​Our last entry in the Furniture theme is in the Steampunk category.  

I thought that when I went looking for a good Steampunk furniture merchant, I'd have a bunch to choose from.  Surprisingly, that was not the case.  Most of the sites I found were either way outdated and didn't appear to still be doing business, or only had one two little things on offer. 

But then, I found the Machine Brothers. 

What Is It:

Artisans Mark Leonard and Dan Strode create one of a kind lighting and furniture pieces with a unique, industrial / Steampunk aesthetic.  

Show Me:

The Machine Brothers seem to specialize in lamps, and have created a number of original lighting pieces.

​

But they also do some furniture pieces, including desks, tables and coffee tables.

Sum Up:

I love that each of these are custom, one of a kind pieces.  The skill and experience of the artisans is evident in each piece.  Any of these would be amazing additions to any Steampunk or industrial style home.  Check out The Machine Brothers for more.

We have reached the Sundry category within our Furniture theme.  Sundry, being the catch-all category it is, really could have gone a lot of different ways.

But when I found Altar Furniture, I knew it was the one​.   Coffee table pinball machines designed to the style of Star Wars droids?

Doesn't get much geekier than that.

What Is It:

Altar Furniture is a bespoke furniture company based in Budapest, creating creative and original high-end furniture that speaks to the geek in all of us.

Show Me:

This is another listing that is best described in pictures.  It's kind of hard to really visualize a "droid pinball machine coffee table."   So take a look at these.

Red Droid pinball machine / coffee table

Red Droid table with top on

R2PO pinball machine / coffee table

R2PO pinball machine / coffee table

How about a Star Trek Shuttle pinball table?  Or a Peter Parker's New York City "Apple" pinball table?  Check them out.

Star Trek Shuttle pinball machine / coffee table

Peter's Apple pinball machine / coffee table

The Star Trek shuttle even has 3 dilithium crystals in the nose (skip to about 1:15 in this video - the first part is very slow).

Perhaps you'd prefer just a regular desk or table, without the pinball function.  They've still got something for you.

Luke's Desk by Altar Furniture

Kirk's desk by Altar Furniture

They offer a bunch of other less geeky (but no less cool) items as well, such as seating, cabinets and coffee tables made to look like amps or giant cassette tapes, etc.  And since they do accept custom commissions, if you've got an idea, I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.

Sum Up:

Altar Furniture is offering some truly unique and clever pieces.  I'd love to have one of these coffee tables in my living room, wouldn't you?  If you're in the market for a truly stand-out accessory for your home or game room, take a look at Altar Furniture.

Which piece do you like best?  Tell us in the comments!

This week's category for the Furniture theme is Gaming.  And of course, here at the Geek Pages, when we say Gaming, we mean Tabletop Gaming.  Pen and paper role-playing, board games - you name it.  If it's played live and in person, it counts.

In contrast to last week, where the category just really didn't work with the Furniture theme, Gaming and Furniture are a perfect match.

What Is It:

The listing I'll be showing you today is one I've been looking forward​ to featuring for a long time. This is a truly stand-out business in an often mediocre industry.  

Offering customizable, hand-crafted, heirloom quality furniture designed just for geeks and gamers, please meet Geek Chic.

Show Me:

So what exactly is so amazing about Geek Chic?  Well, just look at their furniture - it's gorgeous!  

Designed expressly for geeks like us to play or store our games, comic books and pop culture collectibles, and hand-built ​to the highest standards, these are pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Some of their tables are built just for gaming.  Whether you are running a role-playing campaign, or playing a board game, these tables have everything you need to play in style and comfort.  Recessed playing area, player stations, and a variety of add-on accessories are available to customize it exactly to your specifications.

The Sultan gaming table by Geek Chic

The Vizier gaming table by Geek Chic

But they also offer multi-functional furniture, for those of who don't have room for a dedicated gaming area.

Drop Ship dining / gaming table by Geek Chic

The Emissary dining / gaming table by Geek Chic

The Rift coffee / gaming table by Geek Chic

Hoplite coffee / gaming table by Geek Chic

Plus, the discerning geek doesn't stop at a table.  Take a look at these storage options.  

