Gypsy Chick inspirations

I'm a chick Obsessed. As with any new adventure, I DIVE right in. I usually come up for air later on with just a few scratches...  Being this one has been a long term dream, it casts an even more surreal glow effect. Many thanks to Small farm Girl for her comment to my last post on the dilemma of contrasting decor themes. As to the subject of the Vintage camper decor, she suggested "Why not do both!". I began to think intensely upon those words and realized, if I change the Blue of the one choice into Turquoise and add some reds, rustic oranges and other desirable's in there to POP- I could mesh it together for the balance I sought. So the hunt began as I embraced my admiration for the Gypsy interior using Turquoise but keeping things middle road enough for The Captain.

I have contemplated some solar light self made lanterns to use with the camper being MANY candles in such close {and OLD} quarters is a bit scarey. Our local dollar tree has the landscape spike ones for $1 a piece which I knew fit perfect for my plans. the lanterns can be hung on the canopy or set on the ground in the sun during the day to charge & placed about for their evening enjoyment. I'll share a tutorial if you can wait that long but there are plenty of similar ideas on the net.

I am SO making a few of these knotted rope holders but a trip to the flower factory will produce much nicer glass vessels then mason jars {no proper gypsy chick would use Mason jars when they could be holding gems from the garden bounty~ unless of course they were tinted...}

Tutorial found over here at marthe Stewart living:

http://www.marthastewart.com/900270/knotted-hanging-lanterns

Speaking of tinted jars,I do believe this is pure WOW!

Who knew something as simple as GOLD puffy paint & food coloring dyed Modge podge would transform jars into Moroccan inspired lanterns! http://www.designsponge.com/2011/03/diy-project-moroccan-lanterns.html

Maybe not as perfect as the real thing but close enough! and boo coo bucks saved in the process.

Now how about a Moroccan inspired rug.Oh, the bust the budget price tag making you TRY to ignore the want? Then why not try out this tutorial using a shag rug and Rit dye!! Yep. Over at gorgeous & shiny things, you will find yourself in awe over the transformation you can create.

http://gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com/2011/07/make-it-beni-ourain-rug.html

Has me turning the wheels on how I can transform a colored rug using bleach in place of the rit dye for some "milk thistle lily damask" Gypsy designs. Now where's that Bleach gel pen.....

Little brother Army brought me some very pretty scarves/shawl pieces from his time in the Middle East. He also made the mistake of showing me the bounty he still has filling rubbermaid containers when I helped them move from across (or is it diagonal) the country. I may have to seek out his willingness to part with a few more textile items in my color palette.

 Over the last 6months I have noticed a few similar scarves with the gold thread woven in at the thrift stores. Of course at the time I resisted snatching them without a clue what i would do with them. Now? I'm smacking the forehead with after thought. while making mentals to start snatching away!

Picture & tutorial via American Gypsy

Over at American Gypsy {whom has inspired today's post}, has shared a way to get those exotic pillows using scarves. Of course, you could use throws or other large pieces to make pillows for the bed or floor lounging. Luckily I found her as I mooned over exotic pattern pillows, rugs and blankets. Scarves run a whole dollar at the thrifts here and textiles all run under $4. Now if I could only find the color scheme I desire, I would be set!

http://www.americangypsyliving.com/2009/08/goodbye-scarf-hello-bolster.html

Now as for a piece to use on the outside of My Gypsy Chick caravan, an AWNING! Over at "This Montana life", you will find a very helpful {and again boo coo buck saver without the reduction in Glam}, easy Awning tutorial!  http://thismontanalife.com/make-your-own-awning-step-by-step/

One must have something, after all, to make shade as well as hanging those solar lanterns upon.

I truly have not a single idea on what color route to go with {burgundy? green?, ?,?} I am leaning to a solid color top with Indian influenced shape scallops. This is the Mediterranean scallop found via four seasons tent masters:

 Yep. That's the shape I want hanging from the edge of the awning. Thankfully I have all winter to tackle that project.

Thank you for all the encouraging words & sharing in the happiness of my newest adventure. As you know, I'm all over the map.  Now you can throw in some Vintage Camper remodeling to the mix.

I go this Friday to measure her tires and HOPEFULLY find a used pair before bringing her home. otherwise she will be riding a landscape trailer. Who knew camper tires would be such an ordeal PLUS cost more then car tires? Gently Used tire shopping at boat yards & RV repair shops is in my future.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

Oh MY, Pinch me in case I'm dreaming!

