Greetings to all our Steampunk family! We hope you are all well and are ready for some in person interaction! The Clockwork Alchemy family of staff and volunteers are busy with all the behind-the-scenes activities to bring you our 2022 event, Marvelous Makers, March 18-20, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency, Burlingame, CA. Look for more…

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The Clockwork Alchemy War Room gives lessons in martial arts from the real as well as fanciful past.

Clockwork Alchemy’s 2021 virtual event, Transmissions from the Aether, is almost here and we want to give you some helpful hints to make your attendance enjoyable. We have two platforms, Twitch and Zoom. Everyone has a different level of expertise with these, so we are providing some information and supporting videos, some of which are…

Steven Barnes Steven Barnes is the NY Times Bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty novels, as well as  writing for television’s The Twilight Zone, Andromeda, and the Emmy-winning “Stitch In Time” episode of The Outer LImits among others.  Winner of the NAACP Image Award and creator of the Lifewriting system of writing and personal development,…

Hello! We start this letter with some sad but not surprising news.  Clockwork Alchemy will not be able to be held in person in 2021 due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.  We do plan to return to in person in 2022.  If you have purchased a ticket for 2020, your ticket will be rolled over…

By Anthony Francis “This the right grave?” Kip eyed the blockish monument; most of Highgate Cemetery was a gothic tour through Victorian willies, weeded to ruins and taking his calm with it, but this imposing rectangle and dour, bearded bust were clean, had fresh flowers, and bore the improbable name KARL MARX. “Seems … I…

Gear Oils is one of Clockwork Alchemy’s regular vendors. You can see their full catalog of merchandise on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/market/gear_oils

America Pivots: 1893 Chicago World’s Fair By Dawn Devine ~ Davina – www.davina.us Introduction: In 1893, the city of Chicago hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition, commonly known as the Chicago  World’s Fair and it ran from May 1 through October 30.  Chicago fought other major US cities for the commission to host this major event….

This month’s featured artist is Paul Stewart from the California Gold Country foothills. He discovered he was ‘making steampunk’ before he knew what steampunk was. Paul has displayed several of his inventive pieces in the Artists’ Gallery at previous conventions. He creates his unique and whimsical pieces using found objects from all kinds of sources,…

Issue #4 of Clockwork Currents, the community magazine of Clockwork Alchemy. Clockwork Alchemy is San Francisco’s own steampunk convention, supporting art, creativity, fun and friendship for alternate history, fantasy, and science fiction enthusiasts. Contents Letter From the Chairs Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery Profile: Paul Stewart History: The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair Vendor Showcase: Gear Oils Fiction:…

Cindy Joy of Madame Huffen-Bustle’s Steam Couture shares her steampunk story and showcases the historically-inspired steampunk skirts she makes for steampunk events such as Clockwork Alchemy.

Splendid Teapot Racing was conceived by Simone Montgomery in Dunedin, New Zealand.  She was looking for something that everyone, no matter their abilities could participate in, in a spirit of inclusiveness.  She had a friend, Donna Rose aka “Amelia Dangerfield” who was in a wheelchair that had a joystick controller, and came up with the…

Coach Tom Badillo interviews Michael Cawelti on steampunk, stage combat, and martial arts. Meet Tom and other martial artists in the Airship Kamehameha War Room at Clockwork Alchemy, the Bay Area’s own steampunk convention. For more information: Albion Schoole of Defense: https://m.facebook.com/259346188283 To support En Garde Fencing: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EGFencing

By Astra Kim Routine and Ritual Happy Solstice, and I hope you’ve all had a chance to enjoy the Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction! Now that winter has officially arrived, I’ve been reflecting on how the routine and ritual of morning tea has been critical for my sanity. I consume a lot of tea in general,…

“Cairo on the Seine: Rue de Caire and the Danse du Ventre at the l’Exposition Universelle Paris 1889”  by Dawn Devine ~ Davina – www.davina.us In 1889 the city of Paris decided it would hold its fourth Exposition Universelle to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the success of the…

