My home and workspace are in New Braunfels, TX. My main inspiration comes from my dad who is a second generation pinstriper and hot rodder.
The name Carvel Vintage comes from a mixture of my dad's name Michael Carven. I've been using it since I was 15 and it just stuck!
MY STORY:
I have had a variety of jobs. My dad was an old school pinstriper so I grew up going to car shows with my family all over the country. My dad let me collect the money from customers and pass out business cards when I was just 7 or 8 years old. It was a nice start to the world of business! I also worked for a large retail clothing chain for 7 years, worked for a master seamstress, had a delivery service, and worked in a woodshop for an educational toymaker. For 13 years I have been “working” (it’s too much fun to be called work) for my cousin’s rockabilly band, The Georges, managing their retail merchandise and doing PR work at their shows. Basically I have to be on my feet and doing something with my hands. Which brings us to this phase in my life. I have no talent for art on canvas like my amazing husband of 20 years. But give me fabric or metal and I’m good.
How the lamp making started:
My mechanic uncle Jason started creating lamps after overhauling the engine of my VW Passat. He had tons of great parts sitting around from that and other engines. After his 7th back surgery two years ago he could no longer work on cars. Instead of tossing all the parts he had acquired over the years, he thought he would use his welding skills and make art. He made me a floor lamp out of an antique headlight, rods and a flywheel. It is totally awesome and sitting in my living room right now! I asked if he could teach me to weld. He said yes and that was that. Now I can’t stay out of the shop!
I have 9 nieces and nephews that I love dearly and I spend as much time with them as I can. I am the oldest of 3. My middle brother Cody is an amazing musician and can make you laugh until you pass out! The youngest, Jared, is the athlete and carpenter of the family. We all are passionate about cars. Last but not least is my dear mother. She never hindered my self-expression as a teenager, even when I made a terrible dress for my cousin's wedding with a huge homemade guitar appliqué on it (I still have it, but it was soooo homemade). My parents have been my greatest supporters and I love them for encouraging me to “Go For It”!!! Thanks mom and dad!
Have a question about a recent or future purchase? Contact me anytime at the link on the bottom of the page. Here are a few questions I am asked at Art Shows.
Where do you find your metal and other pieces used for your lamps?
I find parts all over the place! My goal is to keep things out of scrapyards and landfills so I start with scrap and salvaged items that are on their last leg or no longer of value to the owner. Keeping cost low is important because I want everyone to be able to buy art. I occasionally source special items if a customer is looking for something specific.
Where do the reproduced antique bulbs come from?
Most of the bulbs in my lamps are the "Edison" style lightbulbs. I purchase them from 1000bulbs.com and other retailers.
How do I care for my "new" lamp or lighting fixture?
All lamps can be cleaned with a damp cloth and windex if needed. Keep in mind that some of the metal has been finished with an industrial grade urethane to prevent further rust and give it a shine, so harsh cleaners will damage the finish. Metal parts may be warm to the touch after the light has been on for a while so please keep it out of reach of children and pets!!! When changing the bulb use the same caution as with all electrical appliances. Unplug the lamp first, then put the new bulb in.
Are the electrical componets new or antique?
ALL electrical componets are brand new. That includes the wiring, switches, sockets, plugs and bulbs. If any electrical components came with one of my old parts it will be removed and discarded.
Do you have a storefront?
Yes! Starting in 2023 you an find my Upcycled treasures and art inside the Gruene location of Fickle Pickles, 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130