How many ladies would go for this?

[gipsyweaver]

I'd be hesitant to go with someone I didn't know extremely well without my own transportation, but as a kind of caravan partner pooling skills, resources, and 'protection' in my own camper van/truck, I like the idea. With separate "rigs", it's easier to go your separate ways if there's a disagreement, and no question of what belongs to who.<br>

 

[Imladris]

I would totally be on board with this if I didnt have to stay in one place for a while. And assuming of course that I could get to know you and trust you first. And if the mutts could come.

 

[johnny_canuck]

GROUP HUG ALL AROUND.<div><br></div><div>I like the idea of being modern day Gypsies. Numbers protect the group. Everyone has their own set of skills.</div><div><br></div><div>If there were enough people who make crafts we could do the craft show route. Always free camping (parking). And could make some money. Nice to have 2 people working a table or booth.</div><div><br></div><div>I hate to ask this, but, are anyone of you folks good with your hands.<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif"></div>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

<FONT color=#0000ff><b>I hate to ask this, but, are anyone of you folks good with your hands</b></FONT><br><br>I have never had a complaint, just requests for more. <BR>Now on to your other question, arts and craft shows are very tiring and a little Caravan on similar circuts would be great. You are in Canada and my hands would be to cold to make art or set up a booth or anything else.<br><P><FONT color=#00ffff size=3><B>Dragonfly</B></FONT> <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"><BR></P>

 

[johnny_canuck]

Cold? &nbsp;Right now I still have shows that I'm doing right up until Christmas. We do have heat in our buildings you know. The weather is the same here as half of the US. The border is an&nbsp;invisible&nbsp;line. I always try and have enough whale oil for my lamp to keep my igloo, I mean cap warm. I huddle in&nbsp;abject desperation with 24 hours of&nbsp;&nbsp;darkness during 6 months of winter. The only bright spot is sitting outside in my sealskin parka waiting for the occasional&nbsp;brilliance&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Aurora&nbsp;Borealis. Can't wait for the ice to clear the harbor and the first clipper ship arrives with fresh supplies.<div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

<P>@Johnny</P>

 

[johnny_canuck]

I love seeing people with a sense of humor.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I did a quick online listing of craft shows in Florida. There a lot of them. I find that anything under $20. sells. Make a good quality item. And it's all cash.&nbsp;</div>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I'm from Ohio, several artist friends I know go on a couple of different Florida circuits.&nbsp; I had hoped to have my life together to do so this 2012 but its not happening that soon. They make enough in Florida to hold them over for their sucky sales here in Ohio in the summer.<br>I have had 3 local, Yellow Springs galleries I was in close down in the past 4 years. Two were long standing galleries. It is looking better, Antioch College is trying to renovate itself and that should bring back buyers.<br><FONT color=#ff00ff><b>Dragonfly</b></FONT><br>

 

[sl1966]

<font color="#0000ff"><b>I hate to ask this, but, are anyone of you folks good with your hands</b></font>

<div><br></div><div>Yes, but the problem is that they're not good with me.</div><div><br></div>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

It was Johnny canucks question, I better be more careful to put who the questions come from <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif">&nbsp;I just gave him my answer. <br><FONT color=#0000ff>This is Johnny's excerpt</FONT><br><SPAN id=post_message_1271136842><FONT color=#0000ff>GROUP HUG ALL AROUND. </FONT><br><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff><BR></FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>I like the idea of being modern day Gypsies. Numbers protect the group. Everyone has their own set of skills.</FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff><BR></FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>If there were enough people who make crafts we could do the craft show route. Always free camping (parking). And could make some money. Nice to have 2 people working a table or booth.</FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff><BR></FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>I hate to ask this, but, are anyone of you folks good with your hands.<IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif"></FONT></DIV><DIV><FONT color=#000000><b>And, back on topic, this group is growing big and is diverse.&nbsp;It may be time to start a thread for artists and craftsmen that travel and may be able to help one another.&nbsp; I know there is one for making money while on the road.&nbsp; Maybe that would be the thread?Any ideas?</b></FONT></DIV></SPAN><BR>&nbsp;<br>