Issue #3 of Clockwork Currents, the community magazine of Clockwork Alchemy. Clockwork Alchemy is San Francisco’s own steampunk convention, supporting art, creativity, fun and friendship for alternate history, fantasy, and science fiction enthusiasts. Contents Letter from the Chairs Vendor Showcase: Madame Huffen-Bustle’s Steam Couture Splendid Teapot Racing – A History Interview: Michael Cawelti on Steampunk,…

The Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery and Exhibition – Artist Profile The Clockwork Alchemy Artists’ Gallery and Exhibition is a place to see and experience the art of Steampunk with minimal distraction. Custom built displays and controlled lighting showcase the exhibited art. During the event, our inventors and artists are often available to explain and demonstrate…

By Shelli Frew Kip tentatively opened his eyes and peered around the shop. Only, it wasn’t the bookstore. Instead of the marine cryptobiology section, the shelves displayed rows and rows of lace, some slightly singed at the edges. A large quantity of star charts and compasses replaced the teen romance. Strangest of all, by far,…

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. Custom built displays and controlled lighting showcase the exhibited art. During the…

Contents Letter from the Chairs Steep Thoughts from The Aviary Teahouse: Tsubame Kuckicha Steampunk, Belly Dance, and Prince Albert Steampunk 101.2 with Gene Forrer Fiction – The Codex of Quills – Ep2 The Clockwork Alchemy Artist’s Gallery and Exhibition – Artist Profile: Teri Lenfest Vendor Showcase: Clockwork Monster Activities and Events Letter from the Chairs…

Shelly Jackson is the owner of Clockwork Monster, a millinery company making beautiful hats, hat making kits, and headwear for stylish steampunks. Learn more, see Shelly Jackson’s creations, and shop at the following websites: https://www.facebook.com/ClockworkMonster/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/clockworkmonster

By Dawn Devine ~ Davina Have you ever passed through the hallways of an event and contemplated how the format for fannish conventions came to be? Conventions of all sorts, like our own Clockwork Alchemy, owe their formula to none other than Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.  It was Albert’s event, The Great Exhibition…

by Katherine L. Morse A steampunk serial adventure with a new author every episode! “Super Mondo chai, please. Two raw sugars.” Please just get your drink. I have a date with destiny…or insanity…and I really need a cold brew. “Super Mondo cold brew, um, please.” The woman who had just ordered rocked back on the…

By Astra Kim Mixing cultures a little today. Trying out this Tsubame Kukicha brewed in my Korean cha-gwan. Served with sea salt mochi and yak-gwa on vintage Japanese Lusterware. The tea is lovely. Brewing suggestions instruct one to brew this at 80°C for 80 seconds, but I often find their advice on brewing yields a…

By Matt Freedman As my collection of enamel pins grew, I realized that I needed somewhere to display them. At a con, I saw a vendor selling coffin-shaped pinboards. I ordered a custom one, but realized that I needed something larger. I did some online research about making my own pinboard from old mirror frames….

A steampunk serial adventure with a new author every episode! Episode 1: The Hedgehog by Dover Whitecliff Hot. Smoky. Irritating. Any or all of which could pertain to the wildfire-permeated valley air, or the mélange of personalities on the bus. Or the perfect description of Kilpatrick’s commute from the cubicle farm to the coffee house…

Katherine the Great began designing costumes in 1995 while still in high school, inspired by the lack of interesting clothing and costuming in her sizable size.  She has brought that same commitment to beautiful clothes that fit well to her unique accessory business Blue Moon Designs. Learn more, see Katherine the Great’s creations, and shop…

By Astra Kim Welcome to Steep Thoughts! The Aviary is the imaginary teahouse of Astra, CA’s Head of Logistics. When she’s not building conventions with her amazing team, she’s a life-long tea enthusiast who reads too many books on the subject and will talk your ear off if given half a chance. Astra brews in…

Contents Letter from the Chairs Steep Thoughts from the Aviary Teahouse – A Love Letter to Simplicity Steampunk 101 with Gene Forrer Craft Corner – How to Make Pinboards Fiction – The Codex of Quills – Ep1 Vendor Showcase: Blue Moon Designs Activities and Events Letter from the Chairs Greetings Clockwork Alchemy family! In these…

