Romancing the Tent

My husband and I have a special little hobby we've been indulging ourselves in for over a decade now -Medieval Camping. Yes we know the stigma attached - but really and truly it's fun, creative and relaxing! We've spent quite a few years now creating the perfect romantic, bohemian ambiance for our tent. In order to accomplish this we've re-purposed quite a few thrift/retail store finds to "reenact" the renaissance period to the best of our ability. 

But before we go any further - check out the video below for a real feel of what 

Period Camping is all about.

Here are some of the thrift/retail store items we've enlisted to help create our bohemian environment.

Throw rugs

Sheets used as tent decor

Old steamer trucks for storage & seating

Pier One / World Market wooden bowls

Lots & lots of yarn tassels (link to tutorial below)

Vintage wood folding chairs

Sari fabric - curtains and tent decor

Metal & Glass Chandelier - Ikea

Sheepskin - for bedding (keeps us warm!)

Small Vintage Turkish Rugs made into large throw pillow covers

Tons of lanterns

And now for the photos!

My husband made our bed! It folds down totally flat for storage. Hanging above the bed along the left tent wall is this amazing Ralph Lauren sheet that I found at the thrift store. The large throw pillow at the head of the bed was an old Turkish rug that a backing was added to - so we could slip a pillow in it.

The rug on the floor belonged to Mike's great grandmother. It is one of the most beautiful turn of the century rugs I have ever seen - but alas too threadbare to use in our house anymore. However we still get to enjoy it's beauty every time we camp. 

Here's a broader view of our tent. We have old steamer and handmade wooden trunks doing double duty as seating and storage. I found vintage wood folding chairs with leather seats at the thrift store that are perfect at our "feasting" table. And don't forget the 50+  multicolored yarn tassels that I made to embellish our tent canopy. (link to tutorial below)

Our tent illuminated at night! I can't tell you how enchanting it feels when the dark descends upon us and candles & lanterns light up the entire campground.

These are tents of friends that we camp with. The yurt on the right was handmade by my friend Pixie and the tent on the far left was also handmade by our friends Nick & Robin.

Last but not least -  my boys love it when we go camping! 

If you ever have a chance to visit or camp at a SCA War event - don't hesitate. While it may not be your cup of tea to regularly participate in -  it's still a unique event to observe and experience!

Here's a great link to a tutorial for tassels. I just replaced the embroidery floss with yarn.

http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/386-how-to-make-a-tassel