The GM Valet by Geek Chic

The Keep by Geek Chic

The Alexandria by Geek Chic

The League by Geek Chic

I don't know about you, but looking at these pictures always gets me dreaming about the One True Perfect Game Room, that I am SURE I will someday have.  That room will definitely have some Geek Chic furniture in it.

Sum Up:

Geek Chic started with just a few guys in a garage, but has grown so popular that it now has 50 employees and a 40,000 square foot workshop!  

I'm sure you can tell from looking at them - this is not inexpensive furniture.  It is hand made, customized, and artisan quality.  You will pay a pretty penny for these.  But by all accounts, the experience of working with Geek Chic is second to none, and you will end up with amazing furniture that will last a lifetime - and more.  

What kind of game furniture do you have?  Which piece of Geek Chic furniture ​will you be dreaming of tonight?  Tell us in the comments!

What Is It:

This week is supposed to be the Cosplay entry within the Furniture theme.  But, try as I might - I couldn't find a single person or company making furniture for cosplayers.

I found some cosplay-related stuff like this cool Baymax bed (aff link), and this ​Totoro jumbo sleeping bag (aff link),  but no actual furniture being made for cosplay, for cosplayers, or by cosplayers.  This is just one of those themes where a category just doesn't apply.

So instead, we're going to look at a few examples of ​clever cosplays involving furniture.

Show Me:

First up is this cute original design called Tablewear (aka Teacup Girl) by DeviantArtist Rose-Petal.  She created a tabletop as her skirt, inspired by the wide panniers and skirts of dresses from history.

She says she went through several iterations before hitting upon the right way to create this tabletop-skirt.  However she did it, she achieved her goal - it looks just like a table!​

Tablewear by Rose-Petal

I'm not sure a TARDIS really counts as furniture, per se, but work with me here.  

StephieLuff, also from DeviantArt, gives credit to her aunt for this creative re-imagining of her mom's electric scooter.  ​

No matter who made it, I think this is creative and clever!

TARDIS scooter by StephieLuff

TARDIS scooter by StephieLuff

​I left my favorite for last.  If you're talking furniture for cosplay, there's nothing more iconic than the Iron Throne, right?  I've seen lots of different versions of it.  But take a look at this one.

At first glance, this might look like a run of the mill Game of Thrones cosplay of Margery Tyrell.  But watch the video to the end to see the truly clever way she designed her Iron Throne.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a website or page that belonged to this cosplayer.  According to the YouTube video notes, it's a cosplayer named Molly Glover.  Hey Molly - maybe you should make a Facebook or web page to feature your amazing cosplay!  Just an idea.  

Sum Up:

This week's article was a challenge - I completely failed to find any actual "cosplay furniture," so I don't have an actual listing to feature.  But I did have fun discovering how these ingenious cosplayers created furniture for their cosplays that were both mobile and creative. 

Do you know of any actual "Cosplay Furniture?"  Or, have you seen an amazing cosplay involving furniture?  Tell us in the comments!

Last week's post wrapped up the Performers Theme with a bang, featuring Steam Powered Giraffe.

So this week we are starting a whole new theme!  This month's theme will be Furniture.  And to start us off right, I present Wild Hare Woodworks in the SCA category.​

What Is It:

There are a couple of different types of furniture that an SCA person might like - Medieval reproduction furniture for their homes, or furniture that can be used in their encampments during events.  

Wild Hare Woodworks specializes in the second type, producing pieces that are both lovely and functional.

Show Me:

Anyone who has attended any large camping events such as Pennsic, knows that the comfort and convenience of your encampment can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the event.

Attractive Medieval-style chairs that you don't have to hide under a cloth (and that don't fall apart when you sit in them) really add to the atmosphere (and your comfort).  As do sturdy tables that don't have to be covered.

Medieval window back chair 

Custom chair by Wild Hare Woodworks

Dining table by Wild Hare Woodworks

Custom chairs by Wild Hare Woodworks

The more modern furniture and equipment you can replace, the more your encampment starts to truly feel like the traveling encampment of a Medieval noble.  That's what we all aspire to, right?  

Hide a cooler box

Carved Feast Gear Box

And if said furniture can be folded up for easy transportation, all the better.   These tables, chairs, and the cooler box, all break down.  They even offer a big wooden trash can for your encampment that also breaks down  (Editor's Note: take it from me - you definitely want a big, available trash can in your encampment.  Otherwise, things quickly get, well.... trashy.  All the better if you don't have to hide it.).

Table folded for transport

Chair broken down for transport

Sum Up:

I've done a fair amount of SCA camping in my day, including Great Western War, Estrella, and Pennsic.  I've done it with and without the furniture.  And I firmly believe that the bit of extra work to transport and set up furniture is completely offset by the increased enjoyment of your camping experience.  Totally worth it.  

Take a look at Wild Hare Woodworks if you'd like to improve your SCA camping experience.​  In addition to their standard offerings, they do some beautiful custom work as well. 

Do you glamp or camp light?  Tell us in the comments!

For our last category in the Performers theme, we come at last to Steampunk.

There are a good number of steamy performers ​out there, but a lot of them seem to have come and gone without staying the course.  By contrast, this troupe has been together since 2008 and is still going strong.

Let's take a look at Steam Powered Giraffe​

What Is It:

So what exactly is Steam Powered Giraffe (let's call it SPG from now on)?  

According to their web page, ​SPG is a multimedia show that includes comedic sketches, improvisation, original music, visuals, billowing steam effects, and robot pantomime. 

Show Me:

Wow, sounds like a lot, right?  I think a video is needed here.​  Take a look at the first few minutes of this live show to get a taste (Note -  this entire video is an hour and 45 minutes long - it's a complete show).

There are three main characters in the show.  Currently, they are Hatchworth, The Spine and Rabbit (aka Bunny).​

Hatchworth:​

The Spine:

Rabbit:

This group does not do anything by halves.  They have an elaborate background story, going all the way back to 1896, as well as a comic series and more.

The comics seem to be all different without an ongoing story (at least as far as I can tell from my admittedly brief perusal).  Some are brightly colored and some dark and spooky.  Some are quirky and surreal.  

So, there's a lot going on with these guys.  And, oh yeah!  Let's not forget the music (which I love).  Some songs are fun and fast, others sweet and poignant.

Sum Up:

I am definitely putting a live Steam Powered Giraffe show on my must-see list.  But or now, I'm off to go watch more SPG videos....  What about you?

Who's your favorite Steampunk band?  Tell us in the comments!

This week's entry in the Performers theme is in the Sundry category.  I'm sure there are a lot of performers who fall into this catch-all category, but this one really caught my attention because it just looks like so much fun!

Let's check out Acrobatica Infiniti​!

What Is It:

Acrobatica Infiniti is a circus, but with nerds.  Fun, right?  Take a look at this quick promo to get a feel.

Show Me:

Acrobatica Infiniti - or AI - primarily performs in the Chicago area, where they started.   You can usually catch them at GenCon annually, as well as other conventions and geeky events in the Midwest area.

AI at C2E2

AI at GenCon

They do a great job of making circus fun, by incorporating elements from a wide variety of fandom and pop culture, including movies, comic books, video games and more.

AI's Goblin King

AI's Wednesday Addams

AI's Emma Frost

AI's Harley Quinn

In addition to celebrating nerdiness, they are experienced acrobats performing amazing feats of contortion and skill.  They do aerial trapeze, pole, and rope performances, floor acrobatics, fire-eating, juggling, feats of strength and balance, and more!

AI's Aeon Flux

AI's Harley Quinn

AI's Kaylee from Firefly

AI's Elastigirl 

Sum Up:

I saw a guest performer from Acrobatica Infiniti as part of the Glitter Guild show I saw at GenCon a couple of years ago, and it was great!  I would highly recommend checking out Acrobatica Infiniti as soon as you get a chance.

I hope I get a chance to see a full show soon.  What about you?  Doesn't this sound like fun?  Tell us in the comments!

​

What Is It:

Gaming is this week's category within the Performers theme.  And tabletop gaming, by its very nature, is really more about the doing than the watching.  

But thanks to the current popularity of streaming live game play, there are a few games out there that have actually become as much of a performance as a game for the players.

Please allow me to introduce you to Acquisitions, Incorporated.​

Show Me:

Acquisitions, Incorporated is a highly entertaining, ongoing D&D campaign that has been running since 2008.  It started out as periodic podcasts, later moved to YouTube, and then became live games held at PAX Prime conventions (also recorded and available on YouTube).

The games are actual, live role-play, but some of the episodes are embellished with fun animated intros, like this one:

A collaboration between Penny Arcade and Wizards of the Coast, this is a crew that definitely doesn't take itself too seriously.

