Urban debris and a bad case of the shivers

The building that I work in is an old, decommissioned elementary school from the 30's, which means terrazzo floors, beautiful hardwoods, granite bathroom stalls and the worst infrastructure EVER! It's one of those places where 2 people in different parts of the building can't run a microwave at the same time or breakers will start tripping. The water that comes out of our pipes is the color of weak tea and we have loud and inconsistent steam heat. Well the heat recently got more consistent, in so far as the boiler died completely, so there is none. This hasn't been a problems this week as we have had unseasonably warm weather (the morning lows next week will be murder though), but even with the temp steadily heading toward 62 today being on the north side of the building I am typing in a coat, hat & gloves with a blanket on my lap! I'm telling you all of this because they have started to dismantle the old boiler only to discover that what was first thought to be a 3 day project will likely become a 2 week process due to the extensive damage. They have dredged all manner of interesting metal pieces from the basement which off course I have to photograph! Who knows maybe I'll rework them a little in Photoshop a little bit and sell prints on the cheap. Tell me what you think.


There's more, but it's more or less the same shots, just variants. Thanks for looking

NEW! NEW! Everything is new!

Welcome to the first entry in what I hope will be my ultra-popular and long-running blog.

If all goes according to plan (when does it ever?) I will be posting projects that I am working on, as well as new vintage & artsy craftsy items that I am posting for sale on etsy. I also hope to impart any helpful techniques or info that I come across in my art explorations. I am an avid collector of vintage items. I see myself as one part conservator and one part mad scientist as I am motivated by the need to perserve uncommon items from the past as well as combine vintage items into mixed-media assemblage and upcycled useful items. I will endeavor to post something new at least once a week, so stay tuned for new stuff!

Below are some pictures of items that I will be posting for sale in the coming week:

Vintage items (at www.meretriciousvintage.etsy.com)

Clip on rhinestone earrings $10
Old school glamour!

Vintage brass bowling buckle $10
Let everyone know you improved your average!

Green glass vintage vase $15
Unique modern design!

Dutch enamel skillet $22
Made in Holland for your cooking/whomping pleasure!

White & black enamel vessel $15
Unusual shape with a myriad of uses!

Black & white enamel food storage tray $15
Stylish storage for all manner of items.

Mixed media assemblages (available at www.meretriciouscreation.etsy.com)

Gypsy Woman $22

Crumbling Luck $44

Guardian Angel $75

Virgin Mary Shrine $75

Upcycled vintage purses with vinyl applique (available at www.meretriciouscreation.etsy.com)

NOLA, Mon Amour clutch wallet $24

Between the Devil & the Deep purse $28


Handmade jewelry (available at www.meretriciouscreation.etsy.com)


Bullseye ring made from vintage buttons (adjustable) $12

Old Growth beaded necklace $32

Desert Flowers beaded necklace $34

Earth & Sky beaded necklace $32

I apologize for the lack of dimensions on these items, my hectic schedule has precluded my getting out the tape measure and doing what needs to be done! I hope that you like what you see, upon further review I notice that some of the pictures are a bit overexposed, but you get the drift. If all goes according to plan I will have these items up for sale by next Monday (February 9).
If you have any questions about any of the items I have posted, please feel free to put them in the comments, I will respond as quickly as possible.
Thanks for looking!