Monday, July 9, 2012

our newest project...


Look what landed at my house over the weekend?


My Mr. and I took off Friday on a hunt.
We got up at 3:30 AM...that's a in the m, talking.
and drove to Salt Lake City
(apparently,  that is where retired vintage trailers are)
We had narrowed it down to 2 choices...
on the drive I asked My  Mr.
what he was looking for.
He said he wanted something inexpensive, 
that we could use to go camping with the kids,
and 
that was NOT a lot of work.

We looked at the first one...
It was $600.00 but needed new tires before we could leave town;
It was clean on the inside with  just a bit of water damage.
but 
we still wanted  to look at Choice #2.

This one was one My MR. had been working on for 2 weeks.
 The seller would not  send us interior photos
now, we knew why
it was a mess...dirty, gross, water damage
but 
wait
he'll take $375...

We went with this info:

10 Things To Look For When Buying A Vintage 

Trailer...found here



Choice #2  had 7 out of 10
things...



wrong!!!

I pretty much left the choice up to My MR.
(He does need to pick some things, right?)
I really wanted choice #1..it was easy
and ready for me to start decorating...
Guess which one My MR. choose?
Yep, the project .
???????
Yep, I'm still confused, too.
I think he liked the *canned ham* lines.




This is the story of our life
We buy work.


We have a family camp-out scheduled in 2 weeks.
No problem, right?


We came home and took out as much stuff as possible,
 started cleaning,
then primed the entire thing in oil-based primer.
Already, she is much better.
I kept saying, "white paint is my friend"

If  you follow my pinterest boards...you can see what I have been pinning for the past week.
ahh...the internet....so many ideas...
my head is spinning from the possibilities.

First, there is the outside:



This one is just too cute. I'm sure My MR.could do polka dots.  
No problem, it would be easy.

(the pearl...found here)

Then, there is this one.
The paint color matches the paint color of our pink lady






The ever popular turquoise


and then there is the placement of color....


Do I even want color?

How about just white?


Next, we get to think about the inside.


I could do this look.
(kind of like my girl's bedroom)
vintage-y but bright and happy


Then there is the good ole shabby-look
I could use up a few things I've been hanging onto


like my Simply Shabby accessories


How about retro?





Magnolia Pearl style?


 Romantic?


I love the beadboard and embossed wallpaper


These are important decisions, right? 


After, I pulled out a few fabric choices...My MR. saw a floral print and said
"Don't make it pretty".

What?!
I think he forgot who he married!
I'm not even sure that is  possible.
(He doesn't even know I've been dreaming of chandeliers)

He suggested industrial...I guess he has been listening
when I chat on about decorating styles.


I think this one marries pretty and industrial
just perfectly, don't  you?


Stay tuned to see how she turns out....

linking to:
White Wednesday @ Faded  Charm
Show off Your Cottage @ The House in the Roses 
Creative Blogger's Party & Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime
Tuesday Cowgirl Up @ The Farmhouse Porch 
Your Cozy Home @ Cozy Home Scenes
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
*****************************************
Cottage Garden Party@ Fishtail Cottage
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Time Travel Thursday @ Brambleberry Cottage
Air Your Laundry Friday @ Freckled Laundry
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Farmhouse Friday @ Laurie Anna's Vintage Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
PRIMP Your Stuff @ (PRIMP)
Thriftin' on a Thursday @ Savvy City Farmer
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri @ 2805

64 comments:

Rebecca said...

Oh, you can bet I WILL stay tuned! You are living my dream when it comes to this trailer. I've had my eye out for one for a LONG time. This one would have fit our criteria quite well!

We "buy work", too.

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh boy, you sure have your work cut out for you. But, knowing you and your Mr., it will turn out beautifully. Love the sweet photos of those cute little trailers. I can't wait to see the makeover! Have Fun!

CeCe said...

Oh My Goodness... What a fun post. My favorite outside is the first one with the polka dots. I have always been a sucker for polka dots. I loved the retro look for the inside but then I got to your Mr.'s comment,"Don't make it pretty." Yep... perfect blend of pretty and industrial is what you found. Can't wait to see the end result. Oh, and one more thing. I laughed outloud when you said something about buying work. I had just told my friend that was visiting this week that I do that very same thing. I tell myself I will not and that seems to fuel the addiction! I think I have told you before but if not let me tell you now. I love your blog.

Trisha said...