The time has come for you to share your marvelous talents, contraptions, skills or knowledge with your fellows but not sure how to format it? Need tips on how to record video for it, need help with copy, or just how to get started?  We are here to support you and will be happy to…

The artists of the Clockwork Alchemy Artist’s Bazaar bring a spectrum of hand-crafted magic to fans and shoppers each year. This year, the convention has been postponed to 2021, and as appreciation for the hard work and achievement it took to pass the juried application process, all artists are automatically accepted for Clockwork Alchemy’s 2021…

Thank you for attending our concert. See the recorded performances below. Lobby Chathttps://youtu.be/ZugaObBZQ6U Now Playing: Lee Pressonhttps://www.leepresson.com/https://www.patreon.com/leepresson Aaron Shay Dogwood: https://youtu.be/XejYEy1H4aMBandcamp: https://dogwood.bandcamp.com Paypal: dogwoodmusicmaker@gmail.com CashApp: $LazarusRise Sarah ShayBandcamp: https://dogwood.bandcamp.com Paypal: dogwoodmusicmaker@gmail.com CashApp: $LazarusRise https://sarahshay.bandcamp.com/ https://www.sarahshay.com https://www.patreon.com/SarahShay https://www.patreon.com/PilotHouse Unwomanhttps://www.unwoman.com/ https://www.patreon.com/unwoman Nathaniel JohnstoneMy Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nathanieljohn… My Bandcamp: https://nathanieljohnstone.bandcamp.com/ Crystal Bright:Venmo – @crystalbrightmusic Paypal – paypal.me/crystalbrightmusic Patreon –…

Once upon a time a strange man wielding an accordion, a massive wheeled bicycle, and an outsized sense of joy invaded Clockwork Alchemy. This was Strangely Doesburg, and we’ve never let him go. Thank you for attending our concert. See the recorded performances below. Lobby Chathttps://youtu.be/ZugaObBZQ6U Now Playing: Lee Pressonhttps://www.leepresson.com/https://www.patreon.com/leepresson Aaron Shay Dogwood: https://youtu.be/XejYEy1H4aM Bandcamp:…

Did you reserve a room for Clockwork Alchemy 2020? If you now need to cancel your reservation, you can change or cancel your reservation without penalty as long as you do it more than 48 hours in advance of the scheduled start of your stay. To find your room and modify your reservation, click here….

Message from the Chairs: It is with heavy hearts that, in accordance with the public health guidelines of San Mateo County and the Governor’s Office of California regarding the spread of COVID 19, we must announce the cancellation of Clockwork Alchemy 2020 (March 20-22, 2020).   We dearly love our CA Family and we must do…

If you’re not getting enough accordion and saw in your music, have we got a a treat for you! Returning to Clockwork Alchemy 2020 is Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands! Award winning singer/songwriter, ethnomusicologist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, Crystal Bright, has played over 1000 shows from Canada to San Diego, Florida to Seattle since 2010. Bright…

Returning to Clockwork Alchemy in 2020 is Aaron Shay. Maybe you heard songs from his album “Apocalypse Stories” last year. If you didn’t catch him before, this is your chance to enjoy the fun! Sci-fi singer-songwriter Aaron J. Shay is a balladeer who blends old-world banjo twang with modern melancholy. His performances are highly interactive…

Returning to Clockwork Alchemy this year is Seattle musician Sarah Shay! Check out her tracks on Spotify here and enjoy the ukulele fun! Sarah Shay is a writer, musician, and podcaster from Seattle. She plays nerdy songs on ukulele about dead poets, time travel, and fictional hobos, which are usually funny but sometimes sad. She…

Reading, Writing, and Wrenching with Words Say you’re new to this Steampunk thing, and looking to broaden your horizons. Or maybe you’ve been around the globe on an airship adventure, but you’re curious about what others in the brass and goggles set may get up to of an evening. Look no further than the pages…

Our age of steam and enlightenment has brought luxurious textiles and everyday conveniences to the masses, allowing our Steampunk aficionados at Clockwork Alchemy to adorn themselves in a variety of silks, taffetas, brocades, and delicate laces. Others find appeal in hand-tooled leather, sturdy armor, impeccable tweed, and plenty of brass. This aesthetic is achieved with…

