The First of the Halloween Masks Are Here!!

So I have officially posted Halloween Countdown counters on Everything! Because let's face it folks, Halloween will be here before you know it. (Much rejoicing)  It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!! In honor of the great event, the first of the Monkey Thumbs Emporium Halloween Masks are here!!!

Ready for a sneak peek?  (drum role please)


Golden Woodland Fawn Masquerade Mask

Black Beastie Masquerade Mask

This one looks absolutely fan-tab-u-lous on! The pictures don't do it justice.


Black Feathered Steampunk Raven Mask

Many, many more Halloween masks and costumerie delights to come!! Stay tuned.

Victorian Replica Phenakistoscope-Moving Pictures- Delight Children of All Ages!

A wonderful new addition to the Emporium's collection, are these replica Phenakistoscopes. (A close relative of the Zoopraxiscope and other delightful inventions)


Delight children of all ages with moving pictures right before your eyes! Ladies dance, birds fly, zebras jump through hoops! It's all rather amazing. They've been the delight of many a parlor gathering.


Simply hold the Phenakistoscope at eye level in front of a mirror, spin the disc and observe the wondrous  animation through the slits in the disc.

Our Phenakistoscope is a replica based on the revolutionary design of the renowned Belgian inventor Joseph Plateau who first invented this miraculous device in 1832.  Phenakistoscopes, and similar devices such as the Zoopraxicope and Zoetrope where some of the first precursors to the moving pictures that are being referred to by some progressive minds as “Films”. We do so hope they gain in popularity.

Our Phenakistoscope is mounted on a wooden platform, for easy use, that is stained light walnut in color. Three separate animation discs are included for your viewing pleasure and additional discs are available separately.  The Phenakistoscope measures approximately 10 inches in height with the diameter of the discs being approx. 8 inches.  With the disc in place the device measures approx. 14 inches in height.

See what the Phenakistoscope looks like in action!

Brown Felted Steampunk Victorian Cuff

If the pen is more powerful than the sword, then this cuff could be deemed more powerful than a drunken samurai with a death wish.  You get the idea.  Put it on. Bam! Powerful.  (Albeit a little reckless.)

The cuff measures approximately 2 ½ inches in width and is constructed of dark brown felt with an embossed pattern.  It is adorned with brass buttons and other finery and boasts an adjustable brass magnetic snap.  Cuff fits wrists measuring approximately 6 inches to 8 ½ inches.

The felt is constructed from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, so it’s a bit of a karma boost to offset whatever it is you did whilst you were being reckless.  (We’re not going to ask…it’s probably more information than we really want to be burdened with.)

The Emporium would like to point out, however, that we are not liable in any way for any of the activities undertaken whilst wearing  said cuff, and any buyer agrees to hold us harmless for any wanton destruction and/or debauchery that may occur as a result.

Spring Green Miniature Hummingbird Terrarium

One of the first signs that spring is upon us, is the arrival of birds from other climbs.  In this case, the staff at the Emporium was opening a new shipment of hats from Greenland when out flew a rare miniature white hummingbird.

We were, of course, delighted and resolved that we would endeavor to construct a habitat for the tiny, miraculous creature so as to make it feel more at home.  A nest was painstakingly crafted from moss and lichens and lined with spider webs and the down from our wild cotton fluff for warmth.  (We have acquired from this endeavor a newfound respect for all birds large and small in the art of nest building, as we have found it to be an amazing feat to get the fool things to stay together and spent many hours observing other birds to see how they do it.)  It seems our nest was satisfactory to the miniature hummingbird, however, as she proceeded not only to call it home, but to lay two very tiny white eggs in its interior. (Thank goodness we thought of the cotton down.)

Due to the Emporium’s abundance of cats and somewhat mischievous pixies, we have placed the nest carefully inside a miniature terrarium, lined with moss, for safety.  She seems quite happy there.  We would like to find the miniature hummingbird a suitable home, and will part with her if you promise to love and care for her well.  She is particularly fond of coral honeysuckle dew.

The miniature hummingbird terrarium measures approximately 6 inches in height.  The hummingbird herself measures a scant 2 inches.  Her habitat would make a wonderful addition to any windowsill, and would be a great gift for any lover of wildlife.

Victorian Replica Primate Tarsier Skull Steampunk Sculpture

A recent acquisition of the Emporium that is causing a lot of excitement is the arrival of this magnificent Tarsier skull of a species hitherto unknown to science.  We have dubbed it Tarsius melodius due to an uncanny ability that the beastie seems to possess.

