LINK to Sign-Up for UPDATES! https://forms.gle/ov3Tyz8W9HyGNyPk8
“HIATUS” – The “Glamp Chic” Camper Tour
As the day for the maiden voyage nears, I would like to introduce you to HIATUS, my “glamp chic” tent camper (scroll down for video tour).
One of the most beautiful aspects of camping is that the experience can be as primitive or as luxurious as desired. I wanted to create a space to reflect, rest, recharge, and reset in nature to provide an opportunity to nurture myself in a myriad of ways.
The tent camper interior design is what I could classify as “glamp chic” which includes down feather comforters, bamboo cutting boards, African mud cloth, custom designed pillow covers, down throw pillows, 400 count cotton duvets, cotton sheets, cotton rugs, cotton throw, candles, hanging planters, live plants, and an embellished throw pillow.
The facilities inside the camper include a 2 burner propane stove, 3 way refrigerator, faucet, 16 gallon water tank, Thetford camp toilet (hidden under the bench seat), 100 watt solar panel, 20L TruFlask cooler, and a make shift portable shower (yet to be constructed). These basic facilities will provide me with the option to boondock or stay at a campground with water and electric services.
The custom handmade pillow covers to compliment your space are available at https://www.etsy.com/shop/NYAMModernVintage
Hiatus – The “Glamp Chic” Camper Tour Video
Interior of the Pop-Up
The preparation of the pop-up camper for the maiden voyage continues with the interior design. Although the camper is in ready to camp condition, I wanted to take time to cultivate a space that is conducive to creativity, health, relaxation, nature and restoration by personalizing the space. The bunk end beds, curtains, and dinette areas provide opportunities for customization.
A colorful explosion of prints, textures, and colors were randomly selected at impulse from NYAM Studio.
The bench seating will be reupholstered with a beige upholstery fabric to bring a more light into the space.
The rugs include a geometric black, gold, and white patterns which brings a striking contrast to the interior.
After several attempts to combine the various colors and textures cohesively, the design of the pillow covers were finalized.
The design of the pillow covers included a designer fabric front, cotton backing with a three button closure, and Mudcloth appliqué.
The materials for the remaining pillow covers are cut and prepared for construction. After the pillow covers are complete, the next step will be to set up the camper for its maiden camping voyage.
Not Lost
No, I am NOT LOST. I remind myself in moments disguised as aimlessness or confusion.
Embarking on the adventures of camping will supply moments to escape reality and explore the realms of nature and stillness. Both of which I want to capture in a tangible way. Due to the nature of camping and reconnecting with nature, I think it is appropriate that I document my journey with tangible photos, hand written camping journals, and guides.
The intentional actions of capturing and composing the experiences, thoughts, and growth of being immersed in nature will live to tell a story. Perhaps, reveal part of my story.
I stumbled upon an amazingly perfect camping / travel journal and travel guide. The pages are filled with parks, landmarks, interesting places, note and sketch areas to document the details of all of the who, what, when. This travel guide is not only for campers but for those that want to spend moments making memorable, fun and quirky experiences while traveling the 50 states.
The journal was a great a complimentary find to extend the memories to include all of the photos and keepsakes of the journey. The “Not Lost” on the cover is perfect to reminder that being lost is relative to where I may find myself geographically.
If you are “Not Lost” and want to explore the United States in a unique way, check out the sneak peak and details.
- Highway to the Nature Zone – A Field Guide To The Parks, Roadside Attractions, and Other Weird Stuff in All 50 States.
- Not Lost – Hard Bound Writing Journal
Highway to The Nature Zone is available on ETSY. https://www.etsy.com/shop/NYAMModernVintage
Not Lost Journal available is on ETSY https://www.etsy.com/shop/NYAMModernVintage
What’s Popping In the Pop-Up Camper (Tour)?
Before unhitching the Clipper, a couple of adjustments had to be made to prepare for the landing. The earthen driveway did not lend itself to a level surface for the trailer so, I had to lay stone pavers secure and level the surface.
After laying brick pavers, the next step required the tedious task of checking the leveling of the camper (vertically and horizontally) with small adjustments. Once adjusted, I installed the leveling ramps to ensure the leveling. The camper is level and the wheel chocks are installed to secure the trailer.
The hitch lock installed and I was excited to get started erecting the camper.The last step was to lower the stabilizing jacks on the stabilizing pads to stabilize it before popping it up.
After unhitching the trailer, I made a quick visit to the local DMV to register the camper and apply for the title transfer. It’s official, I am the owner of a tent camper.
Find out what’s POPPING in the inside of my POP-UP Camper (Tour) ?
Back That Thang Up
Its the morning after and the Clipper is still hitched to my truck. As a novice camper owner, I realized that I towed an entire camper from North Carolina and was not prepared to back up, unhitch or lock the camper, once unhitched.
So…ummmmm…yeah, shamelessly, I drove to the local hardware supply store to purchase the wheel chocks, leveling blocks, and hitch lock with the trailer hitched to my truck. Eighty four dollars later, I drove back to the bungalow.
If I do not learn how to “Back That Thang Up” (for the 99′ & the 2000) into my drive way, between a fence on the left and a light pole and two pecan trees on the right, it is going to be a long day.
