Cleaning Glass Insulators
Recently on the hunt for supplies to use in my Steampunk art, I ran across a man who began collecting glass insulators 60 years ago. He had over one hundred insulators. He labeled most of them with the year he found it and what railroad it was associated with. One example (picture) was an insulator from the C N&W, Green Petticoat Insulator from 11/29/68 that he found in Omaha. Not surprisingly, most of the insulators I find are covered in years and years of soot. Once back in my shop, the first thing I need to do is clean them. I have discovered using a cleaner you can find in most kitchens works best. I use Bar Keepers Friend powder and soft cleanser. In the video below I walk you through the steps I take to clean pieces of the past so I can use them to light the future.
Supplies:
Water
Bar Keepers Friend
https://www.barkeepersfriend.com/
Toothbrush
Steel brush
steel wool
Brillo pad
The Hunt For Cameras
The fun part of creating lamps is finding the vintage pieces to use.
The fun part of creating lamps is finding the vintage pieces to use. I recently went on a camera hunt and scored several pieces that will be recycled into usable art. From Polaroid to Kodak, to Argus, they are all beautiful pieces of the past. And a little something to cuddle up to your honey with. Watch the video and come along for the ride.
Charge it up!
This lamp not only brightens your space, but you can plug in two items and use the USB charger for two more. As the video below shows, it is made from a recycled filter from a car spray paint gun. The Vintage Addict has three of these charger lamps available. Each a different size. See them on our Steampunk Lamp page.