One of our staff members insists that it is staring at her when her back is turned and that when the lights are off… it hums.  I am skeptical, but then again she was right about the Loris being a kleptomaniac.  (There was that incident with Madame LaVorice’s brooch.)  When I expressed my doubts at the Tarsier being able to hum, due to the obvious lack of a voice box, she replied “Tell that to the Tarsier!”

The skull measures approximately  2 ½ x 1 ½  inches, and its teeth seem to be in excellent condition which suggests a very exceptional diet.  It is feather-light and fits nicely in the palm of your hand, a privilege the Tarsier seems to enjoy.  The glass apothecary jar enclosure in which it resides measures approximately 7 ½ inches in height.

Important to Note: No actual beasties were harmed in the procurement or replication of the Tarsier as it is a sculpture replica made out of clay.  Of course now that I have said that, the Tarsier will undoubtedly be offended and the humming will likely get worse.

Valentines Roses are Red Hanging Pendant Lamp Chandelier

A wonderful centerpiece for any room, this exquisite chandelier is crafted from cascades of silk rose petals, scarlet orchids and glittering beading.

It came to the Emporium courtesy of one Madame Chalblique who upon encountering it in a burlesque salon in Paris demanded that the proprietor sell it to her immediately.  It appears that the proprietor was obliged to comply with the request.  We are unsure whether this has more to do with Madame Chalblique’s powers of persuasion, or the fact that she is renowned for carrying a Moroccan dagger in her garter and has a reputation for using it to get what she wants.

 

Either way, the Roses are Red Chandelier may be yours as the Madame has agreed to part with it due to an unfortunate event involving fourteen missing cases Chateau Lafite, a Chinese magician and a rather persistent man from Scotland Yard.

We here at the Emporium have found that its powers far exceed that of common mistletoe in enticing kisses and secrets from lovers, which is, we assume, one of the reasons Madame Chamblique was so eager to acquire it in the first place.

The Roses are Red Chandelier measures approximately 12 inches in diameter and 24 inches in length and is equipped with a 15 foot white cord with a handy on and off switch.  (We recommend both settings.) We have not included a bulb as those new-fangled things are apt to shatter in shipping, but we imagine it in either white or red.

The Roses are Red Chandelier adds an absolute aura of clandestine love and mystery to any boudoir or salon.   We are considering supplying a warning with the item, but if you are purchasing it, you are probably well aware of what the warning would entail.

A replica of this lovely chandelier in a different color may be custom made to order.  Possible colors include white, silver and petal pink.  Though the staff here at the Emporium is nothing if not resourceful, so if there is a particular color you desire, please inquire.  

Valentine's Day Moulin Rouge-style Red Burlesque Corset and Victorian Bustle Skirt

Straight from our Valentine’s Day Costumerie Collection is this beautiful red and black burlesque ensemble with boned corset and tulle bustle skirt.

The corset is boned and has underwire cups for a flattering fit. Corset is embellished with tulle ruffling and black ribbon bows and has removable black shoulder straps.  Corset size adjusts with back lacing from XS to Medium.

The red and black tulle skirt is gathered and sports a Victorian-sytle bustle of glittering red fabric in back with a tulle train.

Of note: Though the skirt was hand-sewn by primates with opposable thumbs, their stitching is somewhat imperfect. (Not like that new modern machine sewing we’ve heard so much about.) Also, the term “boned corset” is descriptive only and no actually beasties were harmed in its construction.

This costume ensemble was originally designed with several beautiful accessories, including a red Victorian top hat and red beaded choker (see other pictures and postings).  These items may be combined as part of the larger Burlesque costume set at an overall reduced price.  Please inquire if interested.

Valentine’s Day Moulin Rouge-style Embellished Burlesque Red Top Hat

Straight from our Costumerie collection, comes this cherry red full-sized embellished top hat.  A perfect surprise for your Valentine, or any occasion for which burlesque attire is called for.

The top hat is embellished with a large, black silk rose, red glittery beading, feather-like black glittering accents and a wide ribbon band.  The hat also sports a black half net for peaking under, or raising in the event of a kiss.

This hat was originally designed as part of a larger costume ensemble (see other pictures and postings) and may be combined as part of the larger Burlesque costume set at an overall reduced price.  Please inquire if interested.

The hat came into the possession of the Emporium sporting a tag that read, “A hat- suitable for adorning Victorian ladies heads,”  but we feel this description is inadequate and does not fully illustrate all of the potential uses of such a fantastic article. 

The Monkey Thumbs Emporium of Curiosities Has Officially Opened Its Doors

The first items in our collection have officially appeared on our Etsy site.  The staff threw a small celebration which gave us a reason to open that bottle of '45 we've been hanging on to.

The entire staff is working feverishly to finish up our Valentine's Collection.  If you would like a sneak peek of some of the items already listed check out our storefront by clicking the Etsy links to your right.