You will work your magic on it and it will be amazing...I can't wait to see it! We have a 1962 Oasis that I am slowly making "pretty" even though my husband would rather it not be! By the way-I never knew you and your husband were good friends with my aunt and uncle-Becky (Fosberg) & Leroy Forsman. My mom and I mentioned your barn sale and she made me promise that I would take her with me next year since she has never been. She says hi! What a small world it is!

~Trisha

Faye said...

Neat! You are doing the exact same thing I am doing. I noticed you were pinning a lot of vintage camper lately! We bought a vintage camper late last fall and we are just starting to work on it. I have been pinning like mad to get ideas on how to decorate it. Today I have been wet sanding the outside while the hubby has been working on the roof. I was planning to do a post today or tomorrow of the work in progress...stop by late tomorrow and maybe I'll have it up by then! Have fun!

bartpear3 said...

That's so funny Rene'. I've been seeing a lot of pins coming through Pinterst and I started thinking you probably were thinking about getting a trailer.

I'm jealous, I haven't convinced my hubby that we need one, so instead I've been looking at tents...boring.

Your trailer is great. I know you'll do wonderful things with it.

Have fun!
Debbie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

You got our camper! We are looking for one, cheap, needs work...I think I should put that on my headstone...I KNOW it will be adorable when you get done and my hubs and I can't wait to see!!

NanaDiana said...

Oh, Lord bless you! We bought a project like yours 2 years ago and it is STILL a work in process. Ours had a motor but was built in 1976..unh-huh~ Can't wait to see what you do with yours- xo Diana

Tina said...

Oh - that´s a project - can´t wait to see how it turns out. I´m sure it´s be great in the end.

Adrienne said...

I'm SO excited that you have joined the world of vintage trailers, my friend. Can't wait to see more. We have a lot of work to do on my little trailer but life keeps coming too fast! Have fun.
~Adrienne~

Queen of Hearts said...

I am SOOO jealous! First that you got one, second that your hubby is the fixing kind! Good luck with your decorating compromises! Just count your blessings that you get to live out so many of your dreams! I'm just still wishin... =)

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I can't wait to see what you do with this! It is amazing what people do. I think retro would be cool--and maybe your husband would be good with it. I want to take on one of these some day. Good luck!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

This is so cute and what a GREAT price. I 'know' you two are going to do a wonderful job with this. I look forward to seeing how it all turns out.

Have fun, keep it loving and joyful and all will come together. Industrial and pretty go well together. Men are from Mars and women from Venus. God created us to blend together making a complete whole.

Love and hugs to both of you with this fantastic project.

FlowerLady

Sheila Rumney said...

I just had to laugh as me and my hubby seem to always buy the work too! Can't wait to see how you finish it, but I am secretly hoping that you finish it your beautiful vintage style!

gypsy rose said...

Oh what fun!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

eeeeek...that is so COOL and I guess He did want a project! Maybe it's nice to start from the beginning. Looking foward to the finished "project"! My Grandparents had a trailer and we would travel with them in the summer during school break. Many great memories, no photos tho :(
Deb

Rhonda said...

Oh, you just made me the happiest gal. I have been longing for one these tiny trailers FOREVER. I wish you all the luck but I'm figuring out your MR. knows what he is doing.

I vote for the all white on the outside and shabby on the inside but hey, it's not mine...lucky you!!!!

I will be following your progress..how exciting.

On Crooked Creek said...

Rene,
This is all about compromise, dear friend!!! They all have great promise. I'm sure the two of you will come up with something fabulous!!!Please invite me back for the Open House!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

Bust out the smelling salts! Never in all my days have I coveted such a mess as the inside of this trailer! If I don't faint, I'll probably hyperventilate. So keep paper bags on hand too. And what the heck! What will I ever do about achieving my goal of owning one of these if they're all in Utah?! Crushing blow! I must hear about every detail of the fix up and decorating. I'm all in and will be hanging on every word and image.

Crafty Texas Girl said...

Oh my goodness! I cannot wait to see what you do with your new camper. I am partial to polka dots :)
Thanks for linking to Cowgirl Up this week!

:) Samantha @ Crafty Texas Girls

Angie @ Knick of Time said...

We brought home an old RV last month that needs remodeling badly,- but we are neck-deep remodeling our kitchen right now, so it may not happen until next year.

Thanks for sharing your new home on wheels at the Knick of Time Tuesday Blog Hop! Feel free to join me as a co-host for the party and to enter the daily giveaways I have going on all week.

Blessings,
Angie @ Knick of Time

JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/ said...

