Adventures of an Imperfect Man In Search of a Handmade Life
A look at the origins and evolution of our favorite camp stove... This post was going to be a few words about the Primus stoves we all love and some images I've collected from around the web. As usual, I found myself rambling all over the topic without a clear direction but here is a … Continue reading Classic Liquid Fuel Stoves
In the heady days of 1918 while the German threat was being finished off in Europe Americans began to take leisure time in a new direction. Automobiles were almost commonplace and Yankee ingenuity was applying itself to this new platform of creativity. Patents were being filed to sell improvements on the original designs while pioneer … Continue reading Early Car Campers
Rolling homes go back almost as far as rolling vehicles and the modern era of motor driven cars is not an exception. If you have followed this blog at all you may have seen some great contraptions, especially from the 1920s and 30s. The counter-culture of the 1960s lead to a generation of rolling home … Continue reading House Trucks from the Early 1970s
An early tiny house on wheels... and a family selfie. The Library of Congress has some pretty amazing stuff. I rarely find what I came for but I always find something pretty spectacular. This house (click to enlarge) is quite a piece of woodworking. Shingle siding all glass door, sturdy balcony, beautiful windows, under storage, … Continue reading A 1926 Home Built Camper Truck
A perfect rolling home. And a place for everything! The details here are remarkable including the decorative framing around the windows and planter boxes ... with plants! I believe this sits on solid rubber teeth-rattling tires. You can probably tell from the caption but this is apparently from Germany in 1922. I wish I knew … Continue reading Finally…
This seemed too good to pass up.
Experimental house on a Prius from Australia. What an odd combination. I like it indeed. The short article is HERE. "It provided a stylish place to sleep at the Meredith Music Festival in Victoria earlier this month while his fellow campers were forced to rough it in tents. “It’s quite well insulated in there. It’s … Continue reading Prius House
That transforms into a modernist castle. As usual, Lloyd Kahn always finds the good stuff to post when it comes to unique Shelter. The Tiny House Truck is built on an old flatbed and is a true marvel of engineering as it "pops" out into a faux castle. An appropriate home I suppose for these … Continue reading An Engineering Marvel; Tiny House Truck
We live in an age of motor vehicles. Few of us could consider, for safety if nothing else, taking to the roads in a horse drawn vehicle. When the automobile seemed here to stay, caravanners in Europe adapted to the new technology. The earliest models look essentially like their horse-drawn cousins, just stuck onto a … Continue reading Early Motor Caravans
Found on the Vintage Everyday blog. It is thought to be from circa 1926 and is a real beauty. It has some nice details as well. The sign on the roof, lightning rods, and even a little chimney. A great solution of one facing homelessness but still had the car. Possibly a nightmare to drive?
We just put another couple thousand miles on the Little Green Vardo. It's always an adventure when you are pulling something like this around the country and it makes for some interesting conversations. Most of the people we meet are great but the comments are sometimes a little difficult. Of course, the number one question … Continue reading Further Evolution of the Little Vardo
Here are a few images to clarify some questions about the wooden topper. It is not a work of art. It was to be used for a single field project last summer but now I really like it so it will be a permanent part of the rolling home. Here's the overview sans roof rack. … Continue reading Topper Update
Because there's always room for improvement. In my case, a lot of improvement. Rehung siding, new paint, fresh varnish, little fixes, and lots of cleaning. We're hooked up to get out of town for a bit. Dietz lanterns, Kelly kettle, fuel, and lamp oil packed away in the pan box. The steel disk serves as … Continue reading Vardo – Topper Makeover
Here's a man making his way in the modern world but likes being stuck in the late 18th century. Farrier, blacksmith, storyteller, and musician living in his bowtop. Above is a short interview with the man himself from a few years back (opens in a new window). Living in the 21st century, he even maintains … Continue reading Bear the Tinker
Seen on the Road to Glamperland Facebook page.
Not terribly far from the Paleotool secret lair there toils a designer and builder of unique, hand-built, small campers. Inspired by the lack of uniqueness and beauty in mass-produced campers, Peter Pavlowich put his Wood Construction and Design degree to work to create beautiful, minimalist campers for small pick-up trucks under the name Casual Turtle. … Continue reading Eight Foot Terrapin
A couple recent inquiries prompt this quick post about a wooden truck topper. The question that came up a few weeks ago was "why would you make a topper instead of just buying one?" Well, I'm not wealthy and making something costs a lot less than buying it. Also, if you are a woodworker, it's … Continue reading Wooden Truck Topper
As unveiled at Winter Count 2014 near Maricopa, Arizona. This classic kite shaped beauty is built into the bed of an old Dodge Power Wagon. Like all projects of this nature, she's a work in progress but is already and awe-inspiring thing of beauty. The layout is a traditional elevated cross-bed with a kitchen down … Continue reading Jed and Hilary’s Power Wagon Vardo
For those who know the Snail, you might notice something different. I'm making a little post about the new look but I just loved the sunset picture from today after work. I have a very short window of light at the end of the work day but try to use it best I can. More … Continue reading Road Check
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 