That one phone call had me on edge with that approaching belly knot one has when anticipation of a HUGE decision is in the hands of others. And when I laid out my proposition to the wife whom repeated my request to her big guy, feeling as though the actual 30 seconds were dragging into forever....I hear: Yes, That will be just fine. I truly thought tears of joy were about to burst from my eyes! My offer for the 1967 FAN camper was ACCEPTED and made even sweeter to hear the wife say she was pulling for me to get it. She could see {despite my trying to NOT show it} I REALLY wanted "Betty". I was the only looker whom they felt wanted her for fixing and loving.  Can you believe it?! Being they wanted a little more then my initial offer, I asked if they would be willing to allow me to split up the amount in 2 payments.Now do you understand my anticipation? That means I will not have my Canned Ham home until July 15th. Some make these weeks go faster! I am a chick obsessed. Hogging the net for HOURS looking at inspiration for her Tired worn look to GLAMPING transformation. I know she will have wood strip flooring. I am so torn between cheery colors as seen here:

Photo owned by Paul Hecht of Aqua Envy

and that Gypsy Caravan mood like here:

Photo by Sawday's Canopy and Stars of the U.K

See my dilemma? Total contradiction. The Captain has repeatedly said "This is all you. It's your camper." so I can do what I like but the request was not girly. He would actually like to camp in it too. So the above colors & theme are weighing on my mind. Which one could I live with longer? You KNOW how I like to change things up all the time.

I may give my caravan a Gypsy name should I go with the glamorous route... My goodness this is hard to decide!

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Tin Can Camper Hunting

Years ago, I came within hours of buying a Vintage Tin Can camper but those dreams were dashed. With things slowing down on the to do list around here, those dreams crept back in for the enjoyable remodeling project.

I think I found her! My Betty! A 1967 FAN Coach Camper that needs SOME work but not a huge overhaul. This dreamy Vintage camper was bought by the current owners as a restoration project a few years ago but their jobs kept them from going beyond the cleaning as well as the start of repairing the once leaked upon roof interior. I ventured out this weekend with Little man at my side, to look the 13 foot long camper over.

I fell.. HARD. I did not expect to have the first one I look at to have such an impact. She met every one of the bits on my checklist and I made my offer after discussing it with The Captain. I find out today if this will be my "Betty".

You can see where they began to remove the water damaged ceiling wood as you peer through the door.

 

 She even has a tiny Latrine! Not sure if that will be removed or remodeled until I get in there.

See the original stove in ugly brown? Rust Oleum has refinishing product for that.

Standing in the doorway, you see the back seating/ twin bed area as well as the Kitchen side. The seating has a wood pull out system which would fit a Twin size mattress perfectly. The electric fireplace is obviously not original but would be added in the remodel plans. Fall Camping would be much nicer with a heating unit.

The current owners have already sanded down all the wood {BONUS!} for stain & sealing. This dining area transforms into a Full size bed nook. That stick on squares of tile MUST go.

Get a look at that most likely never used oven!

I will be crushed if this one slips through my hands but in defense of the possibility, I was not prepared to buy this soon. I wanted to look over as many as possible to educate myself in differences, what to look for, etc. I got lucky with this couple. A project they meant to undertake no longer fit their schedule and they want it to go to someone who wants it for restoration remodel to USE. NOT resell for a profit being they were selling it so low in price. The wife has voiced it to her husband whom told me, his wife prefers I get it since all the other interested parties are looking for a resell venture.

Now if only that would play in my favor of our negotiations...

Hopefully, I share next the excitement of bringing "Betty" home but if not.... the hunt will continue.

As for the current undertakings,

Black Raspberries are being picked every morning, producing almost 3/4 a colander each time. PLENTY more on those canes but one of my larger spots has been invaded by black angry hornets. Grr.

Frog & I hit some trails around the lake for Blackberry reference and could not pass up some picking of the areas black raspberries. Upon which we found this nestled within the heart of a patch just 3 1/2 feet off the ground:

I have neglected you so this warmer season and will try to be more of a presence. Especially if I get my "Betty". yep. Vintage Camper remodel fun. Maybe I can get her ready for a trip to the Country Living Fair this September with Panda at my side. That place is surely to produce some Tin Can fancy decor.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

Quick Morning stroll of new garden sights

I am VERY happy with this years garden. The fresh tree mulch has made a huge difference in my normal routine. It has reduced the weeding by 95% and helps conserve the ground moisture which is great being we collect rainwater & water each plant by hand & bucket.

This year so far has been the best in a long time. A joy every time I walk through the gate and am swept over by the crisp apple scent of my German chamomile and the taste of fresh green peas I snap from the apple wood branch trellis.

of course there is always something to improve upon. The motto of every gardener still escapes my lips "Next year will be better". But this year? THIS is my next year and finally we have achieved "better".

Today, lets take note of a few new things found in the garden.

   As you stroll in the front gate, you are greeted with the sight & scent of the self sown Chamomile border before continuing the walk over River stones, through the Climbing peas Bentwood trellis.

 

At the far end of the garden you will find the Potter shed is now complete. A clear greenhouse poly panel for the roof and interior is painted the same blue as the Hen house to keep it bright. Some rearranging of fence panels has the new garden gate next to the potter shed.

The new back gate had been too plain being it is a shipping crate panel. Utilizing a dremel and jigsaw, I etched out the word "Grow" for the top slat, adding a simple touch of decor. It rolls open with the help of a Caster wheel on one bottom corner.

