Upcycle Vintage Insulators
What are insulators?
Glass insulators were originally designed to keep telephone and telelgraph wires insulated from the wooden poles that held them up. They had to insulate the wire from the wood. That was the insulator’s main ‘purpose. Hemingray, Brookfield, and Whitall Tatum are some of the companies who made them. If you have one, or many,…check to see what name is embossed on them!
Insulators on a telephone pole
Collectors now go crazy for the rare ones, but many are of no real value since they were so numerous in the industry. You can find insulators of many different colors at antique stores, Flea markets and sometimes thrift shops or yard sales. You would likely get the best deal at a flea market in this case.
Insulator ‘jewels’ sparkle on Rhea Dawn Buskirk’s baker’s rack
Our purpose at Flea market Gardening now, is to use and reuse them in our homes and gardens!
Collecting Glass Insulators
Rhea Dawn Buskirk has a wonderful collection and uses hers as colorful accents indoors and out.
Part of Rhea Dawn’s insulator collection
Rhea Dawn says, “I started collecting insulators about two years ago. I like them because they are inexpensive, colorful and come in different sizes. I find them at flea markets, garage sales and auctions. Basically get them for $1.00 – $2.00 and will give $3.00 if in perfect condition. ”
Notice the one with ‘Mickey Mouse ears?’
“The “Mickey Mouse” insulator, with the ears was more expensive and it stays in the house with me.”
How to clean insulators
Rhea Dawn tells us, “Most of the ones I have purchased are caked with mud, rust and grime. I use a five gallon bucket and soak in vinegar, dishwasher detergent and spray the rusty and grimy ones with Bar Keeper’s Friend. Let them soak about a week, rinse, use soapy water, rag and a toothbrush to clean up.”
Insulators also come in solid ceramics
A ‘Touch of Glass’ in the garden
Sparkling clear insulators from Rhea Dawn’s collection
Insulator jewels go brilliantly with green in the garden
Rhea Dawn tells us, “My goal is to have an insulator tree outside and use as a landscaping border. It’s an inexpensive hobby and rewarding to me because each one has a different bubble or wave in the glass that makes them unique. I have just started researching the lettering online to find who manufactured each one, what area they came from and what they were used for.”
“I have to share this insulator that was given to me today by my brother-in-law, who bought it at an auction. Cost me $7.00!! I can use it for a bird feeder, candy dish or decorative on the table.”
“I have to share this insulator that was given to me today by my brother-in-law, who bought it at a auction. Cost me $7.00!! I can use it for a bird feeder, candy dish or decorative on the table. Realize it may be too late to use in the article but had to share!”
Turn a garden into a jewel box
Sue Gerdes, of Flea2Fab, made a solar light fixture from two!
Marie Niemann displays her insulators on their original crossbeam
My amazing birdbath, with itssparkling insulators
More:
The ordinary and amazing birdbath
More than you’ll ever want to know about insulators! Insulators home page
12 EASY steps to a clean birdbath
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Vintage glass insulators indoors and in the garden
More on Collections:
Heavenly cobalt glass in the garden
Collecting marvelous Mason jars
For the love of Terracotta pots
Kim’s cute and cozy cottage…inside
12 Ideas for your Winter windows
3 Comments
Absolutely great display ideas!! Love the solar idea especially!
I have bunches of these that my father-in-law gave me eons ago when my husband and I first married. I love them and have had them all over the house. Thanks for posting this article. Take care…D.
Have 10 or fewer but pick up when I can. Mostly sitting on window ledges to enjoy from inside the house. Love the idea of the ‘bottle’ ee. I just got a small size big bottle tree. When it warms up enough to put it out, I will have to try to fashion an insulator tree to go with it