Like the Phoenix

Summer is usually the time for relaxation. School is out, people go on vacations, the sun is high and it is time to rejuvenate. Not so for me. Those who don't know, I work in the animal rescue field and summer is the busiest time of the year. Kitten populations explode exponentially, people are in a hurry to either adopt or surrender a pet, and there is always a big shelter event around the corner requiring all staff on board. Just as work was slowing down and allowing me to focus on this tiny project, this happened:

That is what happens when a little hatchback is sandwiched between two pickup trucks. Thankfully no one was hurt (including the instigator of the accident, who sped away quickly after the crash). Needless to say, sorting out all the particulars with insurance companies and finding a new car consumed all my free time. But after a month of scouring car sites, bumming rides off people, and physical sickness from stress- I have a new car and can focus on my tiny house once again!

My latest (and hopefully final) design for the house begins with the front door on the end of the trailer. Upon entry, you will be in the kitchen and under the sleeping loft. I figure most time in the kitchen will be spent standing, so the door will not take away useful chilaxin' space. Through the kitchen will be the living/working area; I will have a freestanding couch and desk. On the far end of the house will be the bathroom that will stretch across the back end of the trailer; it will have a small loft above it for storage. One frequent element of tiny houses I have decided to pass on is built in furniture. More on that in a later post.

Having the entry at one of the ends also allows me to create a cottage look that I love. When researching tiny houses I would get suggestions from friends to build in a shipping container, but part of the appeal to me in tiny homes is the cozy feel from a little farm house. I have been having a lot of fun playing with porch designs, mixing different siding patterns, and adding window boxes (likely to be filled with dead plants...).

porch design with random sketch below

I'm not dead yet...

When I originally decided to embark on this project, my timeline was to raise money for the trailer by February 2015 (hasn't not happened...), and be building by the spring (ha!).
My day job was through into full chaos at the new year when we lost two employees in our already tiny department. I got a promotion (yay!) that sucked up way more time (boo!), and even though we have gotten two new employees (yay!) new employees means training (boo!). Add getting the flu twice, TWICE in a month, my ambitious tiny house plans were put on hold.
While my original goals were probably laughably optimistic, I am still working toward purchasing my trailer and beginning some building before this year's end.
While I am busy with tasks other than this blog, I suggest you pick up Dee Williams "The Big Tiny" if you need a tiny house fix. Dee's story is inspirational and applicable to people residing in houses of all sizes, and very well written (which cannot be said for many blogs *cough cough*).

Winter is not my friend

These recent months I have learned some things do not help when planning a tiny house:

1. Working multiple jobs

2. Sliding on black ice into three cars

3. Catching a violent flu bug

On another note, how would you like a cute little house drawing? For everyone that helps by donating to my trailer fund, they get a one of a kind drawing.

Fish shouldn't ride bikes

Through this process I have learned two major things:
1. There are too many ideas I have found to fit in a tiny house.
2. An art degree does not make you an architect.

Pinterest is a vast sea of tiny house ideas. Try my best, I can't seem to create a design that fits in all my wants without needing multiple tiny houses.

Door on the side allows for a cozy couch/desk nook.

Long layout makes separate areas for office, relaxing, and kitchen.

Cozy loft with storage and a skylight.

Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash

Money can't buy happiness, but it can help fund the building of my tiny house...
The biggest purchase for me will be the trailer on which to build said home. While I plan on using reclaimed materials for much of the house, this is the one item that I was hesitant about buying used. Prepping a used trailer for a home seemed more stress and work than it's worth. I've decided to invest money into a trailer specially designed for a house, that would be a sturdy foundation for my home for years. 

Currently I have one full time job, one part time job, and two intermittent jobs. Student loans and car repairs keep me from rolling in Benjamins, or buying the trailer for my tiny house in the time frame I'm working on. That is why I am requesting donations. I already have received two unsolicited gifts because I have some fantastic family and friends.

My first donation from my fantastic brother and his wonderful wife.

Should you want to help as well just head over to my CrowdRise page. No amount is too small and every donor will get a little gift from me along with my sincere gratitude!

$1 donation: 

Hug from me!
Those not close enough to receive a hug directly will be mailed one.

$10 donation:

Drawing straight from my sketchbook

$45 donation:

Small watercolor illustration of your own choosing

$100 donation:

Homemade meal (promised to be edible and includes dessert)

$500 donation:

Sleepover in the completed tiny house! Includes dinner, movie marathon, junk food galore, and unlimited laughs.

What are you still doing reading this? Hurry and grab your wallet! Don't worry, I'll be here when you get back.

Don't Stair at Me

One of the quintessential aspects of a tiny house design is the use of vertical space. Most designs have a loft area that acts as a bedroom. And since an average staircase would take up almost half a tiny home, ladders are frequently used. But as anyone who has been with me for a single minute knows, I plan on sharing my home with at least one furry companion- cat, dog, maybe one of each. Most quadrupeds aren't great with ladders. I'm not good with ladders either, and they scare me. Not scared of heights, just ladders.

Thankfully, I am not the only one adverse to vertical death traps. There are multiple designs for tiny house stairs. Some are just as compact as possible to save space, others utilize the space taken up to create storage.

I'm currently leaning toward a variation of the design the Wilsons used in their home. Custom designed for their house "Lucy", you can see how they did it on their blog DIY House Building. I like that this design gives you a full closets since I hang most of my clothes.

Storage Stairs in Lucy

Knock Knock!

I made my first purchase for my tiny house! I found this charming door on Craig's List, and could picture it as the perfect door for my home. And the price was perfect, only $35!

I want my home to be composed of mix matched pieces with lots of character. I've been searching local sites for reclaimed wood or stained glass when I found this gem. Getting it though was an adventure. Despite growing up in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, the second I cross a river I will get lost (even with a gps). Thankfully the seller was extremely nice and eventually just met me where I ended up! I learned the man had a new puppy and I instantly switched into work mode offering him low cost veterinary options. And what a small world, he worked on the roof of the shelter! So that was the cherry on my first tiny house investment.

Down the road, I'm going to replace the mail slot. The current one is sealed shut and there isn't any hardware on the opening on the back. Definitely will have to strip the door, but I can't decide if I want to just stain the wood or go for a fun pop of color.