Barbie Fabric Panel

 I know have Barbie fabric available to make a quilt for that special little girl in your life.  What little girl (or big girl for that matter) doesn't love Barbie.   She's still one of my favorites.

It's Finished

 Well, it's kind of finished.   I keep rearranging but decided to go ahead and post pictures.    It's completely usable and as I use it I find other places to put things to be more efficient.....and yes I have a lot of fabric.   I actual have an Etsy store where I sell fabric, it's not just an addiction.

First we have the cutting station for my vinyl cotter and silhouette.   Need to figure out better storage for my vinyl.  I think also I'm going to raise the desk so that my big vinyl cutter can roll under it since I don't use it that much. 

Right now I'm not going to put any of my machine in.   Eventually if I ever give up selling fabric I'll have the perfect place to put them all but for now I'm filling it with fabric. 

I might actually put a quilt wall on this back wall.

Those overhead cabinets have so much storage.

My ironing station and my grandmothers treadle machine.  Side note:  my grandpa added electricity to the treadle machine.   I can't wait to try it out.

My fabric cutting area.

Fridge that might just contain a few "Adult" beverages.  

Making things Purdy

Trying to add a little color to the outside of my She Shed.   Moved a bunch of day lilies.  Hopefully they will help covering up the tires. 

I read that the best time to transplant is right after they bloom.  Cut them back to about 4 inches and then they will bloom next year.   

Sure hope this works.

Slat Wall Board

I haven't had time to work on my She Shed lately.  The remodel of my house has stepped into high gear so that has had me busy.   I did make a trip to Menards and buy some 2'x4' slat wall board.  It fit perfectly between my windows.    Now I need to get busy putting on baskets, shelves and pegs that I bought a while back off of craigslist. 

Also, on a great note, I had my first customer today.   It was good and bad.  Good in the fact that she bough 8 different fabrics, bad in the fact that I've got to get this place organized.

Wheel Covers

One thing I have learned from my neighbor is that you really should cover your tires of the camper.   By covering them you extend the life of your tires.   The sun causes the tires to dry out.....so thank you Amazon Prime.  $30 and I've got one side covered.   I wanted to make sure they fit before I ordered the other side.   Looks pretty good if I say so myself. 

She Shed

It's official!  I will no longer be calling this a "Camper", this is officially my "She Shed".  Yesterday I sewed most of the day making enough curtains for 10 windows.   6 for the garage and 4 for the She Shed.   I love the red and teal pop of color.   I have 2 1/2 more curtains to make and then on to the next phase.    But it's official, it's starting to look a little more girly than a camper.

A/C Window Unit

The camper has a roof top air conditioner and it actually works really well.  Keeps the camper nice and cool.  Problem that I have with it is that it runs non stop.  I can't image my utility bills if I ran this all the time.    I ordered a really small unit from walmart and it has eco mode and a timer.  I like the fact that I can turn it on and then set it to turn off automatically. 

So I have a window that really needed to be replaced so I decided that was the perfect window to put the a/c in.   Also, it's right in the middle of the camper so it should cool pretty evenly. 

First, I marked the window and then used a grinder with a metal wheel.  I have no idea what I'm doing or talking about but I watched youtube videos and they said it was better to use a metal blade rather than a regular saw blade.   Regular blades tend to cause the plexiglass to be very jagged and possibility of shards flying out.    The metal blade melts the plexiglass.   Well I didn't have a metal blade for my jigsaw so that explains why I used the grinder.    Wow, that plexiglass melted like butter.

I then used some 1 x 2s to support the a/c unit once I got it in the window.   

I also added a 2x4 on the outside as added support.   I plan on going to get some foam insulation to ;ut around on the inside and then caulk on the outside.   I don't plan on moving the camper so this works for me.   I won't be turning it on today.  I don't know if it's true on a/c units but I know on refrigerators you shouldn't run them for 24 hours after they have been laid on their side.   Even thought I didn't lay it on it side who knows what happens in shipping.

Another project done.

Tomorrow when it's nice and clean I will be scrubbing down all the cabinets and walls.  I may not be the best housekeeper but I don't like other peoples dirt.  Then the fun begins.  

Facebook Marketplace

I've got to stay off marketplace.  It's dangerous!   I keep finding great deals to buy.   Check out these awesome shelves.   My bolts of fabric can stand up perfectly.  You can also stack them.  I will be adding some brackets once I decide to stack so they will be safe and no problems or worry with them falling over.

The deal, 17 of these shelves for $100.

I may eventually decide to try my hand at building shelves that will fit into the space but for now, these are perfect.

Roof Coated

It's a perfect day to get up and get the roof coated.   The directions said don't do until the weather didn't go below 60 degrees F.  Well here in the MidWest you never know but predictions are saying mid 60s at night, so here goes.

I first purchase a really expensive roof sealer that was $60 a gallon.   I then talk to my cousins husband Dale and he told me to go to Menards and get this roof coating.   It works great and is only about $60 for 5 gallons.   Well I took back the expensive $60 a gallon sealer and went to Menards and purchase 3 one gallon containers.  $19 per gallon.  I know it would have been cheaper to buy the 5 gallon but that's just too heavy for me to handle.   Gallons are manageable.

