Reuse. Rehabilitate. Restore. Architectural salvage and repurposed pieces for the home.
The Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, formerly located at Stewart Airport in Newburgh, has finally reopened in their new home at the New Paltz recycling center. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place tomorrow, June 25th at 12pm.
If you’re not aware of the HV Materials Exchange, that’s the place where you can buy used building materials as well as art supplies. Cash and material donations are always welcome! HV Materials Exchange is a not for profit warehouse.
The following is a post from April which I’m bumping up to the front page. Previously, I had just cut and pasted a reader’s question. Now that there are answers (see comments), I must get the word out. Apparently, there are some lost souls wandering the earth in search of Victorian speaking tube parts. They won’t rest until they get their hands on them.
A reader sent the following email. I haven’t got a clue. Anyone?
“My wife and I have a Victorian house that was built in 1895 and for the past two years we’ve been in the process of rehabbing it. During the course of demo in the kitchen we found the remnants of the old speaking tube system that ran from the kitchen up to the 2nd floor hall. The tubes were intact but the mouthpiece openings had been patched over and the mouthpieces were nowhere to be found.
I have looked far and wide trying to locate some replacement mouthpieces and have come up empty-handed. We were wondering if you know of any companies and/or salvage yards that might possess parts for our system? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve included a pic of what I believe was originally installed in my house. The mouth piece has no electric parts. It operates by means of using the thumb to rotate the lever (in order to move the disc out of the way) and then blowing into the tube. The other end also has a disc that acts as a whistle to alert the person on the other end that someone wishes to speak on the “intercom”. I think that the mouthpieces were made out of nickel-plated brass and/or porcelain.”
I need to bitch about the dog situation at Brooklyn Flea. Ok, no dogs allowed. Because it’s a school yard. I abide by the rules, much as it hurts. I see that some others don’t. Word on the street is there may be a doggie valet in the works, which would be welcomed news to one and all. But what’s the story with the doggie parents who leave their children tied up on the fence while they disappear for an hour? I saw a shivering pitbull puppy out there that I nearly had to rescue. Then there was this poor little thing yapping away for at least a half hour. I know the owners heard because his/her cries were echoing throughout the yard. Please….be responsible owners or some crazy animal rights vendor might take it upon herself to rescue your dog one day.
Ok, on to this week’s finds. Ama Home debuted at the Brooklyn Flea a couple of weeks ago and they seem to be doing quite well for themselves. Amy and Karen take vintage furniture and modernize it by coating it with vibrant paint colors. Prices are not bad either.
Mr. Flea, Eric Demby takes a break with Myriah of Nightwood. Eric’s proud mom stands behind him.
Nightwood’s “reincarnated” furniture isn’t trying to be something it’s not. Myriah Scruggs and Nadia Yaron literally scrap together wood pieces to create functional furnishings. The patchwork look reminds us that not every piece of furniture has to be matched and sanded to perfection to be beautiful. Website not fully functional yet, but here’s a rave about their stuff.
*Disclosure: I took the Nightwood photos last weekend.
Well, it didn’t rain. But the sun doesn’t like Sundays lately. What did Sunday ever do to The Sun to deserve this? Anyhoo, the market wasn’t jam packed this week, what with Passover and the Pope in town, there were only a bunch of heathens like myself lurking about. Still, I only managed to get down 2 aisles.
Finally got to Lewis Jaffe’s booth after 2 weeks. He comes from Philadelphia with Victorian hardware from demolished buildings in the area. He’s also a “book plate junkie” hence the name of his blog. Not something I’d consider myself interested in, but it is actually fascinating stuff. It’s an art form that many people (or just me) forget about. Lew Jaffe is in space L8.
Shoprico is a chi chi design firm on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. They represent various furniture and lighting designers alongside the work of founder Rico Espinet. But what grabbed my attention at the market were their big molds. They sell huge sand molds that are ready to display. How cool are these things? Space L14
Looks like crappy weather Sunday for the third week in a row. These flea market organizers have some bad weather karma they need to deal with. It hasn’t rained on us yet (Yeah, I just jinxed it), but the sun hasn’t been around either. Cleanse your auras or something, guys.
So this week I hit the mother load of tacky thrift store paintings. Check it out…the Native American chick against the dark background: velvet. It just doesn’t get any better than that! Unless it’s Elvis. Look at the clown. Classic. I run a high end racket for people with exquisite taste.
I picked up the horse from the same guy. It’s the one I had as a kid. He came back to me! This one is pretty scary, with dark eyes and fuzzy “hair”. I might not be able to part with him.
GuyIBuyStuffFrom tells me he’s cleaning out a house next week that has tons of 50’s toys in the attic. What does this have to do with “homes”? Who cares? Toys are more fun! How does “Reclaimed Toys” sound?
There are some new listings on the forum today. Once again, feel free to post there yourselves! The tricky part is posting photos. If you can upload so you can link to an actual file, you’re golden. If not, you can email me the photos to upload for you.
Oak Mantle: $1250 OBO
Victorian Sideboard/Dresser: $975 OBO
2 Antique Mirrored Doors: $500 both
Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby check in vendors
Last week we reported that we did ok-but-not-great on the inaugural Brooklyn Flea weekend. Well, our tweaking worked! We doubled our intake by offering smaller, less expensive items (read: flea market “junk”).
All of our tarnished silver plated tableware: gone. Most of those dusty old lamps: gone. Other big hits….We sold a vintage but new in box Seal-o-matic that my husband thought I was nuts to get. Our 50’s stroller had people debating the vintage (one woman thought it was from the 30’s) and playing with it, but didn’t actually sell until the end of the day. Horribly ugly kitsch items were big sellers. But the biggest hit of the day was the green spindle bed that sold in the morning but stayed in the booth. At least (at least!!) 25 people said they would’ve bought it. So, I need to get me some more spindle beds.
But enough about us! Here a few primo vendors I came across:
Molly Worth reinvents vintage chairs for her company “Chairloom“. Gorgeous stuff that I spotted from 3 aisles away. Her online prices are slightly higher than that of the flea’s. (Space V6)
I caught Mohawk Studios unloading their stuff and knew I had to visit their booth. They create decorative art and functional items out of salvaged metals, etc. Their prices are very affordable and the big dude with the mohawk is willing to negotiate. If you dare. Unfortunately, the website they gave me doesn’t work. (Space B6)
Mohawk creations
How sweet is this stuff from Humble Beginnings? Carolina, who refused to be photographed, (but you can see what she looks like here) told me that it takes her time to get around to doing things….like a website. I loved her booth! Did I mention how sweet it is? You can find her at the flea every weekend (Space E10) or email her: carolina44Sataoldotcom
**Space numbers are subject to change. I was moved over a space this weekend. Try this link the day before.
Tarnished? Yeah, so?
Last week I did ok at the Brooklyn Flea, but not phenomenal. It was nobody’s fault but my own as 20,000 people came through and some vendors actually sold out.
My mistake? I thought people would want a finished product. I made sure to bring only clean, refurbished handmade items. And I charged for them. But I think many people were looking for the bargains. I know that’s I do.
So I picked up a ton of small junky items this week. I’m going to display them, all dusty and sh*t and price them at less than $20. I don’t mind parting with pieces when I haven’t put in the time and effort. I’m having more fun hunting down these goodies than restoring antiques anyway.
Come visit! Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS in Fort Greene, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. Booth C-5.
I’m not rewiring and it’s so freeing!
How easy to pack fabric and linens!
Ever notice how nothing ever happens on the forum? No? That’s because you never visit. Because nothing ever happens. But I’m still trying to make it work, goddammit. I just posted a couple of new listings for people, but feel free to post your own. Categories: Salvage, Events/Sales, Pets, Sustainable Living, Real Estate and General. What are you waiting for?
1930’s Dining Room Set: $500
New York City College of Technology Division of Continuing Education
Home Design and Green Design Courses: Spring 2008
An ongoing series devoted to city people who live in and love their urban homes
Anatomy of a Brownstone: Green Roofs, Green Homes
A seminar devoted to the art and science of sustainable homes, NYC style
Saturday, April 26 Atrium Amphitheatre 300 Jay Street
2 sessions, (morning and afternoon) $40
10 am to 12 pm 300 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn
2pm to 4pm
Forum post/course schedule
Emilia will be working with me every Sunday.
The coldest day of the year didn’t keep people away from the Brooklyn Flea. What happened to the sun yesterday?! Man, was it cold out there!!! So, that’s my excuse for this semi lame post you are about to read. I didn’t get around the whole market to take pics and interview vendors as I had planned because I just wanted to sit under my moving blanket, which is what we were using to prevent hypothermia.
We finally nabbed a couple of VERY WORN Carhartt coats from Eddie. We looked like we were homeless and probably scared people off, but we were warm. Eddie was there with his Dad (a 70 something year old man who looks 30). So Eddie would be Lamont to his Dad’s Fred?
I’m sure Brownstoner will post how many folks came through, but sometime during the afternoon I heard that the count was at 9,000 and they were expecting it to hit 15,000 by the end of the day. Not bad for a first day with arctic temperatures.
