I love the past. When I'm driving in the country, I admire the old barns and houses and I appreciate the hand cut lumber and antique tin that they used. I consider antique structures a form of folk art that makes me feel connected to the land. Today's building techniques just don't have the same effect on me.
I enjoy building structures that look like they were created long ago. I build garden sheds, greenhouses, outbuildings, studios, etc. in an old world style. When possible, I prefer to use salvaged old-growth lumber, antique windows and doors, and any other unique elements I can find. I want my structures to have character and charm and an instant history the moment they are created.
Many of these can be seen while driving through the Historic McKinney, TX downtown neighborhood.
Do you want a galvanized metal stock tank pool? Yes, you do.
Was this designed for livestock? Yes, it was.
Is there a pump and filter? Yes, there is.
Will you have a blast soaking in this pool all summer? Yes, you will.
Farm fresh eggs, anyone?
I build custom backyard chicken coops using unique materials. When possible, I use salvaged lumber, antique windows and doors, stained glass windows, vintage pulley systems to open hatches, and any other unique fixtures I can find. My coops are built secure, strong, and predator proof...as well as functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many of my coops have been featured on the annual McKinney, TX Chicken Coop Tour. See my blog for a more detailed write-up on owning backyard chickens.
I enjoy building tables from salvaged lumber and reclaimed steel. Lots of character, a bit of the past, a nod to the future.
The Comanche Cocoon is a frame up camper build that I completed in 2012. It is a 5x8 teardrop style camper, and weighs about 1400lbs. It has an extra long king memory foam mattress inside, and the kitchen galley opens from the exterior rear hatch. We've towed it almost 10k miles so far...all over the U.S. from Mexico to Canada! It was recently featured in Cool Tears magazine. See my blog for a full write-up.
1973 Airstream Land Yacht Safari 25ft travel trailer renovation....a project I can mark off of my bucket list! We purchased this trailer in decent shape and did a complete renovation on the interior. New paint, furniture, flooring, and decor. Exterior renovation coming soon. We've really enjoyed spending some seriously relaxing time camping in this awesome vintage camper. (Before pics at the end)
I purchased this 1967 Scout 800 from an old farmer in Elmo, TX. The engine ran pretty good, but it needed some brake and clutch work. One we got it moving, I started the fun stuff. I sold the hard top and doors and added a roll bar. Then I stripped the exterior and interior and repainted a black and tan theme. I hand painted the lettering on the tail gate, reupholstered the seats with black vinyl, and added some wood accents. My only regret is that I only got to enjoy it for a few weeks before I sold it.
I design unique, custom lighting...from pulley lamps, to table lamps, to industrial chandeliers, to built in light fixtures. I enjoy using old, heavy materials for an industrial look. Unique lamp bases, cloth cords, industrial switches, antique mason jars, and Edison bulbs work great to create an authentic feel.
