Teardrop Trailer Part 3

Building Components

So before I can start doing things like stain and urethane, I need to do a lot of cutting.  A lot.

Yes, my sides, doors and trim were already cut, but there is still a lot of cutting to do.  Components to be built that will make things go faster when I begin assembly.

First, I decided to use ash for my hinge spar, so i rough cut it and laminated  with construction adhesive for a stronger spar.

I am planning to make my hinge higher than the plans call for, so I laminated 2 - 10' x 8" boards and cut the curves for my hatch frame.  Instead of clamping, I screwed the boards together while the glue set.

Next I built the front bulkhead.

And then I cut scabs (trim) for the build.  I made a lot of sawdust!
 Once the scabs were cut I sanded each one, and stained them using the stain I chose for my exterior color.

I also built the frame for my fan box, but there was nothing impressive about it, and I didn't take pictures.

Teardrop trailer Part 2

So I had to select a base utility trailer for my camper.  I purchased the Northern Tools 4'x8' folding utility trailer.  After pushing it around the garage for weeks, I decided to just put it together because it would be easier to move around the garage, and I could leave it foldable until i was ready to build my floor, and it would take less space in the garage.

SO, I didn't like the wheels that came with the trailer, and I ordered these 14" wheels and tires.  I had no idea at that point what changing one thing like wheels would change down the line.

But they look great don't they?

It is a darn shame that they touched the trailer.... what's a girl to do?

Hub Spacers of course! (who knew such a thing existed?)

This improved things a bit, but I still didn't have the room I needed to be able to install a fender.

So I found a bigger spacer!

 These spacers bolt onto the hub, extending the bolts out and extra 1.25".... they are soooo shiny!

What else could changing the tires possibly effect?

Teardrop Trailer Part 1

Over the past few years I have been falling deeper and deeper in love with Teardrop trailers.  I have a friend that built one, and I saw a couple at Pietenpol Fly-In in Brodhead, Wisconsin last July. 

 I was hooked.  

So I started researching plans so I could find the shape that I loved, and find something within my skill level. Finally I decided to buy plans from Big Woody Campers.  When the plans arrived I was sure I could make this camper.  Then I started stalking the BigwoodyCamper.com website

They had so many kits on the site that took a lot of the guess work out of the process, they even had a wood kit.

The website indicated that shipping was not available for the woodkit..... you think that is going to stop me?  Heck no!  I called Jennifer at Big Woody, and talked to her at length.  So we came up with a plan, and I was the first customer that she shipped a wood kit.  So in August 2014 I began the process!

We had it shipped to the local FEDEX terminal, and I picked it up there (it saved me a ton on shipping)

So I got the kit home, and laid it out, checking for damage, and everything was great!

Next I needed to pick out stain color, so I went to Lowes and picked up a bunch of colors that made me happy, then I started mixing and matching them to see what color combination I liked best.
I also started laying out blue tape to get an idea of how I wanted to lay out my galley.

Now all I needed was time, and I was not going to get any of that until Marching band season was over.  In my spare time, I drew out my galley, over and over to find the perfect layout for me, and I started shopping for supplies.

Drying Rack

I was surfing the interwebz whilst decorating the house and fell in love with this drying rack I found at www.Ballarddesigns.com I just couldn't stomach the pricetag... $239.00  yikes

So I decided to make it myself.  The trip to Home Depot cost me $40 and I had enough material to make 1 large and 2 small drying racks.  (I gave the small ones away as gifts)

Admit One Shadow Box

Another Pinterest inspired gift! 

I almost always make 2 of things I really like, one to keep, one to gift away.

The tickets in the shadow box were made from a clear stamp, and distressed.

This shadow box is one that opens from the front.  I removed the glass, and sanded a spot on the top of the door creating a slot where tickets can be dropped in.

I write the names of the people who went to the show with us, and our opinion of the performance before I drop it in the box.

 

I made a second box as a gift for my EX-husband, and split up tickets from our memory box of stuff we did together with the kids.

Thanks for looking!

Bleach Shirt Tutorial

I have been looking for a way to decorate shirts that does not involve heat transfer vinyl.

Supplies:

Cotton t-shirt

Bleach in a bottle that has a very fine mist

Stencil (vinyl or freezer paper)  click here for a link to a tutorial for making freezer paper stencils

paper towels

freezer paper

 

Safety considerations:

1. Wear an apron or something to protect your clothes from bleach splatter while working on this project.

2. Eye protection is not a bad idea, especially if kiddos are helping you.

3. Wear Rubber/latex gloves to protect sensitive skin from bleach.

 

Step 1:  affix stencil to t-shirt (mine is a sticker I made from vinyl on my electronic cutter)

Step 2: Place freezer paper on the inside of the garment to prevent the bleach from penetrating to the other side of the garment.



Step 3:  Lightly spray bleach (mask off any area you don't want color to be removed)

Within seconds you will begin to see the loss of color.

Step 4: Blot the shirt with paper towels to remove excess bleach.... then wait

I am impatient and removed the stencil before all of the color was removed.  You should leave the stencil on until you are sure that you have the desired effect.

After about 5 minutes all of the color is gone.  If not, then repeat steps 3&4

Step 5:  Allow to dry in a well ventilated area then wash seperately to avoid bleaching something unintentional.

 

This is an example of the results when masking off an area.  I just used torn paper towels to make a circle around my stencil to prevent the bleach from spraying all over the garment.

Thanks for looking.

 

Next I will be trying out fabric spray paint to add color to white t-Shirts with Stencils...I'm totally addicted to crafts.

Linen Pantry Redo

My linen closet was an absolute mess.  No organization, could never find anything.... so I took the matter in hand!!

I started by separating things by size and type. and folding them so they would fit in my new baskets.

The baskets were pretty inexpensive at http://www.luckyclovertrading.com/baskets-c-1.html

 Next I made lables for each of the baskets, and put everything back in the closet.

Fini!