We had fun. Made some dough. Met a bunch of cool people.
Apologies for all the concussions caused by our sign being too low. We realized it was actually the tent that wasn’t fully extended. Oops.
So whom did I meet?
The Silver Nest divas.
There are a handful of sane commenters on Brownstoner and Debii and Suzanne of Silver Nest are 2 of them. I’m the third. I’ve known them online for awhile. Emilia had the pleasure of working with them at the Salvage Fest last year, but it was my first time meeting them in the flesh.
Reclaimed lamps from Silver Nest
Silver Nest (website under construction) offers four lines: Silver Nest, an amalgamation of things from reclaimed objects, original photography of architectural detail on pillows, and other objects. Jenny Sparrow, figures, faces, dolls, etc worked into jewelry, shadowboxes, decorative boxes, etc. Sewing Diva is mostly pillows. Blatherscat Lighting, vintage table lighting, cleaned up, often rewired, with new shades, etc.
The Moss & Ash chicks were cold too.
From their website: “Moss & Ash was born out of Annabel and Anna’s desire to share their ability to turn frumpy grandma nightgowns and muumuus into fashionable, fresh, and affordable vintage clothing. They re-make old, outdated dresses into one-of-a-kind pretty pieces, selling them with various vintage accessories that culminate in the edgy, yet feminine look that they both embrace.”
“The Bowling Alley Guy”
Couterevolution. Jim Malone crafts countertops, tables and benches out of reclaimed wood from bowling alleys. Bowling alleys began phasing out real wood for lanes in the 1980’s and Jim salvages these vanishing resources. Cool stuff!
Revere Sugar Refinery, Red Hook by Bob Marvin
Got to meet Bob Marvin of the Fort Green Photography Association. He’s the 4th sane commenter on Brownstoner. That leaves room for just one more. Bob does some fine black and white prints and still gets to work in the darkroom, which is a dying art. I didn’t get a chance to get over to his booth, but I was lucky enough that he stopped by mine. Next week, Bob!
Vintage fabrics from Repro Depot
The Silver Fox vendors woke up at 2am to come down from Albany.
Kick ass sign by Emilia
Anyone who has been paying attention knows that I’ll be joining Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea every weekend as of this Sunday. It will be a coming out of sorts as I’ve only had an online store presence (and Craigslist).
Before my photography career got off the ground I sold jewelry made from my photographs. I was a street vendor, then graduated on to markets (Tower and Columbus), street fairs and crafts shows. So, yeah, this is a step backward (to the 80’s). But sometimes that’s not a such bad thing. I’m looking forward to being creative again and not having to kiss client buttocks.
In preparing for the flea, I’ve taken over EVERY room in two houses. (See photos below) If I earn one penny on Sunday, I am RUNNING, not walking to get a work/storage space. And I’m hiring some help! So keep your fingers crossed for me. No better yet, come buy some sh*t!
The original plan for the Reclaimed store was to represent other artisans. However, I got worried about relying on them to fill orders when they couldn’t even return my calls. So, now I’m selling antiques and vintage fixtures and furnishings. Some restored or reconfigured, some “as is”. I’ll throw in functional (and non functional) art as I get to it. I have tons of vintage black and white NYC photos that I’ve already started playing with. I’ve got a light fixture fetish because they’re easy to restore and schlepp. So, plenty of those. Price points: Industrial hooks and antique drawer pulls starting at $8.00 up to $1350 for sink vanities.
Brooklyn Flea will take place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—starting April 6, 2008, at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. Look for Reclaimed Home at the Clermont fence, 5 vendors in from Lafayette. That’s where we’ll be this Sunday. Don’t know if it’s the same every week. Come say hello!
BTW, got the wheels. Don’t come a knockin’!
Trial run of new tent. The dogs liked it.
Bed Stuy living room. Renovations halted.
Beacon living room. Fixture rewire center.
Another fetish: mannequins and scary dolls.
Still needs to be rewired.
Too lazy to take good photo and upload to store.
It’s not like there’s a reclaimed building material megastore store in every neighborhood. Using second hand lumber is a labor of love. The day we launched we did a post on reclaimed flooring resources, but it was internet based. Since then, we’ve been trying to find local…and less expensive….wood.
Craigslist has been the best resource. If you go this route, you really need to start thinking about your project months in advance and check the postings religiously. The listings exist, from someone who ordered too much flooring to someone taking up a subfloor to someone tearing down an entire house. You should be able to transport the material at the drop of a hat and be willing drive to CT and NJ. It can be a full time job.