 We have just 3 chicks the Americauna hatched out. I had really hoped for more to replace the old clutch of layers. None the less, we still have time for another hen to turn broody... or make a trip down to Meyer hatchery for some Barred rocks.

And of course how could I not share my thrill of what is flanking the back acreage. We are met with an abundance of Black Raspberries this year. Far less Blackberry canes this year, much to my disappointment. I did venture out on the surrounding acreage scouting for more Blackberry canes and believe what I have found will suffice for a decent amount of jam for Frog & I.

We are set for some perfect temperatures this week. if only it would be coincide with the mass berry pickings but alas I do believe we will edge on hot when the "get yer bucket on" ripeness wave hits. Just a cup full a day as of today. 

Panda's Party is just days away and I am finally able to breath out my nose... most of the time anyway. Still sound horrible but I can breath! She has a few friends coming over for some Mustache cookie baking mania a day ahead. I may utilize their presence for some Berry picking should there be a surge before Sunday.

Party pictures soon along with some concrete container making around the corner. I have a wedding to begin prepping for and those Moss troughs are NOT going to grow themselves!

As always,

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie

Mustache Madness 13th birthday

When I began my reign as The Unusual Farm Chick, Panda was 6 years old. Over the years many of you have shared in watching her grow into a young lady. The laughs, the smiles. The tears and the amazement.

Remember when?

Her 6th birthday, a Fairy theme which included many of her school chums in her kindergarten class. Many of whom she is still the best of friends with.

Well our little girl is no longer so little and her choice of party themes has gone from fairy wings & strawberries to Pizza and... Mustaches?!

Yep. Panda will be 13 this 4th of July and I have been swimming in Mustache madness. Apparently the whole Mustache madness is all the rage. From accessories to shirts and on down the line.She already has the earrings & the necklace. So when she requested a Mustache theme, I was not surprised. An outdoor bonfire with Mustache loudness.

So what is a Mom to do when she is fronted with such an odd theme? Hit the net for some inspiration.

I whipped up her birthday banner using a rough weave fabric I scored at the Thrift {6 yards for $2!}, grabbed some black grosgrain wide ribbon {$2} to fold in half for the bunting string, sewn on leaving an extra foot for tying purposes. Plus I had leftover black paint from last years Glidden paint sample giveaway. Using Freezer paper to trace/cutout the Mustache clip art & stencil letters , Followed with ironing the freezer paper in place before brushing the paint on. 

Voila' !

Using the Freezer paper stencil idea, I whipped up a few shirts with her 'stache of choice onto a White Racerback tank top. She is wearing it over a long Dark Purple tank top {you know how Layers are still popular}. The party color theme is Black, Dark Purple & accented with white. You'll have to wait on seeing the shirt until she debuts at the party.

I also found Mustache cookie cutters by Fred & friends which I purchased through the livingroyal.com amazon website for $10 {after S&H}

We also found the local Dollar tree {everything is a $1} carried some great "cheesey" adhesive mustaches. Fuzzy felt & actually stay on your face! One for each guest.

Skipping through the whole strings of lights & paper lanterns decor, lets skip to one of the big projects I am taking on while I am currently down with some kind of crazy early summer "monkey pox" aka- the common cold {not so common for me}.

A Photo booth! Just like this simple frame form, I am putting one together for the teens to enjoy.

Photo Booth from eatdrinkbemarried.tumblr.com

 I even found the cutest Mustache touch sign to print out & frame for it's sign:

I have been so busy in getting things done between the cold medicine knockouts and the body aches, that I have yet to bring the camera out back & snap away with all the new wonders abounding here.

I'll make that my next mission. I'll share it very soon. But for now, I have a Party to finish prepping for.

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie

A Chick is born!..or rather hatched...

...or rather hatched. A first since moving to The Stone Cottage 2 years ago. A lovely sweet tempered Americauna hen was rather persistent with sitting on the "favorite" nest everyday. So I decided to mark a clutch of eggs & see if she follows through. Well, to my surprise... she has done well, especially for a breed known for their low interest in setting. Add to that I have other breeds KNOWN for being broody and not one has displayed it in the 18 months of their existence.

The first chick hatched from a brown egg early yesterday evening. I assume a Delaware pairing.

As of the last trip to the chicken coop this evening, there is a blue egg hatching with what appears to have black feathers. Could it be from one of the pure Americaunas & Roo Beer OR is it from his pairing with Esmeralda the Barred rock/Americauna mix hen? hmmm. I wonder how many chicks I will wake to in the morn. Or if Peter the rabbit will finally fall into my trap after the continual taunts thrown my way...Is HE really the one eating the apples so far into the trap OR are those pesky little chipmunks treating my garden as their dine & dash?  Who knew there would be days in my life where wild animals would be my entertaining nemesis' and paternity guessing a hot topic... I love my life.

Early dreams tonight for an early rising tomorrow.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie