For those who know me, my fetish for hip holsters (regardless of who's wearing them--men & women alike are somehow more attractive to me with a hip holster strapped around their waist & leg-I blame Han Solo for this) but I digress. I've always wanted a hip holster and this Halloween I was determined to steampunk one of my very own.
Steampunking on a budget can be tricky and oftentimes we have to sacrifice quality for fit. I found a really great holster for 9.99 at a local Halloween store. It was imitation leather, but that worked to my advantage. I was able to easily manipulate the fabric and sew on accessories. 
So let's get started! Here's what you'll need:
- Imitation leather gun holster (sourced from your local Halloween store; mine is a kid's Indiana Jones holster--very appropriate, since I seriously love both Solo & Dr. Jones!) Mine came with a gun too; if yours does not, then you will need to purchase a toy gun. Water guns make excellent steampunk guns when painted. Here is a DIY that I love on steampunking toy guns.
- Needle & Heavy thread (to match your leather and preferably, the kind used for coats)
- Long Springs (upcycled from a local flea market)--You can substitute any straight metal material here: wire, typewriter keys, or even chain
- Medium Grandfather clock gear (or reproduction gear)
- 2 large jump rings (and flat nosed pliers)
- 15-20 small Clothing Snaps (sourced from flea markets, but you can also go to any Fabric or Sewing store)--Mine are black, but you can also use silver
- 1 large Clothing Snap (optional)--I used mine to disguise the modern plastic snap on my holster. You could also substitute an ornate button here if you wish
- 1 Long metal pin (optional)--This gives your holster a little feminine flair. Choose any pin or brooch you like.
Steps:
- Before sewing, lay out your springs on your holster & figure out their placement. I wanted mine to create a striped pattern so I spaced them a 1/4 inch apart. Once you've got all of your springs placed, sew your springs onto your holster. Be sure to tie sturdy knots & cut off any excess thread. Hide all of your knots on the inside of your holster.
(Side note: I wanted one of my springs to curve a bit, and so I placed a couple of stitches in the middle of the spring so that it would keep a curved shape.) 
- Place your pin above your springs. A large, long pin works best because it covers the tops of your springs.
- Next, sew on your clothing snaps. Sew them in a pattern that you like. I alternated larger & smaller clothing snaps for a more textured look.
- If desired, sew on your large sewing snap or button (over the holster's plastic snap to hide it). This step is optional.
- Last, using your flat nosed pliers--attach your gear to your pin with your 2 jump rings.
Now hook to your belt & rustle up some trouble like the airship cowgirl (or cowboy) you are!
Have a Happy Halloween everyone!