of Steampunk with minimal distraction. Please visit our gallery to personally experience the art and science of Steampunk!
PowerPoint on a system to producing Magic Squares on the fly. 3 by 3 to 12 by 12. Minimum math skill needed. A nice skill to have in a parlor setting, went asked for a shared amusement. Produce a square that sums to the years they were born. And a square that sums to the month and day they were born. Age Range: 14+
Visit our Maker Area in the back of Connect 3! We will have an ongoing 3D printer demonstration, a costume emergency repair center, ongoing wood painting workshops, and more. Bring your own projects, or stop by and chat with our makers. Maker Nexus is a membership-based non-profit makerspace in Sunnyvale, California. To learn more, visit https://www.makernexus.com/
Nguni warfare is a look into the fighting style of the Nguni cultures and their uses in the Steampunk verse. We will cover Nguni stick fighting, Zulu axe and shield and Zulu spear (Iklwa) and shield.
Shout out to the Tea Scouts! Join the Tea Witches, together with your fellow scouts, for a gathering and group photo
The steampunk aesthetic includes amazing architecture, built with new materials and novel techniques. The Victorian architectural aesthetics match with the Steampunk--functional, yet beautiful structures with the aesthetic sometimes overpowering the functionality
It's story time with Lady Steam. In this session, she will tell the story of Steamy Tech and how they learned about steampunk, sales, and building a business.
Paper Circuit - Engineering with stickers!
Local Bay Area Belly Dancers here to delight and entertain you. MC'd by Davina aka Dawn Devine.
Not your grandmother's croquet! This version of Croquet, "The Queen of Sports" is a sport invented by Steampunks in the UK who "rediscovered the original rules of Croquet." It is a highly competitive team game, and is raucous, surreal and fast paced.
By 1874 Paris was swarming with vagabonds. Consisting mostly of juvenile delinquents, these ten thousand or so ruffians would evolve into a new generation of street-fighter, banding into a gang which came to be known as the Apache. This in-person class reviews the dirty tricks of the Apache street gangs and the self-defensive systems developed by the French Savate Masters including Vigney, Renaud, Andre and Dubious, developed to counter the brutal attacks of these French Thugs, The class will review La Canne, Basic defenses, kicks, punches and close-quarter combat.fend againt the dreaded Parisian Apache street gangs.
What where duels actually like? Did they do away of just change nature over time? Lets look at some famous and not so famous duels and how they turned into the gunfights of the old west.
Ideas are everywhere! Panelists will work through a series of pictures provided by the moderator, generating (hopefully creative) ideas. Panelists will also be offered the opportunity to share their own slice-of-life pictures for story idea generation.
Of The Great Dickens Christmas Faire famiy, Mr. Edger Allen Poe has come to perform a reading of several of his works, including his renowned performance of "The Tell Tale Heart". This heart stopping performance is not to be missed!
Welcome to Clockwork Alchemy's Gaming room. Here you will find an assortment of games ranging from board and card games to role playing. Many games are free to borrow and all we ask is that you treat these games respectfully. Please also check our schedule for scheduled role playing game events and speak with our staff if you wish to be in one or run one of your own.
Gentle Waltz: a reminder of what we have learned, some stretching, and training leading to the Sunday waltz.
Wanted to get into Foamsmith work, but feel overwhelmed by the tools and process? Come sit down with Buck Potter, and he will show you the easy beginner's way to get started on your path to being a solid beginner foamsmith. Lists and Template links will be provided.
In the second part of this two-part workshop, you will mount the beetle that you have already pinned into a shadowbox. A variety of patterned paper and decorative accents will be available for the background. After this workshop, your beetle will be ready to adorn the walls of your home! All ages.
Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Either way, you are welcome on the field of tea! Let the Tea Witches enchant you into the world of Tea Duelling.
All the ballroom dancing we want!