Here's what I bought. White Elastomeric Roof Coating.

I had caulked the edge of my roof but the actual room was aluminum and never been sealed.

This picture is actually before I replaced the roof vents.   

I forgot to take a picture this morning before I started.

I used a  brush around the edges and around all the vents.  Then got busy with the roller.  Took me less than an hour to complete and I used about 1 1/2 gallons.  I have a 28' trailer so that's pretty good coverage.  I plan on letting it dry a week or so and then giving it another coat.

Now it's time to start having some fun and working on the inside.   

I know this part isn't really any fun but it's important to get the exterior in good shape so that your precious crafty tool and supplies aren't ruined on the inside. 

Cutting Table

I needed a nice flat surface to cut my fabric orders.   My primary craft is my etsty store where I sell fabric and quilting notions.   I'm still in the process of building up my inventory in the store but check it out.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuresThree

If you wonder where the name Treasures Three comes from here it is.  Three is a very special number to me.  

First:  There is the Trinity, The Father, Son and The Holy Spirit

Second:  I have been blessed with three beautiful children.

Third:  I have been blessed with three beautiful grandsons

Fourth:  I have been blessed with three beautiful granddaughters.

Life just doesn't get any better than this and those are my Treasures.

Ok, now back to what I accomplished today.  First of all, it's almost 90 degrees here today so I turned on the air conditioner.   I was a little nervous and it wasn't throwing out cold air....hmmmm.   Well, I had it turned on fan only.  Once I turned it to air conditioner it worked perfectly and the camper started cooling down....I call that a big win.

So I had purchased several years ago a table top.  No legs just the top.  I used this in my old house as a cutting table but I also had a gigantic sewing room.  I tried it in the camper but it took up way too much room.   The more I thought about it I decided to try something.   The kitchen area was complete useless to me.  I have no intention of using water or cooking in the camper so I decided to cover it up.  I didn't want to take off the faucet, just in case this doesn't work out and I decide to sell the camper.  

So here is the before..........

.....and here's the after.

It's Perfect!

I can even look out the window when I'm working.

Cleaning up the Exterior

I'm so anxious to work on the inside but want to make sure the outside looks good and I'm taking advantage of the weather.  It's hot, but at least it's not raining like it has been.   

I have a small dog and need to make sure their is fencing around the camper so she can't get out.   

Here's the before.

I used the old gates to block the front where the tongue is and the higher fence is from the dog pen.

So I removed the taller fence and took down the gates.   

I think it looks so much better and I can actually access the electrical now which was previously behind the tall fence.  

New Steps

The standard steps that come with a camper just aren't the easiest to go in and out of.......especially when you are 60+ years old.    Also, if anyone wants to stop by I want to make sure it's easy for them to get into the camper, including a hand rail.

I love Amazon Prime.  Ordered on Monday and had by Wednesday.

Here's my new steps.

Making sure things stay Dry

There were a few things that I knew I needed to do with the camper.  The roof vents were cracked and had plastic bags over them.   I ordered 3 new vents and then journeyed to the roof and guess what!    I fixed them myself.   Put new vent covers on and they were so easy to install.

These are the vent covers prior to me replacing them.   

Now they are all pretty and water tight.  

I was also told that I needed to caulk the edge of the roof and then I should put a sealer on.  I've gotten the edges caulked and so far we've had some pretty severe storms and no water!   

I plan on sealing the roof but the instructions say that it shouldn't get below 60 degrees for 24 hours.   I think I need to wait just a little longer.  Within a few weeks I should be able to seal the roof.

Considering a Camper for your Craft Space?

I wanted to give you a heads up on purchasing a camper for use as a craft room.  I think it's a good idea and I just want you to keep these things in mind.   I've never owned a camper and wasn't sure what to check.   I figured it's cheaper than purchasing a building, having it insulated, adding electrical and then a/c and heat.  You are right, it is cheaper but there can be a bit of frustration.   I think I've worked through all the issues and nothing has been major.  Here's just a list to consider.

Check the roof, even if they tell you the roof doesn't leak.  Leaks can sometimes be challenging to figure out exactly where the water is coming from.  I had a minor leak and it was coming in around the roof vent.  I figured it was a leak around the vent.  It was actually that the caulk on the edge of the camper was cracked.  It would come in there and then go to the lowest point to exit the roof which happened to be around the roof vents.   Now that I have caulked there seems to be no more water issues. I do plan on sealing the roof with a rubber coating once the temperature stays high enough and it quits raining.

The A/C unit.  Make sure it cools.   I tried mine and was only getting it to blow air, but not cold.  Well silly me, I had it on fan only.  The a/c works great. 