M. Fine Lumber is located right here in Brooklyn. They are not some new fancy pants green building supply company. They’ve been in business since the 1930’s and carry all sorts of recycled wood.
Build It Green in Queens is a re-use store. You would have to be extremely lucky to find 500 sq ft of wide plank flooring here. But keep in mind that wood studs and molding don’t grow on trees and yet they can be found here. As well as used electric boxes, cabinets, etc. (Editor’s note: Ok, I know that studs and molding ARE trees. Poetic license.)
The Old Barwood Site is for serious builders. These are whole barns up for sale. National listings but there are a few in upstate NY and PA. If you’re working on a huge project with a contractor, perhaps you can talk the contractor into it. Too much to take on for a simple DIY job.
Feeding my toilet fetish.
I’m so tired of doing a salvage search and coming up with UK sites. We need to get our acts together on this continent. What does England have that we don’t have? An interest in preserving historic detail, that’s what!
I’m only speaking of Britain. I visit Ireland often and it’s a damn shame what’s happening there. McMansions scattered around the countryside. Yuck! On a recent visit, I schlepped the hubby all over Dublin looking for salvage shops I had researched online before the visit. Every one of them was gone. Guess I should have called beforehand. D’uh!
Anyway, check out some of these British resources if you want to get depressed that we’re stuck here in Toll Brothers Country. I know we have some great salvage places across the states, but our homes just aren’t as old as they are there.
Period Living magazine is just chock full of ideas and resources.
Salvo Web. I did a post on them before, because they do have a smattering of US listings.
Salvo Fair 2008 takes place in June.
Before
After
Oh, you’re probably thinking “That’s easy. Why would I need brass cleaning tips?” Well, let me tell you, Sweetie, it’s not as easy as you think. I’ve been working on some tarnished antique light fixtures and I found out that it’s not a 5 minute job.
I think I’ve got a good system now, but I learned by trial and error.
Two things to consider before you even start:
1. Is it really brass? A magnet will NOT stick to brass. If it’s only brass plated, tread lightly.
2. Does it have a coat of lacquer on it? If so, you’ll have to remove that before polishing. Soak the piece in warm, soapy water first to determine whether or not it’s sealed. If the tarnish doesn’t wipe away, it’s coated. You can try to soak it in hot water or boil it if it’s small enough, but you may need lacquer thinner to remove it.
Ok, so now you’re ready to begin. This is for completely tarnished pieces. If it’s just alittle dull, by all means, skip the first few steps and just polish it.
Soak the item in warm soapy water for about a half hour. Gently “scrub” away the black with the rough end of a sponge or 000/0000 steel wool. I said gently!
You’ll need gallons and gallons of vinegar if you have large pieces. I used the slop sink for my fixtures. Make a solution of 3/1 vinegar/water. Add some salt. Maybe a pinch of lemon. And even some dish soap. I throw it all in there because, hey, ya never know. But it’s really the vinegar that does the trick. Soak for oh, another half hour. Again, gently “scrub”. Alternatively, you can add flour and make a paste.
After this step, your piece is probably bright pink. Not what you had in mind? Don’t freak out. Now clean with Brasso, Never Dull or Wright’s Brass Polish. That will get the pink out. Now the problem is getting rid of that nasty polish. Soak yet again in soapy water or wipe away with boiled linseed oil.
Brass tarnishes when exposed to air, so it should be re-coated when you’re finished.
Some other tips people swear by:
Ketchup. Yes, it works! But that ketchup smell will linger forever!!
Apply a verrry thick coat of Brasso so it doesn’t dry out. Leave on for 30 minutes.
Sulfuric and Hydrochloric acid. Never tried it, it seems pretty harsh.
Kool Aid. I have no idea why.
Of all my antique addictions, light fixtures hit me the hardest. They are small and easy to carry and I can work on them in any room in my house. So, I keep buying them and then they sit around getting even more tarnished than they were when I purchased them.
I’m starting to work on a few fixtures now. Of course the “bargains” are always missing pieces. Stuff you can’t find at Home Depot. Finding replacement parts for vintage items would be insanely difficult without the internet.
Below is a list of suppliers. Prices and items may vary only a bit, but you have to hit every option if you’re looking for a unique piece. Always good to take measurements and snap a photo to email. They know their inventory better than you and it will shave hours off of your search.
Happy hunting!
Antique Lamp Supply
My Lamp Parts
Antique Hardware
Paxton Hardware
House of Antique Hardware
Old House Lights
Antique Lamp Company
The Bulb Collector