 

[akrvbob]

Two ideas come up really often among vandwellers: 1) Convoys 2) Buying a piece of land or RV park together and forming a community. I think this falls under the category of "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." We are a people who value and treasure freedom above everything else, BUT we still want to stay connected. It's a conundrum! So the bottom line is we talk about it, but it never happens. This forum, vandwellers, and the RTR are all good ways to maintain that connection and maintain your freedom. <br><br>Steve dropped by while I was in the Sierras and I've had two vandwellers since I've been in Victorville. My camp is always open to anyone who wants to drop by!! Bob<br><br>

 

[gipsyweaver]

I'm pretty good with several crafts (I'll go with the cleaner response to the question about "good with your hands <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0">). And I've done craft shows and Renn Faires, and it's just about impossible to do them alone unless you have some way to secure your booth for a simple trip to the restroom. <br><br>Renn Faire fees for vendors are often outrageous. Carefully chosen craft shows and flea markets that have RV parking available for vendors are doable though. I think the best way to build up a crafters' convoy would be for two crafters who know each other to team up, work out the kinks, then consider new people as they come along, ironing out ways to deal with "problem" members, etc.<br><br>I'm still about 18 months away from any possibility of hitting the road, though...<br><br><br>

 

[johnny_canuck]

I book 2 tables at a show. These are Christmas shows in community centers and schools. They run for 4-5 hours and the cost is $25-$35 ea. I have my items on one table next to my friends table. Easy to take a break or make the sale for the other person. We each make $100.-$200. after all expenses.<div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.showcreations.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.showcreations.ca/</a>&nbsp;is a company that holds shows all year round. The shows are in shopping malls. Cost per week is $500. - $700 for a 10'X10' space with electricity. Mall hours run about 10 hours per day. So that is $10. per hour or less. If you have 2 people to share the space, it's pretty cheap. You do need 2 million dollars in liability insurance with the shopping&nbsp;center. The cheapest is with State Farm and is $45. per month.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>You do need a passport. Also get medical insurance. Ours is free to everyone.</div><div><br></div><div>No reason to get a work&nbsp;visa. You are on vacation.</div><div><br></div><div>I would not cross the border with a van full of craft items. The best thing to do is ship by UPS or Fedex in your name for pickup at a depot.</div><div><br></div><div>There is free parking at all the malls for vendors.</div><div><br></div><div>If you want a shower just go to the local YMCA. Cheap and a dollar for a clean towel.</div><div><br></div><div>Canada has not been affected with the downturn as is the case in the US. No banks needed government handouts. They are&nbsp;strictly&nbsp;regulated.</div><div><br></div><div>People do spend here. I don't know anyone who is out of work.</div><div><br></div><div>If you have never been to Canada... we drive the same cars, live in the same style houses and have all the major chain stores. We do not have the right to carry guns. Very low crime rate. I'm 58 and have never had a problem. I have three brothers all in their 50's and none of them have been in a fight. Like most Canadians we prefer to walk away from potential confrontations. If you have ever watched the movie Canadian Bacon with John Candy, when they invade Toronto they are knocking over Canadians and the Canadians are saying sorry. Funny stuff. But it is so true. If you are somewhere and someone bumps into you we all say sorry even when it was the other guy's fault.</div><div><br></div><div>I have driven my truck with the back curtains down so I can see out the back. Parked for hours at malls and isolated areas and never broken into. Not to say it will never happen. Go to a public campground, no one puts their stuff away, even when gone for the day.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm rambling here. Just thought to add to this thread with some more ideas.</div>

 

[Ryan24]

This thread is a riot.<div><br></div><div>I would think you would find somebody willing to try the arrangement initially posted. Seems like it would be ideal for quite a few folks with this lifestyle.</div><div><br><div><br></div></div>