One Piece At A Time

[teddy_radiator]

I think I've mentioned that one of the big DIY projects TheHubs™ and I are doing this year is making over our writing/computer/library room. We have big plans, which will take us a long time, owning to a distinct lack of funds, but as we can gradually bring bits and pieces together, we are finding little ways to make it happen. We are planning on using reclaimed pallet wood to build the floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and have loads of ideas for the steampunk/industrial decor.

One of the things I really wanted in the room was a manual typewriter - as decoration. You couldn't put me near one of those dinosaurs to actually use to type. I value my wrists and joints too much, but I love the old monstrocities. I was actually looking for a much older one, but there was nothing close by that wasn't very expensive, and the cheaper ones on ebay cost so much to ship it was unfeasible for me. (I would really like one of those 1930's to 1950's era black and gold Royals, but alas it wasn't to be).

However, a local girl was selling her Underwood (circa mid-1960's, I think) typewriter, complete with hardcase, and we were able to obtain it for $20. It was in superb shape, but came in the marvelously bilious blue-green so beloved to Underwood typewriters. I decided to paint it, so TheHubs™ painstakingly took it apart, I taped up all the bits that needed to stay visible, and it is now a very smart, matt black. Here is the before and after:



I know it's not a 1940's Royal, but it will look pretty cool sitting among the books and other artifacts in the room, I think. It certainly was an education in how one of these things is pieced together.

We have decided on a sand/stone colour for the walls, which I think will go well with the furniture. I welcome any and all suggestions on other things that might make our Steampunk library look cool.

Comments

[iulia_linnea.livejournal.com]

Nifty!

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

This gave me a giggle; I had one of those gaudy turquoise Underwood "portables" when I was a teenager. I well remember how hard one had to hit the key (as opposed to my computer keyboard -- I can merely wiggle my finger over a key to get it to print the letter.) and how much of a production it was to correct an error. And then there was the carbon paper one had to use if one wanted copies. God help you if you made a mistake when you had several carbons as well as the original. Gosh, I feel so Laura Ingalls Wilder!

The matte black is a definite improvement, and it makes it look more vintage somehow.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, I used to have a portable typewriter. I used that thing all through college, heaven help me. I remember taking typing in school, and how we always tried to make sure we had the manual typewriter during the first semester, because we all switched at the second semester from manual to electric and vice versa. After a semester of typing on those clunky old manuals, typing on an electric felt like flying! But it was good training.

[beffeysue.livejournal.com]

That is Bloody Brilliant! I can't wait to see pictures whenever you choose to post'em.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Beffey! I took down all my Severus art today, and the wall looks so blank and sad right now! LOL I'm hoping to be able to put some colour on the walls soon - I miss my lovely men!

[beffeysue.livejournal.com]

I know you do miss your lovely men! Hopefully it won't be too long before they resume their pride of place.

[gelsey.livejournal.com]

Awesome! If I ever come across a cool typewriter though I'll let you know :) look forward to your decorations.

[stgulik.livejournal.com]

Very cool typewriter! I think the color scheme will do nicely as backdrop to a steampunk office. Have fun today!