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
Lighting Up the Liquor
This is the perfect time to get to those household projects you’ve been putting off. Dave, The Vintage Addict decided to finally light up his liquor cabinet. The cabinet originally held a TV, a 1963 RCA Victor. Dave purchased it at an auction years ago. It has served its new purpose well, but sometimes it is a bit too dark inside to find just that right libation. Not anymore. Watch while The Vintage Addict lights up this project, for less than $30.
Supplies you’ll need:
Cabinet Sensor
Power Supply
Flexible LED strip lights
What is Pyrography, Flemish Art
Recently while in my favorite junk shop, I found a beautiful piece of Flemish art. This type of art is also known as pyrography. The art of pyrography uses a pencil-like or (poker) object to burn a design into wood or leather. Pyrography was popular in the Victorian era and the Art Nouveau era. The designs can be flowers, words or really anything the artist wants to draw.
The piece I found is a wooden cross embellished with lilies. The word Easter is prominent on it as well as the date it was made, 1909. This particular piece is even burned on the sides. The art is signed by Jean. It’s an amazing find that now hangs in my house.
If you have Flemish, Pyrography pieces I’d love to see them. Post them on my Facebook page @daveisthevintageaddict.
Featuring Brownie, Piano Light and The Flash
Sometimes it’s better to see an object in a home setting rather than just in a picture. In the video below we feature three of our unique Steampunk lamps and add a little entertainment. The promo code is available through November 14, 2019.
What Is Steampunk?
When I tell people I design and build steampunk lamps I usually get the same question, “what the heck is steampunk?”
“Steampunk is an inspired movement of creativity and imagination. With a backdrop of either Victorian England or America’s Wild West at hand, modern technologies are re-imagined and realized as elaborate works of art, fashion, and mechanics. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells were writing their science fiction today, it would be considered steampunk.
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When I tell people I design and build steampunk lamps I usually get the same question, “what the heck is steampunk?” Steampunk is a way for me to take my love for vintage materials and fuse that with my love of science fiction, by creating usable art. For years I have salvaged old pieces I’ve found made from brass, copper, glass and wood. I also couldn’t resist picking up old gauges, oil cans and any interesting looking mechanical works. For my steampunk line, I recycle those pieces into industrial art. Another benefit, thanks to Edison light bulbs, my work will also uniquely light up your space.
This venture is in its infancy. While I have several designs here on the website for sale, I have many more I am working on. I also am having some fun with more classic items, like the Polaroid camera lamp you’ll find on the site. Please check back often to see what new designs I’ve come up with. Also, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @daveisthevintageaddict for updates. Oh, and send me any ideas you may have for recycled steampunk art.