The Con Chairs and board of Clockwork Alchemy would like to reassure our guests that the convention is still on, and there are are no plans to cancel the event. The safety of our guests is paramount to us. We will be taking precautions to ensure a fun and safe event for all attendees. Clockwork…

By Sabrina L. Nelson for Clockwork Alchemy Have you ever wondered what Steampunks do after a long day of monster hunting, tinkering in the lab and tea dueling? We dance the “Concentric Gears Waltz” of course! Dance is a featured event at Clockwork Alchemy and we can’t think of anyone more capable of both teaching…

We know how it is. You probably got distracted attaching the flamethrowers and sonic cannons to the mermaid costume your building, like Gil and Tarvek, but then you looked up and realized that you missed the deadline to reserve a hotel room for Clockwork Alchemy! Fear Not! We anticipated this unfortunate circumstance and have arranged…

Literature is one of the pillars of steampunk, with authors combining their loves of history, science fiction, and magic to create powerful stories about worlds that might have been. Clockwork Alchemy 2020 is proud to host so many talented and skilled authors of steampunk fiction. This year, our Guest of Honor is Patricia Wrede, author…

Experience Martial Arts in the Steampunk ’verse. As time travelers experience Steampunk worlds, they need to be prepared to face mythical beasts, rotting ghouls, possessed air pirates, and dark sorcerers. Our crew has traveled on airships, submarines, and a myriad of steam powered conveyances to the four corners of the globe to bring to you…

Unwoman (aka Erica Mulkey) is a San Francisco-based solo cellist-singer-songwriter. Her sets feature stand-up electric cello with live looping. She received two Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice Awards in 2015, for best solo musician and best album. Unwoman has performed with Amanda Palmer, Voltaire, Abney Park, Rasputina, Stripmall Architecture, Vernian Process, The Nathaniel Johnstone Band, and…

Clockwork Alchemy is grateful to America’s service members, and we are delighted to offer a discount to veterans and retired US military. We would love for you to join us at San Francisco’s own steampunk festival to enjoy whimsical music, art, literature, crafts, shopping, dancing, and more! Our staff includes veterans of all branches, all…

Aurelio Voltaire is a master of gothic, dark cabaret, and steampunk music, lifestyle, and culture. An internet and international touring sensation for over 20 years, it is an honor to have him hosting our Late Night Show, March 19, 2020. Join us throughout Clockwork Alchemy to see and hear this incomparable talent. Many describe his…

You were probably thinking you didn’t have enough accordion and singalongs in your life right? We have the medicine you need with Strangely Doesburg!

If swing is your thing, the amazing Lee Presson and the Nails will be playing Clockwork Alchemy in March!

Marquis of Vaudeville Having the ambitious wish to propel the entire world into a melodic vortex, Marquis of Vaudeville emits an extraordinary sound that spirals listeners on an utterly imaginative, musical merry-go-round. Listeners never know what moodswung journey they’ll embark upon once these musical highwaymen hijack their consciousness. With imagination at its core, the theatrical flair and…

Patricia Collins Wrede was born March 27, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois. She and her siblings (she is the eldest of five) grew up in the Chicago suburbs. She attended Carleton College, where she earned an A.B. in Biology and took no English or writing courses at all. Following graduation, she earned a Masters in Business…

Clockwork Alchemy is pleased to announce local Makers and Steampunks, Shannon O’Hare and Kathy O’Hare, will join us this are our Maker Guests of Honor! Shannon O’Hare Shannon has been designing and building fantasy buildings and contraptions since the 1980’s when he had his own prop business that supplied to the various theaters in the…

Jason Katayanagi has been attending Clockwork Alchemy from its inception with the exception of 2013 when his daughter was born only days before the con. He has been an avid board gamer for many years, and he began to play Role Playing games by jumping into D&D 5th Edition head first, and DMing games before…

Kij Greenwood has always been surrounded by costumes. Her family was active in local community theater in her hometown of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She shared a bedroom with two sisters and a vast costume collection ranging from matadors to giant ostriches. Is it any wonder that she was designing elaborate outfits for imaginary interplanetary beauty pageants…