Wednesday, June 27, 2012

In the caravan

Good morning everyone,

It’s a few minutes after 10 a.m. and we’re both in the caravan. The tiny a.c. is on low and it is comfortable in here.

The stove was put in place yesterday and with that done, we could put on the a.c. We only tried it for a bit yesterday then shut it off and went back into our cottage.  I told DH yesterday that this morning my project would be to empty the space basically, so that we could see what to do in here next in comfort.  So, that’s what I did.  Took almost everything into his workshop, took up the tarp, then swept it and laid down a couple of rugs to put our folding captains chairs on so as to not scratch the floor. The chairs need the wood to be refinished, and new coverings for the chairs, maybe I could just wash and dye them, we’ll see. I had brought these quilted valances in (that I bought the other day for $2 each),  to see about using them on the chairs, but DH doesn’t want to see me cutting them up for these chairs. I don’t really want to do that either, it was just a thought. The fabric on them now is canvas and in great shape.  We’ve had these for years and used to use them to sit in when we sold at a local flea market many, many years ago.

Anyway, below are pics from yesterday and this morning.

Before

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After ~ I grabbed a curtain I plan to use for this east window, there is a pair, and just put a couple of nails up on either side, and hung the curtain to see the effect and to keep some of the sunlight out. Smile 

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Close up of curtain panel.  I love this. It is antique looking and maybe it is, I don’t know. I’ve had them for years, either bought at the flea market or a yard sale.

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This is my temporary set up until we head in for lunch, then I’ll close this all up and take it inside, so that DH can work away tomorrow, while I’m at my part-time job.

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Here is the stove nicely painted with high heat black paint. The light from the window is making it look more charcoal gray.

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I took a picture of DH already starting to do some work in here. Having a.c. in here gives us more incentive to work. Now he can finish insulating and paneling the walls, etc.  I already love this dear little space, 6’x8’. Our late friend Frank, would love what we have done with this old camper, turning it into a stationary little ‘get-away’ here at Plum Cottage.

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I’ll take more pictures as things move along.  It is really amazing how much of this we have been able to do with curbside shopped materials that we’ve had in our stash.  We’ve used a lot up and that feels great.

It is pretty dang quiet in here from outside noises.  I love all of the light that fills the space.  I need to come out here when it’s dark, to see how it is then, as we are thinking of sleeping out here while we remodel our bedroom. I look forward to being out in here next fall/winter when I can have the windows open and here the birds chirping away.

I look forward to cooking in here, and making us tea. I look forward to needleworking out here too.  This little restored/recycled space  makes me feel happy and thankful to God for His many blessings, large and small.

This is a view looking out the north side, looking north east.

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This view is looking south east, into part of the secret garden and you can see our screened in ‘catrium’ off the back of the cottage. Where Tork, our outdoor feline, sleeps at night, where the outdoor shower, jacuzzi and clawfoot tub are, along with a swing and two chairs and a table.

Some of the passion vine has creeped and crawled over the crepe myrtle, and other plants  that are outside this window. DH even mentioned all of the zebra butterflies that we are seeing. They love the passion vine, and I see little eggs all over it.

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That’s it from the caravan for now.  I’m getting hungry.  I’ll write another post about the program that turned my photos into paintings later.

Thank you all for visiting and your kind comments. 

Later ~ FlowerLady Lorraine

21 comments:

L. D. said...

It is such a nice place for you. You will develop uses as time goes on as your little get away gets completed.

Gayle said...

I'd find your little caravan a nice place to sneak away from kids, video games and loudness! Enjoy!

Jane said...

It's looking cute, Rainey. Maybe you could use fabric paint to replicate the fabric on the canvas that's already on them? Just a thought. Glad the paint worked out on your stove. Hope it didn't smoke too much!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Lorraine, That is just AWESOME... You have a place for a mini-vacation in your backyard... I LOVE it....

What a nice get-away!!!! You are really fixing it up well... Congrats!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Mrs. E said...

I am loving your caravan--and plan to stalk you until completion. Please keep posting the work in process.

Sunray Gardens said...

That caravan is coming along wonderfully. Your husband is one determined man and keeps plugging away. It will be done before you know it now.

Cher Sunray Gardens

Anonymous said...

Absolutely charming . . .I love it!

Nancy J said...

Your little van is perfect for a peaceful day.I found you from Gayle's blog.And will add you to my blog list now,do you quilt? as well as do beautiful crochet and more? Cheers from Jean ( Nancy J) in NZ

tina said...

I can feel your excitement with your new caravan. It is coming along fine and will be a sweet little office in the garden with the beautiful passion flowers close by.

Becky said...

Wow- You all have really made some wonderful progress.

jerilanders said...

I love that you have this little 6x8 space to "get away". I have a little potting shed that is my "caravan", so to speak. Working with all those salvaged materials has required imagination and creativity, 2 things you and your husband have in abundance!

Skeeter said...

Everything seems to be falling into place on this project. Great views and a nice little hide-away...

Carla said...

I can't wait to see what you end up doing with this caravan. What a fun project. I just know with your talents for creating, it will turn out delightful. Keep the photos coming!

Anonymous said...

An enchanting place to get away from it all. It does look antique. I love it, that would be my hideaway.
have a great weekend,
Hugs Rosemary...

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I love visiting you world.
Wish I had a caravan...

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

So creative! Stay cool, FL. Have a great weekend. xxoo Nancy

NanaK said...

What wonderful progress you and hubby are making on the caravan space. How convenient to have a place to stay during your upcoming renovations too. I've enjoyed following along.

Lynn said...

Your caravan posts are a delight. Like others here I'm looking forward to keeping up with the progress. Keep 'em coming.

sweetbay said...

I really like the curtain panel too. It's lovely.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi FL Lorraine,
I'm not sure if I've noticed your name before. Thanks for sharing it! What a fun extra space you have there in your caravan! I love the windows and that curtain you showed. I'm glad you got the air conditioning going, so you can enjoy working in it and on it.

Jean Campbell said...

This is my idea of 'travel' -- a getaway that you don't have to drive to get there, complete with air conditioning.