You can’t carry your armory with you. You won’t even always have the luxury of carrying a traditional self-defense tool with you. That won’t always stop ninjas, zombies, and generic-style bad guys. This hands-on workshop will be based around two basic concepts: “Anything is a weapon if you’re holding it right”, and “If you know what you have near you, everything around you can be Anything”. 2022’s session had students showing up with scarves and serving trays. The instructor invites you to continue the tradition and bring something that can be defined as “not a weapon” to use as a weapon. In addition, the instructor will be wearing protective gear so you’ll be able to practically exercise the techniques taught.
Did you grow up watching the Wild Wild West on TV? Cowboys & Aliens? Know a Rim-fire from a Rolling-block? An 80-foot mechanical what? When it comes to the Steampunk & the real Wild West – anything goes. Join us for a lively chat about the realities of the Western Frontier & steamy storytelling.
Get your books signed by Sumiko Saulson.
Join Dawn Devine aka Davina as she takes us through a visual history of hot air balloons and the people who invented and flew them. From 1783 and the take-off of the first hot air balloon, through the first decade of the 20th century when balloons were used for pleasure, scientific research, and war.
Get your books signed by Michael Tierney.
Build drawbots: moving robots that explore physics through art! Aimed at 3rd to 5th graders but younger with parent welcome.
"Hailing from the hedge and loam of Seattle's undergrowth, Dogwood aims to weave historical and wax hysterical in the old-new traditions of mountain men, shantymen, and their fellow men as they tromp across both ancient myth and accidental malady. Mr. Nathaniel Johnstone is perpetually trying to figure out what he sounds like. At times he's blues, metal, punk, folk, celtic, with a whole bunch of other things thrown in for good measure. He loves music from the world. By their forces combined Dogwood & Johnstone make music meant to confound, delight, and infuriate in equal measure."
Postcards, Envelopes, and Ephemera: How to make these lovely collectibles!
Origami challenge for those familiar with basic folding that want to learn more advanced techniques. Watchers welcome.
Why being perfect keeps you away from finishing your book.
Step into a Feywild domain, where a group of outcasts and oddballs need your help putting on a show! Explore Wosh-Teppum, meet its denizens, and maybe even find a new family among the lovers and dreamers. Check out "15 Seconds to Curtain" and see why the creators are calling it "the most obviously referential thing we've ever done" and "the reason I'll never be taken seriously as an adventure writer." Tier 2 RPG: levels 5-10. Pre-generated character sheets will be available if you do not already have a D&D 5e AL-compatible character. Adventures are suitable for all ages. Limit 6 players per game.
Lets party like its 1899! what did the Victorians drink , smoke and do to have a good time? Did they make cocktails? What kind of party games did the play? Did they have...?
Get your books signed by Dover Whitecliff.
From the early 19th century, saber gains widespread use and its design is indpired by the Mameluke sword, a type of Middle Eastern scimitar. Napoleon used it in great extent during his wars as a main weapon for heavy cavalry and their charges. Shorter variants were alos designed and were used as sidearms by dismounted units. British government authorized their pattern swords for use by infantry officers at the same time. As longer-range rifles appeared on the battlefields, calvary charges fell out of favor and sabers with them at least for military uses. Some Eurpoean police forces used sabers for both mounted and dismounted police officers during the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th centuries. Luckily, to some extent, for civilians, sabers were later replaced with batons and nightsticks. Some police like the Gendarmerie of Belgium used them until the 195s. So we will practise the cuts as used unmounted, then the cuts used mounted. The cavalry charge... and keep in mind this is all within our Steam universe... HUZZAH!
Get your books signed by Thena MacArthur.
Last call! Get your books signed by any of our authors at Clockwork Alchemy 2023.
A presentation, followed by open discussion, on the queer coding of villains in pop culture. We will cover anti-queer tropes, reclaiming the "villain" perspective, the entertainment industry's representation of queerness and how it reflects current events, and why accurate representation is so important. 2SLGBTQ+ folk encouraged to attend. Our allies are encouraged to attend to sit with us, listen, and learn from our experiences. Presented by Dogwood (trans, he/they).
The Final Challenge – Join the Tea Witches for the final showdown of Clockwork Alchemy Tea Dueling.
At the end of each event we like to hear your feedback. Join us in a discussion of where things were not as good as hoped, the grind, and where things when well, the whirr. Bring ideas for future events you would like to see.