There are three characters who have been with the party since the very beginning.

Omin Dran - CEO of Acquisitions, Inc.
Played by Jerry Holkins

Binwin Bronzebottom
Played by Scott Kurtz

Jim Darkmagic
Played by Mike Krahulik

And the core party is usually joined by an Intern (aka guest star player).

Aeofel Elhromane - Intern
Played by Will Wheaton

Viari - Intern
Played by Patrick Rothfuss

Morgaen - Intern
Played by Morgan Webb

Not sure what it's all about?  Check out their "Intern Orientation Video" to get a good feel.

Over time, it has gone from a simple game of people sitting around a table, to a stage production including costumes and elaborate props.  

Even without the stage dressing, this is a game that is truly entertaining to watch or listen to.  Just check any part of any video or podcast to see what I mean.

Sum Up:

I could go on for a while in this vein, but I think you get the point.  Fortunately, there is a large back catalog of podcasts and videos for this show.  So if Acquisitions, Inc. is new to you - and you have an hour or two (or 72) to kill - have fun catching up on the story!  

What's your favorite live game on video or podcast?  Tell us in the comments!

What Is It:

The next category in our Performers theme is Cosplay, which is really all about performance anyway.  So, with that in mind, I just chose a cosplayer who goes all in with his cosplay art.

Please meet, Leon Chiro, professional cosplayer.​

Show Me:

Leon has been cosplaying since at least 2010, according to his Facebook page.  During that time, he has racked up an impressive number of amazing cosplays.

Leon as Vergil from Devil May Cry 4

Leon in Blood Dragon Armor from Mass Effect 3

Leon as Nine from Final Fantasy (Type-0)

Leon as Terra from Kingdom of Hearts

Leon as Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z

Leon as Marshall Law in Tekken

Check out the action shots.

Leon as Nathan Drake from Uncharted 4

Leon as the Arrow from The Arrow TV show

Kung Lao action shot

Sub Zero action shot

I love these artsy photos.  He obviously has some really good photographers to work with... 

Leon as Caius Ballad from Final Fantasy XIII

Leon as Draven from League of Legends

Leon as Jacob Frye from Assassin's Creed

Leon as Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat 9

but it's not just smoke and mirrors.  There's no denying that his work is top notch. These cosplays are amazing replicas of the media they come from!

Leon as Kilik from Soul Calibur 5

Leon as Snow Villiers from Final Fantasy XIII

Leon as Psycho Krieg from Borderlands 2

Leon as Sub Zero in Mortal Kombat 9

But I think my absolute favorite is this one - because the expression!  😀

Leon as Draven from League of Legends

Sum Up:

I think Leon Chiro sets a pretty high bar for cosplayers.  It's amazing to me how perfectly some of these cosplays match their inspirations.  There are some where he doesn't even look real!  The vast majority of Leon's cosplays are video game inspired - I'd love to see him do some more movie and TV characters as well.

What's your favorite Leon Chiro cosplay?  Tell us in the comments!​

This week, we are starting a whole new theme - Performers!  And our first category will be SCA.

What Is It:

There are many different types of performers.  In the SCA, most performers are called "bards" (though I know a few who really *hate* that term). 

But they don't all sing or write poetry.  There are occasional tumblers, some jugglers, a few who breathe fire. 

And then there are the storytellers.

This week's featured listing is True Thomas​ the Storyteller.  

Show Me:

There are people who tell stories, and then... there are Storytellers.  True Thomas is one of the latter.

He is an artist who has dedicated his career to learning how to tell a story, how to capture your attention - and keep it.  He knows how to research a story, craft a story, and tell the story. He is a Professional Storyteller.  

Although he does perform at SCA events, he also does this many other places.  He is invited to corporate retreats, kids' camps, Christmas parties (yes, he's a professional Santa, as well - see SantaTrue.com for that), festivals, and libraries.

I guess, maybe I should have put him in the Sundry category.  In addition to his Medieval persona, he also has Wild West, Steampunk, science fiction and many other personae to use in his performances.​

Sum Up:

True Thomas has made it his mission to tell stories, and he's become a master.  Consider booking him for your next event or party to make it something truly special!

Have you ever heard a storyteller?  Tell us in the comments!​