Meet ‘The Crafted Camper:’ The Start of My Mobile Creative Studio

You know that feeling when a big idea hits you and just won’t let go?

That’s exactly what happened to me the moment I saw a mobile embroidery studio rolling through Hoboken, New Jersey on social media. I was instantly inspired. A fully functional embroidery setup, plus a way to display my custom art—on wheels?! I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

What if I had a space where I could take my embroidery and my creativity anywhere?

Somewhere I could meet people where they are—at markets, at events, maybe even outside a local boutique. Somewhere that could showcase everything I do: embroidery, laser-engraved signs, custom gifts—all the things I pour love into for my Etsy shop, but now in a way that connects with people face-to-face.

So I started stalking Facebook Marketplace. I was searching Nextdoor, Craigslist, and OfferUp. I wanted something compact but charming. Functional but full of personality.

And then, I found it. 🥹

My Facebook Marketplace Find: A vintage teardrop camper for my mobile studio.

✨ Say hello to my little teardrop camper. She needs some love, but she’s exactly the blank canvas I was hoping for. Oh, and I love a challenge!

Why a Mobile Studio? Here’s the Dream.

For a while now, I’ve had people asking me if I could embroider single items for them—names on jackets, monograms on hats, patches, and more. And while I love doing custom pieces, I quickly realized… I’m not comfortable having strangers come to my house to drop these things off and then pick them up… or even wait for them while I work my magic on my Melco Summit.

This camper solves a lot more than just wanderlust.

With a mobile setup, I can:

• Park at markets, pop-ups, and even outside stores to embroider items on-site

• Sell laser-engraved signs, cutting boards, and other gifts that I’ve created in the studio

• Promote my Etsy store and offer in-person pickup to avoid fees and shipping delays

• Let customers see my Melco Summit in action—stitching hats, shirts, bags, and more

It’s not just a studio. It’s a traveling storefront, a creative escape, and a way for me to connect directly with people who love handmade and personalized goods.

The Camper Makeover Begins

Like I said—she’s a fixer-upper. There’s some water damage in the back from it just sitting in someone's backyard for a couple years. The rotted wood needs to be taken out and replaced before I can put anything new inside. And then I need to make sure it's protected from the elements when I'm out and about so that I don't have future damage to deal with. But I’m excited. I’ve already got ideas for:

• Fun textures on the back hatch

• Cute vintage awnings to keep the rain away from the doors and windows

• Peel and stick wallpaper to give it the flair I'm dreaming about

  • Check out the cutest design that I found at Lowe's that kinda matches my logo

• Maybe some cute vinyl flooring to spruce up the composite floors

• Creative embroidery menus in beautiful gold frames

• QR codes that link to custom order forms

• Clever storage for hats, hoops, and supplies

• A window box for the little windows with embroidered flowers in them

• A clean, minimal workspace that shows off my machines and makes it easy to work on-site

• I could keep going, but I'll spare you, for now!

Because yes—I'll be documenting it all and sharing the stuff that helped me make this a reality, too.

I’ll share every step of the renovation here on the blog: what I used, what worked, what didn’t, and the unexpected DIY wins (or disasters) along the way. I’m already filling up my Lowe’s cart with paint, sealants, and flooring, and my Amazon storefront is packed with portable power options, small-space storage, and camper upgrades.

A New Chapter of Creative Freedom

This camper is the beginning of something I’ve been craving: more freedom, more connection, and more creativity on my terms. I want to make, sell, and share without the stress of shipping labels or endless platform fees.

And if I can inspire someone else to think differently about what their creative business could look like? Even better.

Thanks for being here at the beginning. Whether you’re a fellow maker, a future camper renovator, or just someone cheering from the sidelines, I’m so excited to take you along for the ride.

Stay tuned—because Crafted Camper: Demo Day is coming soon. 😅

—Kelly🧵✨ Kelly Bazzle Creative Studio

Want to follow the transformation? I’ll be sharing links, product lists, and all the behind-the-scenes details right here on the blog—plus on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest if you like watching dreams get built in real time.