September | 2012 | The Art of Darlene Jones

HOW A LITTLE BOLER TRAILER BECAME THE GYPSY QUEEN!

HER STORY:

I begin by saying, that the dream of having a little refurbished Boler trailer, started when I thought of using one as a travelling art studio that I could sell my art work from.

I have always been fascinated by gypsies and their romantic looking little caravans. Gypsy caravans represent the dream of a lifestyle, where one has the freedom to go anywhere, at any time, with no strings attached.

THE RENOVATION…. PHASE 1:

In the early part of June, this year, after some hunting, we were fortunate to find a 1973, 13 foot Boler. It was in desperate need of some TLC, not to mention, some major fixing! But it was love at first sight….. even though she was dented, rusted and grudgy inside. She seemed to be sitting there patiently waiting for someone to notice that she had great potential to become beautiful inside and out!

I had a grand vision of what she could look like, but first, we had a lot of work to do. Dick had the most difficult job …… that of fixing the exterior with all its bumps and multiple bruises. He spent hours scraping, filling and sanding; fiber glassed holes where vents use to be; removed old windows and cut openings for new ones; installed new door hinges, windows, ceiling vent, new lights, new wiring, and a new hitch! He replace underfloors, installed a new wood floor and built a beautiful cabinet.

SCRAPING PAINT OFF

FIBERGLASS, FILLING BIG VENT HOLES AND MULTIPLE SCREW HOLES

FILLING HOLES AND SANDING AND SANDING!

PRIMING FOR THE FINAL PAINT JOB AND MORE SANDING!

BUILT IN CABINET

FINALLY READY FOR THE TRIP TO THE PAINT SHOP

Dick assured me he enjoyed his laborious tasks, even though it was frustrating for him that he couldn’t work a full day, due to the hot summer weather. He did an AMAZING job! Unbelievable, considering what he had to do. My husband is my hero, he always helps make my dreams come true…..

PHASE 2:

HOME FROM THE PAINT SHOP, A ROYAL METALLIC GOLD!

While GYPSY QUEEN was getting gorgeous on the outside, I spent time gathering fabric and trim for embellishing her interior. I had piles of fabric, and choosing what fabrics go where, became a little daunting. Fortunately, I had my best sweetiepie friend, Leah, helping me get clear on a layering design.

MOUNDS OF LUSCIOUS FABRIC!

First task in the interior, was to glue the paintable wallpaper to the ceiling. This was a difficult job because Boler trailers are all roundness and angles. Thank god, daughters Kim and Anni helped me with that! It sometimes took 3 pairs of hands to accomplish some sections!

CUTTING FABRIC PATTERNS FOR THE WALLS

FABRIC AND MILES OF TRIM TO THE WALLS

PAINTING AND ANTIQUING THE CUPBOARD

ART AND COLLAGE IN THE CORNERS

And now for the best part, the finishing touches…….upholstery, pillows and ruffles! Miraculously and thankfully, my best friend Janet, offered to sew everything…..no easy task as I always think MORE is always better! She did an amazing job of bringing to life, the exact feel and look that I wanted for the GYPSY QUEEN. Absolutely Beautiful!!!!

THE ROUCHING BEGINS!

FINISHING TOUCHES

And so here she is, GYPSY QUEEN, in all her glory……. beautiful, romantic looking, luscious and serene. She’s lovely to sit in with daughters and girlfriends, talking and sipping on something cool and sweet.