News
Sorry for the delay
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
We have been asked by clients about our gallery not changing in January, and it’s just about timing I’m afraid.
With now five separate stand-a-lone websites to keep updated it can take some time to stay ahead.
We have lots of new items coming forward this year, and plenty of new ideas for the future…..so I’ll do my level best to keep the info flowing.
Carls Splitty is ready for home
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
Carl returned safe & sound from active service abroad to be re-united with his newly appointed Blue Splitty…..I think its safe to say he will be quite pleased to get her back.
Check out all the shots in the gallery
Bullit hits the mark
Friday, December 9th, 2011
Eddie picked up his camper today and was delighted with the transformation. We have re-created the deluxe dressing that Eddie was so keen on, and within the centre seat we have disguised a chest fridge.
For more shots of Bullit’s journey check out the gallery
Hovis turned out a treat
Friday, December 9th, 2011
Louis & Liz came over from Ireland last weekend to be re-united with Hovis, and were both delighted with the results. We had to design & fabricate new inner window frames for all the rear section of the camper……but Hovis turned out a treat.
With led lighting around the airbox Louis & Liz will not have any dark moments up front in the cab, for all the shots check out the gallery for the whole story.
Hire website
Monday, November 21st, 2011
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our dedicated hire website: www.thecampershakhire.com This has been in development for some time and now show cases all our hire operation.
By following the link on the menu bar on the left hand side “Camper Hire”, you will be transferred to this new dedicated area.
From here you can navigate through our various services, customer gallery and forthcoming events through our news section.
For more information on any of the services offered please use the contact us section or talk to Diane & the team in sales 01704 891 728
T4,T5 Tidy
Sunday, November 13th, 2011
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our latest new product “The T4 & T5 storage Tidy”. This product was developed after we had a few nights away in our own T5, both Diane & myself have been campers for years and we know from experience that storage space is a luxury not to be missed.
When your out & about in your camper the need to have regular items close to hand is key to getting sorted quickly. Rather than having to search in a cupboard for the kitchen roll, or rescue the rubbish bag from drifting around the floor.
Working with our heavy duty canvas range of we came up with a storage system that wraps around your headrest fittings, and tucks away at the bottom to follow the contour of the seat back. This ensures that when loaded with possessions the tidy stays in place.
To enhance the appearance of the product we introduced some contrast detailing from our Beachcomber range of waterproof fabrics. With so many colours of Canvas & Beachcomber fabrics to choose from you can really make your T4,T5 Tidy unique.
Check out the gallery opposite for more shots.
Please contact Diane in sales for more information.
Dark hoody at the Shak
Friday, October 7th, 2011
This dark hooded convertible beetle will be transformed into “Parsley” our two-tone pale green & off white cruiser.
Parsley’s progress will be featured in the news section over the coming weeks so watch this space.
James’s peach rolls back to Chester
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
When James dropped off his splitty he was very concerned about some recent damage to his spare wheel extrusion. An unfortunate accident inside the splitty had put a huge dent at the top of the arch.
So after some thought we came up with an upholstered solution to hide the offending damage, needless to say that James was delighted with the results. Check out the customer gallery for all the shots.
Vanfest what a great show
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
Thanks to everyone who came to say hello during Vanfest, it was a superb show with so many things to do for all ages. I was really impressed with the feeling of unity from everyone I spoke to with all dubbers out to have a good time irrespective of what the weather could throw at us.
A real big thank you to everyone who travelled to meet us at the show to make your choices for your future camper projects at the Camper Shak. With nearly 1000 business cards taken over the three days both Diane & myself look forward to talking to you all in the future.
Kind regards
Mike & Diane
Sun Canopy
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our latest product: The Sun Canopy. This has been under development for some time as we wanted to create the look of yesteryear with our historic look canopy.
The particular canopy featured has been manufactured to suit “Dougal” Lucy’s Split screen pride & joy, and we are grateful to her for letting us use Dougal to develop our ideas.