I've joined your blog so I can catch the update. I enJOYed my 25 1/2 ft trailer. Reupholstering, painting and putting up black out curtains was fun. I also spray painted the outside to match my van. Lot's of work by myself that summer, but I was proud when I finished and I know you will be too. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I found your blog! I will pin this post full of wonderful ideas. I have a '63 Mobile Scout--good shape on the inside but need to be prettied-up. A guy restored it and it's just way too dark. Unfortunately the outside got terribly hail damaged before I bought it. Can't imagine what the cost will be for new skin. I need a paint job idea that just embraces the hail dings,lol.
Bambi

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Can't WAIT!!!!

So exciting!

Cheryl said...

Oh Miss Gracie, I just found your blog through the blog hop and I Love It! Good luck with the trailer, I've been looking for one too.

Lady Courtney said...

Oh what fun!!! Be gentle with the Mr, but gently work your magic on it! I can't wait to see it completed! :) donna

Anonymous said...

"We buy work" ... too funny! Can't wait to see how you turn this around, in 2 weeks none the less!! I've always be intrigued by how versatile these small campers can be, from actually being used to camp, to being a "moveable feast" food cart for street sales of food, to a child's play house, or a backyard room. Following so I can watch your process.

Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

Harriet said...

Awesome!I can't wait to see how she turns out if it is a she. I will be waiting to read about the new project.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

My husband is over my shoulder looking with me...I am sure he is thinking,oh no, she doesn't need this idea.
I love them and have been pinning them on Pinterest.

Have fun...I can't wait to see how it looks!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is so fun! I know you two will do something wonderful with it!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

looks like a fun projects!

vikki said...

She will be sweet once you get your hands on her. Can't wait to see the transformation.

sherry said...

congratulations, fellow glamper! she's a work in progress but will be a beauty when completed. looks like a "to the skin" restoration but you ( & your mister ) could do a patch job in the meantime. otherwise it'd be full time resto until your camp out! glad to see my friend erika's beautiful canned ham picture at the end. have you seen the interior of her trailer? wow!

okay, brass tacks:
year and make?

lala said...

Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see how you redo her. I have been longing for a little canned ham for ages, guess I have to dream a bit longer. I just know yours will be absolutely lovely no matter what style you choose (but I am hoping for the shabby look).

Elegant Economies said...

Can't wait to see how you fix this "fixer-upper"! I have confidence in you amazing ability to prettify just about anything! New follower. I ♥ your blog.

Anne said...

Rene,
I know whatever you both decide it is going to be beautiful!I am inspired already!
((Hugs))
Anne

vintageandart said...

The mind boggles and the choices are endless....can't wait to see it finished.

Karen's Place said...

How exciting for you!!! It's gonna be great. I've seen them at the Vintage Marketplace they held nearby in Rainbow, CA. A couple of the lady vendors have the cutest trailer and they are very proud of them. I LOVE red and white the vintage linens!!! Can wait to see your progress...

Tena said...

Cannot wait to see what you do with this diamond in the rough! I have wanted a tiny camper for my back yard for 100 years now. I think it would make the most charming guest cottage. Keep us posted.

A Southern Rose said...

I am so excited for you! I know it is going to be very 'pretty'. I'm sure that your husband knows it too. lol

I just got a new computer a few days ago. I have missed reading all of your posts and seeing all of your beautiful inspiring pictures.

Hugs,
lee Laurie

Lady Pamela said...

I am totally excited! I cannot wait to see what you do to your 'new' trailor. Of course it will be pretty. lol

Anonymous said...

Not such a bad choice after all... She would look really cute matched up whith your pink Lady.

We've also got a retro caravan, that was a bit boring and plain when we got her (but cheap!). In fact, I'm writing from her now!

We tore closets and 'washroom' out, and hubby built narrow bunkbeds in their place. So we fit five people in, and two poochies!

And - white paint is MY friend too! :)

The exterior I repainted in light ocre and white - to go whith our house. But on the inside she's all pale blue and white - swedish country romantic...

Good luck. Looking forward to seeing your project.

Love (in Christ), Ingela

(ps, you don't have to do it all in one go. We do a bit each season.)

Anonymous said...

This trailer camper is going to be so much fun!! Can't wait to see how you decide to fix er up!

You'll have to join sisters on the fly now that you have your camper!

Susie said...

How exciting! I have wanted to fix up a vintage trailer for a long time, but just don't have the courage yet. I can't wait to see the progress. I'm visiting you from Ivy and Elephant party and your newest follower.
Good Luck,

Susie at Puddle Jumper Creations

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

OMGosh Rene...this is so exciting!!
From one camper (or glamper) to another ~ I think it would look so pretty if you made her over similarly to your pantry with a little more industrial thrown in to make the mister happy! Oh I just can't wait to see the reveal!

❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ said...

Talk about a fixer upper! LOL But this is SO right up your alley. I've seen alot of darling vintage trailers online and love how they are decorated. So many choices!! If it were just me, I'd be torn between the shabby chic and retro style. We have been blessed with a new, modern fifth wheel and I had to promise hubby that I wouldn't make it pretty...so I'm leaning toward the woodsy cabin style. Just accents, pillows and curtains. Easy stuff :)
Looking forward to seeing the work in progress.

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

Fun fun FUN! I've always wanted one to deck out. I LOVE the chic blue one towards the end (decor wise) but I would probably end up doing retro. The cherry reds and aquas with crisp white and chrome just seems to "fit in" with the look. Honestly I love them all!

EllenaElizabeth said...

Well you have a lot of decisions to make there...all the best and I can't wait to see the finished results.

Shelia said...

Buying work!?! On this one, as they say, you bought the farm! I love, love, love, the Magnolia Pearl style and the Romantic look.How can your loving husband think you could do anything but pretty? Look at the beautiful home the two of you created from a "mess". You will will put the same loving stamp on this!

Lynn Wood said...

Wow, what a fun project! I love your comment about "buying your work" so true. Your blog is just great and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Lynn

Old Fashioned Gal said...

LOVE!!! I can't wait to see your progress! I'm your newest follower :)
-Denise

Katie Mansfield said...

I LOVE IT!!!
It is so hard not to make things pretty. I have some of those same pins. I resisted the urge to prettify ours. I can't wait to see what you do with it in two weeks.
;)
Katie
Let's Add Sprinkles

Laurel Stephens said...

I'm sitting here showing all your photos to my husband and ooohing and aaahing and giggling over your comments, and I just know the poor man's thinking.... oh oh...

: )

CrankyPuppy said...

I'll be following along to see how it turns out. We bought our own 2-wheel project last year and I've been slowly renovating it. When you get past the faux wood and ugly interior and start thinking about all the possiblities, it really becomes alot of fun!

Pondside said...

I'm glad we're not the only couple that 'buys work'!
I love the polka dot trailer - go for it!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oh my!
We bought one of these last year, before The Honey had his heart attack. It has been on the back burner. I'd love to get it finished and go camping! Ours was in a sad shape for sure. We've done some work...but the inside is a clean palate. I can do pretty much what ever I want...within reason. I do have The Honey to consider.
I love your choices and inspiration photos you've shown. I've seen the Magnolia Pearl type...
I am really digging the Romantic with the paper and bead board and the chandy.
Hmmm... wonder what The Honey would say about those things.
He might like the industrial vintage look though.
One thing for sure...these things are open to ...character, personality, and uniqueness.
The sky is the limit!
Do you have a name picked for your camper?
You know you must give it a name!

I'm curious... I love the names.

Pat

Just A Girl said...

Oh Dear! It looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you, but then you always seem to be up to the challenge. I'm sure she'll be beautiful when you've finished. My hubby and I have looked for years but I've finally decided to throw in the towel. Having a narrow 8' driveway between the cottage and the neighbors fence meant ours would have to be stored in the front yard. Oh well, I'll just follow along with your dream and live vicariously with your adventures "-). HAPPY RESTORATION!!!
xoxo Cori

DearHelenHartman said...

GASP! I LOVED every single photo! What an amazing undertaking. Seeing all those examples I suddenly want a vintage trailer. Okay. I've always wanted a vintage trailer but now I want YOURS (or one of the examples would do too)

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see what you can do!!!!! I know it will be BEAUTIFUL! Have fun.
xoxo,
Mary

PeregrineBlue said...

oh man, now i'm really jealous! this is a true find. i would leave it in its original outside colors but the inside has to be
"signature gracie". i can imagine all the brainstorming going on with this one.

Michele @ {Primp} said...

how exciting--can't wait to see how she turns out!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

You are going to have so much fun decorating it and making it gorgeous!
XO
Kristin

Cindy said...

I love those vintage trailers, it's always been my dream to own one. After my husband's 50th birthday perhaps we will buy one! :) I LOVE your inspiration images, but not making it pretty could be a pretty big challenge for you, but you can do any style, I'm sure. Have lots of fun with it, dear lady.
Hugs, Cindy

The Charm of Home said...

I love these!! Definitely a chandy and the window box! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry