Very Very Vintage Tinworks

Helenville, WI – Midway between Madison and Milwaukee, 10 miles S. Of I-94 

All of my tiles are just that… very vintage … very authentic … and very much created by hand.

These decorative pieces, a uniquely American invention, began life here in the Midwest as ornamental ceilings, used around the turn of the century and later, to mimic the more expensive molded and carved plaster ceilings of the European elite. More recently destined for the landfill after demolition, they have been reclaimed and I’ve given them a new lease on life as original, decorative works of art. I leave much of the original painted finish intact, sealing it to the surface and working on top of it. I feel that this adds a true vintage element to the finished work, creating unique surface texture. I also leave the original “age-spots”….nail holes, tears, punctures….it adds to the feeling of authenticity and besides, if you are 100 years old or more, you deserve the right to a few flaws.

By the time these architectural treasures from a by-gone era have reached my hands, they have seen better years. These days when a ceiling comes available, much of it is damaged and beyond being restored for its original, intended purpose. They begin their resurrection by being first flattened, scrubbed, straightened and mounted on a framework, much like you would mount an oil painting on canvas. After that, multiple layers of polyurethane, timber oil, artist’s oil, spray paint and wood stain are applied. They are then fired in the sun, a low tech process which gives them a beauty similar to that of high-fired ceramic. Some of the pieces are then combined with other reclaimed elements; architectural, industrial and found object, into wall collage or functional art. Full panels are often framed or hung as is. My glazing technique is so thorough, you can display these pieces either indoors or out; but if you do elect to display them outside, please choose a sheltered location, such as a porch or covered patio unless you want them totally exposed. In this case I can do several coats of a Spar Urethane for outdoor use.

Authenticity…..All of my work is created by hand, by me. None of my work is cast, molded or reproduction, created by staff or farmed out to another person or purchased from overseas. Every piece is one of a kind. Part of the joy and sorrow of reclaimed materials is that, when they are gone, they are gone. I may never get more of a particular design, since it’s becoming more rare by the day; it really is a finite resource. 

I do much of my own reclaiming….the tin itself comes from all over the midwest and various points beyond. My son, husband, friends and myself go into action when we find a ceiling that is need of rescue. We are seasoned tin salvagers; we can pull a full 1000 sqft of ceiling in a day. This is the hardest part of this business since the reclamation work is done in very old and frequently dangerous buildings with little ventilation or climate control. 100+ years of dirt and filth come down with it. It is anything but fun. 

I currently have about 35,000 sqft of tin that I currently have stored in my pole barn; on racks, shelves and industrial carts. My husband relentlessly helps track down available ceilings.

Please enjoy your new piece and know that you truly own a piece of history!!
I do accept commissions for custom pieces such as headboards, room dividers, tabletops and anything else that you might like me to create! I will work with any combinations of colors you might like! Please give me a call with any questions you might have, or for a home consultation.

April L. Sepich

aprilsepich@gmail.com

Facebook: Very Very Vintage Tinworks, IG: Salvage2Ar

309-231-2436