The canopy is hand crafted from our Beachcomber range of fabrics which is 100% waterproof. Using are bespoke design fixing system the canopy transports your splitty back to yesterday, when families enjoyed extended living space outside of their campers on the beach or in the countryside.
We plan to offer various ranges of our new product in the future so watch this space. Your canopy will be presented in a hand crafted heavy duty canvas bag for safe storage, with everything required to increase your living area, whilst offering privacy.
Please contact Diane on 01704 891 728 for pricing information
Sew new Investment
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Such is the demand for our hand crafted upholstery products that we have installed another sewing station in Creative Trimmings. This will enable us to meet the growing demands of all the markets sectors we supply.
Watch this space for more updates
Gretel feels her pockets
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Liz & Chris picked up Gretel last week after a complete transformation at the Shak. The couple had asked that we explore creating some useful pockets for the cab doors.
So after a few trial designs we came up with the over pocket, which simply creates a useful storage space for maps, books etc in the front cab.
Liz & Chris were delighted with the result and for us a new product variation is created….check out Gretel’s gallery for more shots
Tatton what a great show
Monday, August 8th, 2011
Check out the show report for the full story
Hibiscus Range
Monday, August 1st, 2011
In conjunction with The Camper Shak we are very pleased to announce the launch of our “Hibiscus” range. We’ve had this on the design pad for a little while now to manufacture our furniture sporting our own graphics.
So to begin the launch we have chosen the flower synonymous with the Vdub scene…The Hibiscus Flower. We will be showing several pieces of our Hibiscus furniture at Tatton Park this coming weekend…..more information in the show diary.
Shown in the picture is our new Upholstered Buddy from the Hibiscus range
There are going to several news items over the next few days so watch this space.
Minty heads back
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Minty the bay window headed back up to Cumbria this week ready for Andy, Kate and the family to be re-united with their super Viking conversion.
With new hand crafted bellows and 4 x 6ft beds up top this special camper should have some great trips ahead.
Check out the customer gallery for all of the shots
Hector hails from South Africa
Sunday, May 8th, 2011
Hector the beautiful crew cab arrived this week in his new paintwork ready for his transformation at the shak & Creative. Check out the customer gallery for more shots of this special Splitty.
Felix heads for home
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Julia & Dave were re-united with Felix this morning and were delighted with his new and unique finish. We have matched everything to Julia’s exact specifications…check out the gallery for more shots.
Hammock refurbishment
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
We are very pleased to announce the introduction of this brand new service to our product range. Your old and tired bed hammocks can be completely refreshed with new flexible paintwork, and new bed covers hand crafted from our colourful range of heavy duty canvas.
Your new hammocks can then be either picked up from our workshops or courier delivered to your door (at extra cost) for fitting back into your camper.
Prices shown are for refurbishment of two hammocks
Check out the new product section for more information. Please contact Diane in sales for full information on this new service. 01704 891 728
Billy heads back to the Lakes
Saturday, March 12th, 2011
Adrian & Sandy were reunited with Billy this week as he left the Shak after his transformation. Billy’s new work included new headlining throughout, Hammock refurbishment, Vertical profile doorcards, Cab upholstery and RnR bed cushions.
An Exclusive suite of Montana Oak hand crafted furniture, Leisure electrics, 240v hook –up, option 2 Hi-Fi…the full works really
Check the customer gallery for the final shots
” Beachcomber” New product release
Friday, February 18th, 2011
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our Beachcomber range of doorcards & upholstery products. This new range has been in development for some time and utilises the finest external grade fabrics to bring a new and vibrant look to your camper.
We have named the various colours after beaches from around our beautiful Island so we can offer:
Formby: beige & Faun colours mixing well with creams, browns etc
Fistral: mixture of various light blues that will harmonize with light and dark shades
Watergate: rich mixture of darker blues, mixing well with contrasting vinyl’s
Blackrock: greys, off whites, black that will add drama to any interior
Bantham: range of mid to light greens, complimented with light brown shades
Gosport: vivid range of reds and mid browns adding a real splash of colour.
Check out the news and products section for more information. We will be displaying some samples from our “Beachcomber Range” at Dubfreeze this coming Sunday.
This new range of fabrics will be featuring in some new products soon to be released within next month……so watch this space.
Beachcomber cab seating
Friday, February 18th, 2011
Check out our newly upholstered cab seating, hand crafted in Cool blue, sporting quilted panels of Fistral from our Beachcomber range of fabrics.
We will have this seating displayed at Dubfreeze this coming Sunday …see you there
Pull yourself together Basil
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
Basil is now sporting his new Roman blinds, curtains & cushions…which finish his new look a treat. Creative Trimmings hand crafted all his new soft furnishings from a rich Cream & Gold fabric which compliments Basil’s new furniture & upholstery.
We will be showing Basil at Dubfreeze next month, so please come along and see him in all his new finery.
Basil is transformed
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
Well its been a lot of hard work for the Camper Shak team, but we have now finished Basil just in time for our Christmas closure.
When our little splitty returned to us in May we began planning out his new interior working around some curved seating and new style upholstery.
I’m sure you agree that Basil is now the pick of the crop with new headlining throughout, window dressing, two large curved facing seats, and a new suite of luxurious upholstery and doorcards throughout.
We have just got the final soft touches of curtains and cushion dressing to have in place in the new year.
We should have Basil on display at Dubfreeze in Feb 2011 in all his new finery. To see what Basil looked like before we started go back to May this year for his gallery shots.
Busfreeze 2010
Monday, October 25th, 2010
Thank you to everyone who took the time out to come and say hello yesterday at Busfreeze. We had a good day talking through your ideas & aspirations for your camper projects etc.
A real big thank you to all who stopped by for the Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings presentation, were we gave an overview of our products, services and future plans.
Thanks once again for your kind comments on our work, and a big thank you to the clients who came over from Ireland to meet up with us. See you at Dubfreeze 2011 were we should have Basil the Splitty on display along with other new products for the New Year.
Mike, Diane & the Camper Shak team
Izzy heads for home
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
Anne & Pater were reunited with “Izzy” the other week, and their revamped Dormobile certainly looked a little different after the full treatment from The Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings.
We have done everything from the Hammocks, headlining, curtains, doorcards, upholstery, furniture, electrics, flooring, sounds systems…the full works really.
I’m sure that you’ll agree Izzy is a real picture, check out the customer gallery for more shots.
Busfreeze 2010
Sunday, September 26th, 2010
The Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings will be attending this great show for the second time. We were there last year for the opening of this autumn vw festival, and it turned out to be a great show.
We will see you there in our usual place in the middle of the hall just before the show& shine area.
“Mu Mu” goes home
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
The little red Splitty from Arizona was re-united with Andrea, Paul & Daniel the other day, and they were very pleased to get her back.
With everything in place the family were heading off for a quick weekend camping break in their new re-vitalised camper.
Our only problem was that weather was so rough we had to take our photographs inside our fitting area.
Check out the customer gallery for more cracking shots
New Product “Quilted Profile”
Monday, August 16th, 2010
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our latest product “Quilted Profile” to our growing range of doorcard options. This has been in development for some time now and after many trials we displayed a selection of finished doorcards at the recent Tatton Park VW show.
We’ve been striving to create a range of doorcards which can offer a real 3 D feel, and our new Copyright Protected range of Quilted Profile door panels fit the bill.
With many colour and texture options to choose from we’re sure Creative Trimmings can transform your camper or vehicle of your choice.
For more information please view the product/doorcard section of the website, or contact Diane in sales: 01704 891 728
Tatton 2010
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
This was our fifth year at this great show in Tatton Park which started a little wet as Diane, myself & Ben set up early on Sunday morning. Thank you to everyone who stopped off at the Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings display last Sunday, It was lovely to see so many old friends from the vdub scene.
Bluebell our bay window show camper certainly caught the eye of a few folk, and Thank you for all your positive comments about her interior & upholstery etc. Take care and see you next year.
For more photos see the Show section
Priscilla is transformed
Friday, July 9th, 2010
Priscilla was reunited with Freddie this week and I’m sure he will be pleased with his new cool and funky looking cruise machine.
We followed Freddie’s brief to convert his beautiful bay into a low riding cruise machine for all his crew, and with subtle led lighting to light his way this bus is ready for some serious cruising.
Creative Trimmings have transformed his front grey Saab seats with our new G.T. stitching and panelling which has certainly made the seats look a little racier.
Check out the customer gallery for the whole story
G.T. Seating
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
We are very pleased to announce our latest introduction to our growing upholstery product range “G.T. Seating”. This has been a long time in development as we have been searching for the right fabrics to provide the retro speedy look we have been striving to achieve.
This is our first finished seat destined for a bright yellow Triumph Spitfire that will surely brighten up the look of the classic open top sports car. We have changed the centre panel from the old historic hounds tooth, to a breathable soft & supportable fabric.
This new fabric when combined with our frequency lateral stitching transforms these tired old seats into something that would be fitting in a Ferrari.
Check out the products. Cab upholstery section for more information
Widgy shows his curves
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Ian & Sue were re-united with Widgy this week after his complete transformation courtesy of The Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings
His new curved bulkhead unit looks a real treat set against his new Elegance vivid orange and dune doorcards and upholstery.
Yes Widgy is a Curved Tangerine Dream Machine…check out the customer gallery for all the info
Vikings navigate from Norway
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
The three pals Jan, Joran & Stien landed at the Shak in bright spring sunshine after their long drive over from Norway. We had been in communication with Jan & Joran for some time discussing their camper projects.
It was a relief to find their journey over land and sea had gone without a hitch, and they had found their way across from Immingham near Grimsby to the Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings in Lancashire.
So while both their campers are in the workshop being transformed from empty shells into day vans, the trio from Norway are exploring the U.K. in Daisy our four berth hire camper.
Storage
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Working in conjunction with Wood end Business Park we are very pleased to announce this new service from The Camper Shak.
After spending a lot of time, money & effort restoring your camper why not avoid your pride & joy standing out in the elements when not in use.
At Wood end Business Park we can now offer over 5,400 sq ft of secure under cover storage for your prize camper. The unit is protected by a number of security measures including:
• Close circuit T.V. surveillance
• Alarm security at single point of entrance
• High post security at doorway entrance
• Single key access controlled on site
• Landowner lives on site and conducts regular external inspections
The storage facility has been assessed by the caravan club and has been awarded with the highest Gold standard.
How does the system work?
This couldn’t be easier, simply make contact with Diane in sales and we can discuss a storage package to suit your requirements. Once we have determined your period of storage bring your camper down and deposit your vehicle within the storage facility.
We have good train access to the business park covered by Liverpool – Preston & Southport to Manchester train lines, with New Lane train station being 50 metres from the business park
Storage charges begin from as little as £15.00 per week for a camper, with special packages available for longer periods.
For more information please contact Diane in sales 01704 891 728
Dora is set to Explorer
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Joyce & Tony were re-united with Dora last Saturday, and were delighted with her new look. Between them they had chosen a bold internal colour combination of Mussel for the main body of the furniture, with contrasting lids in textured Zebrano.
To compliment there flashy furniture Creative Trimmings started by dressing their entire roof canopy and upper bed boards with new carpeting. With this complete we could then hand craft a complete suite of Exclusive doorcards, ¾ RnR lower bed cushions, Wide Buddy & clip on stool cushions & large upper bed cushions within the newly trimmed canopy. All hand crafted on site in Dune with Grey Friar fluted inserts.
To finish off their tired brown cab seats were stripped down to the frame, re-painted then re-built and upholstered in Dune with Grey friar fluted inserts & piping to match their fabulous new interior.
Check out the customer gallery for more photos
Camper Shak Hire
Monday, March 1st, 2010
We are very pleased to announce the launch of The Camper Shak Hire service. Over the past 12 months we have been preparing our first two bay window campers to a very high standard.
We now have Bluebell a two berth Devon pop top, and Daisy a four berth Devon Moonraker which are both ready for the road. Each have been completely restored internally and externally to our highest standards and are now both ready for hire.
Both our campers have new Exclusive suites of furniture comprising of:
Exclusive kitchen, Exclusive main store, Full rear bedroom locker, Overhead locker, ¾ RnR bed, generous table 70cm leg, 60cm leg & tripod, Tall buddy with dropdown seat & clip-on-stool. Bluebells furniture has been handcrafted in Matfen Chestnut, and Daisy has a full suite hand crafted in Light Winchester Oak
To finish Both Daisy & Bluebell have been exquisitely dressed internally by Creative Trimmings & Creative Curtains & Cushions.
We will be launching a specific hire section within the website hopefully by this weekend, which will carry all the relative information and details required to hire either Bluebell or Daisy in time for Easter.
Creative Curtains & Cushions
Monday, March 1st, 2010
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our latest addition to our growing services. Through Creative Curtains & Cushions we will be able to dress your camper and add those final soft touches that will make your camper transformation complete.
Over the coming weeks we will be adding a dedicated library of samples for both curtains and cushions, and with everything being hand crafted on site, along with many campers downstairs in The Camper Shak fitting area you can be assured of a perfect finish to your cherished camper.
Angus goes home
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Angus the T25 was reunited with his owners this week after their skiing break. Angus has been completely transformed at The Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings.
His transformation began with new headlining and pillar dressing throughout, then with this in place we could begin on redesigning his interior & upholstery.
With new profile doorcards in place the next job was to hand craft full width bed cushions for down below, and the same for new double bed up top.
We then turned our attention to their tired cab seating which was completely stripped back and brought back to hand crafted Elegance quality in Cool blue & Dune.
Check out the customer gallery for the full story.
Split screen goes home.
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Val & Jonty were reunited with their beautiful Split screen camper this week after a complete transformation at Creative. Their project was a big one with new bellows fitting, Creative Trimmings then provided new headlining throughout from cab to tailgate including the elevating roof.
Exclusive doorcards throughout hand crafted in Apple mint & Dune, to compliment this we continued the theme in both the cab with single and double bench seat, and in the living area with ¾ RnR matching bed upholstery.
With everything now being designed, handcrafted and trialled within our own workshops we can now offer a very high standard of upholstery products.
Check out the customer gallery for the whole story
Buttercup gets her flash upholstery.
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
Buttercup was reunited with her owners Michael & Sam today, who were absolutely delighted with their newly refurbished camper.
They had chosen Cobalt as their main colour with Marigold fluted inserts and piping detail…which on this camper looks superb.
Check out the customer gallery for the full story
Wheel cover Logo’s
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
Our clients travelled up Yesterday from Portsmouth to pick up their full set of RnR bed cushions, all hand crafted in Rouge and Dune.
We were asked if we could fashion the VW logo onto our new “Plug” wheel cover…..and with everything being manufactured onsite it wasn’t long before we had our first example ready for dispatch.
For more information on our bespoke upholstery services please contact Diane in sales
Hetty’s seats are a real Treat
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Mr & Mrs Gaskell arrived to day to be reunited with their T25 Hetty, who has received a complete makeover courtesy of Creative Trimmings…and her new colours look fantastic.
Check out the customer gallery for more pictures
Bluebell is ready for Busfreeze
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
It’s been many hours of hard work and involved all members of the Camper Shak & Creative Trimmings team to prepare “Bluebell” for her first trip to Busfreeze this weekend.
So for a better view of this beautiful Bay window camper…come on down to Busfreeze this weekend.
Check out the customer gallery for the latest images
The Shak & Creative’s show camper
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Our bright blue bay arrives from restoration ready for us to transform into a show camper…..check out the customer gallery for the whole story
Rebecca is re-united with her T4
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Rebecca picked up her revamped T4 from us the other day, and was delighted with our transformation of her once empty van. She was very impressed with our bespoke collapsible bed, which when open creates a whopping 6ft x 5ft sleeping area, with massive storage underneath
Check out the customer gallery for the whole story
Wheel covers
Monday, September 28th, 2009
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our “Wheel Cover”, This new product is shown here within a newly fitted camper.
We have matched the colour scheme to harmonize with the “Plug” bed cushions.
This new product completely covers your spare wheel from the front face, right over the tread pattern, and well over the side wall where the elasticated waste band keeps everything tight.
So why not tidy up the look of your spare wheel with our trendy colourful cover,
with over 30 colours to choose from our vinyl range…your options and variety are endless. For more information navigate to: Products, Upholstery or contact Diane in sales
Profile bay returns to Ireland
Friday, August 21st, 2009
Matthews Yellow Submarine Bay was our first camper to have our “Profile range of doorcards. These were manufactured in Dune with a bright yellow profile piping and yellow stitching detail.
Check out the customer gallery for the whole story
Hightop heads back to the Highlands
Sunday, July 19th, 2009
Jane & John picked up their newly fitted camper from us the other weekend, with new headlining throughout, Hightop covering, Elegance doorcards, bed upholstery, Cab seats, double bed sleeping above…this is now a fully functional camper.
Check out the customer gallery for the whole story
The Plug
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
We are very pleased to announce the release of our spare wheel v bed solution, this has been designed following feedback from our clients wishing to carry their spare wheel within the camper whilst travelling, yet still retain a functional bed for the night.
For more information check out the Customer Gallery (Blue Bay from Oz) and also the Upholstery section of the website.
Triple seating across the Bay
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
The Blue Bay from Oz has now seating for three up front, courtesy of Bluebird Engineering & Creative Trimmings,
check out the customer gallery for more images.
If you would like to upgrade your Bay window cab seating please contact Diane in sales for more inofrmation
Almond & Black works a treat
Saturday, May 16th, 2009
Clive & his two Children arrived at Creative Trimmings this morning to be reunited with their Bay window.
They were all very pleased with the look of their newly fitted camper, which featured a complete suite of upholstery in Almond with black piping & stitching detail.
I’m sure you agree that this Bay will certainly turn some heads
Check out the customer gallery for more images
New Product Release “Profile”
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our “Profile” range of doorcards. The pictures are taken straight from the cutting table and show our first example of the raised trim profile.
We have thought for some time about punctuating the stitching detail top & bottom with a raised detailed Keyline…or the Profile
We will have this sample on display at Stanford Hall this weekend
All under one roof
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
We are very pleased to announce that Creative Trimmings is now within The Camper Shak premises.
It has been our intention for some time to have Creative Trimmings under one roof with The Camper Shak, and with the recent structural alterations within the Shak complete this have now created a 500 square foot working area completely dedicated to upholstery.
This should work very well with everything to hand, and with the vw campers downstairs we can be assured that everything will fit like a glove.
We will have more detail & images to follow over the coming weeks
Promise receives the full Creative Treat
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Promise left us looking like a revitalised camper…check out the customer gallery for the full story
We have a solution for Kevs T4 bed
Sunday, February 8th, 2009
We have created a new set of sculptured bed cushions to match Kevs T4 collapsible bed. This was a new tricky design from The Camper Shak, but by working together we have created a full suite of cushions to offer both lovely seating areas, and when extended a King Size Bed.
Follow the customer gallery for the full story
Rupert is transformed
Thursday, November 27th, 2008
Rupert has received his Creative Trimmings make-over, check the customer gallery for the full story
Creative Trimmings offer 30 colours
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
We are very pleased to announce that our sister company Creative Trimmings can now offer 30 colour options for your camper upholstery.
Making your choices of Doorcards, Cab seating and Rock n Roll seating a real treat.
Check out the product section for more information