Lights!  I had to buy a new battery and made sure that with a battery the lights came on.  Well when I went out today the lights in the camper were very dim.  Appears that my inverter is bad.  That takes the electricity that I have plugged in and charges the battery.   I need to decide if it's worth spending the money on a new inverter or just getting a trickle charger to keep the battery charged.  My a/c works fine because that works off the plug in.  It's only the lights.   I'll do a little research and find out exactly how much the inverter will cost and then make my decision.

The camper was a great price and I do feel is cheaper than purchasing a building but plan on spending an additional $500 in extra expenses to get everything the way you need it.  

Looking for a Camper

It's so hard to decide exactly what type of camper I want.  My main purpose is to store my fabric in.  I love the vintage Shasta trailers but they are very expensive and very small.  I had looked at toy haulers because I liked the fact that they are so open because they are designed so you can haul your ATV or motorcycles inside the camper.    They are pretty expensive and didn't dream I would find one in my price range.

Well after months of looking I finally found the camper that I thinks will be perfect.   I found a toy hauler that the inside had been redone.   There were a few things that I need to take care of but overall I think it will work out perfect.

Getting the Area Ready

The first step before I do anything is to get the area ready where I will be putting the camper.  The good thing is I live on a corner and I have an alley that runs behind me.   There was an old dog pen that had a concrete base which is where I plan on parking the camper.

First, sell the dog houses on Facebook Marketplace.

Now that both dog houses are gone it's time to take down all the fencing.

Now the fencing and posts are down it's time to go shopping and find a camper.   

I had to put up the gates so that my dog doesn't get out.   Once I get a camper I'll put up a more permanent barrier for the dog.  

My New Adventure

I am in the process of turning a camper into my craft "She Shed".  I've downsized to the perfect house but it just doesn't have room for my fabric business.   I will be journalling all the changes that I will be making to my new Craft Corner.

Treasures Three

It's all in the name.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuresThree

If you wonder where the name Treasures Three comes from here it is.  Three is a very special number to me.  

First:  There is the Trinity, The Father, Son and The Holy Spirit

Second:  I have been blessed with three beautiful children.

Third:  I have been blessed with three beautiful grandsons

Fourth:  I have been blessed with three beautiful granddaughters.

Life just doesn't get any better than this and those are my Treasures.

TV Cabinet

It's not really a "craft" but wanted to share.   I'm pretty proud of how it turned out.

I've been trying to think of a way to hide my TV.  I hate when the TV is the main focus point in a room and I hate having the TV on when company is over.   Well I started browsing the web and found that Pottery Barn sold a TV cabinet that was 2 mirrors and behind it was your TV.  When closed you didn't even know the TV was there.  Problem is, that cabinet was $600.   Yikes.

I thought about mirrors but they are so heavy.  I started doing a search on line and found the perfect thing.  At Wayfair I found 3 canvas prints that go together as a set.   Now the challenge was how to make a cabinet.    Well, I stared at the pictures for about a month until I finally got up the nerve to tackle this project.  I took this back and forth off the wall no less than 6 times....oh and once even fell off the ladder.    But needless to say it's finished, it's perfect and it didn't cost $600, in fact I like it even better than the one I saw at Pottery Barn.

I originally hadn't planned on putting a top to the box but had to add it.   The pictures wouldn't close correctly and I needed to add that part so I could put a magnet to hold it closed.

I'm getting closer!

It's perfect.   Now I have to take it back down so that I can stain all the wood.   I know, should have done before I mounted it but I wanted to make sure it was right.  

Cords all hidden and wood stained.   I love it!

IKEA Hacks

I've been busy trying to reorganize my sewing/craft room.   That's a bigger challenge than it sounds.   Once it's all done I'll post pics of the finished room.  For now I want to share my 2 IKEA hacks.   

I'm pretty pleased how it turned out. I know not every has bolts in their sewing room, but I also sell on etsy. I purchased an IKEA wardrobe frame, actually it was in the clearance section. 

Next I purchased shoe racks that fit in a wardrobe that's not as deep.  When I was talking with the IKEA salesperson he kept arguing that I'm buying the wrong shoe racks.   "I know, it's not for shoes, it's for fabric."  He just looked at me like I was nuts.    Well, maybe I am.   I did have to add 2x4 boards to give the metal shoe shelves better support. Bolts of fabric are just too heavy.

First I painted some 2"x4" boards cut the same width as the shoe racks. 

I had originally cut and painted enough of them to support the front and back of the shelf.   It didn't seem like the front was really needed once I put the supports in the back.  Only time will tell if I need to add the front supports.    If I do I'll probably use 2"x2".

Here's a close up photo of the shelf with the wood support in the back.

.....and the moment you have all been waiting for.......the finished product.  

 I couldn't be happier how it turned out. Now I'm going to have to stalk the clearance and hopefully find another one.

My second IKEA hack was my cutting table.   I purchased 2 Kallax shelves.    I also purchased 2 furniture dollies from Harbor Freight so that I could sit the shelves on the dollies and easily move my table around.   NE Furniture Mart has a great clearance section and I found a table top only for get this.....$49.   Steal of a deal.   

My cutting table is perfect.