Now, I’m driving up and down the street trying to back the camper in my driveway. I drive forward, stop, and visualize the car going one way and the camper going the other, then I back up. I talked to myself and pleaded with the camper to go into the driveway. I finally figured out the relationship between the orientation of the car, steering wheel, and camper but I didn’t have enough practice to finesse the camper into the driveway. Frustrated, sleepy and hungry, I broke out in a sweat and knew I had to find an easier way.
The idea of being stranded with a camper hitched to my truck for another day, sparked my creativity. Time is wasting and it will be dark soon. So, I decided to drive the camper around my lawn and try to “Back That Thang Up” in the driveway.
With a few driving skills and a lot of space for errors with no barriers, I finally “Backed That Thang Up”. Then, Juvenile occupied my mind as I began to celebrate, perhaps prematurely, but I celebrated, nonetheless.
I Caught A Clipper
On the last day of January, an alarm reminds me that it’s five o’clock in the morning. I check the weather forecast because what started as a cold rainy Georgia morning was forecasted to be a cold snowy North Carolina morning. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I was excited about the unknown. So, at six o’clock I headed out to Granite, North Carolina, after weeks of failed attempts and shady sellers, the plan is to travel five hours across three states to catch a “clipper”.
Half way through the uneventful five hour drive and a pit stop in South Carolina, I arrive in the snow dusted mountains of Granite, North Carolina. I jumped out of the truck to inspect the exterior and complete a walkthrough before finalizing the deal. With the title in hand and filled with excitement of finally purchasing a 2017 Coachmen Clipper 806LS Tent Camper, I was left feeling relief and excitement. A quick celebration of another mission accomplished.
After packing the tent camper for transport, I backed up the truck for the ceremonial first tow for the hitch and my beloved Ford Explorer. The lights, tow hitch, and tire pressure were inspected. A kind neighbor used the last bit of his compressed air to inflate the tires. While descending from the mountains, I quickly learned the value of the manual transmission paddles on my steering column. Down shifting while braking or traveling down hill or up shifting when climbing uphill released my anxiety of driving while towing a load. Nonetheless, after arriving in the town at the foot of the mountain, the tire pressure on the camper required a bit of adjustment to meet specification.
Georgia bound and thirteen hours later (seven o’clock in the evening), I arrived to a fog filled Georgia night and decided that I had enough adventure for a day. So, I pulled the into the driveway with the relief of making back to the bungalow safely but filled with excitement about the unknowns yet to be revealed in the days to come. The high I felt from the bliss of being a novice added to the reality of this being the first step of another exciting journey.
I Got Hitched
After almost a year of quarantine behind me, I decided to take the plunge and get hitched. I realized that only way to satisfy my yearning to explore, elevate my self-care regimen and avoid the restrictions of quarantine was to figure out a way to submerge myself in healing with a nurturer.
On January 15, 2021, Mike and I met in an automotive shop. The moment I walked through the door, I knew he was the one. He pulled up to my bumper and installed a new harness for my lights that would guide our journey of endless twists and turns.
After three and one half hours together and four hundred sixty four dollars later, I was officially hitched. We are excited about our journey of nurturing exploration.
The Gospel According to Andre’
The documentary about Andre’ Leon Talley was riveting. The depth of fashion history and insight into the fashion industry he posses is unprecedented. It was inspiring to discover his story as a young boy in the rural south growing to discover his passion for fashion.
His unapologetic approach and determination to be a pillar in the fashion industry is nothing less than amazing.
(Photo: The Gospel According to Andre’)
One thing I found most admirable of his undeniable unique approach to fashion is the fact that he did not appear interested in trends of the moment. Instead he appeared more interested in the lasting emotional connection and visual stimulation resulting from an impeccable ensemble.
Andre’ Leon Talley’s unapologetic authenticity and dedication to his passion injected me with an infusion of motivation and inspiration to continue to on my journey to bring my first capsule collection to fruition.
The vulnerability he displayed reminded us that amongst the glory, persona, the grandiose stature of a man draped in the finest threads that fashion has to offer is a human being that sacrificed his personal pursuits, in the midst of his dream to ensure that his voice was heard around the world.
This film is not only a film about fashion, but about the life of a man that forged forward through barriers to claim his stake in the world.
The film is a must see for those interested in an aspiring story about living your passion and finding your place in the world.
BRAVO, Mr. Andre’ Leon Talley!
Thank you kindly for sharing.
This is all about the Invisible Zipper
Zippers serve various purposes and applications, but it is the invisible zipper that is my favorite.
Learning how to install an invisible zipper so it is truly invisible is a skill. When I first attempted to install an invisible zipper on a linen skirt, it was a long and tedious process that involved the dreaded seam ripper.
The most challenge part is learning how to align up the zipper in the seam allowance while ensuring an even seam on the garment when fastened. A properly installed invisible zipper will result in a truly invisible seam.
I recall breaking out into a sweat when the time arrived to install an invisible zipper. After several failed attempts, I realized it is all about the technique and process.
Each package has recommended steps and presser foot to install the zipper. But, I developed my own process that ensures I have a beautiful zipper installation each time.
Invisible zippers are one of the sleekest fasteners, in my opinion. With the proper presser foot and practice, anyone can master the installation of the invisible zipper resulting in a beautifully fastened garment.
NYAM MODERN VINTAGE 