Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Friday, May 6, 2011

Trash to Treasure: Suitcase Upcycle



WOWZERS! It's the first week of American Crafter and it's been a doosie! I'm up against some AMAZING other crafters, and to be honest, I'll be happy just to make it through the first round! Hahahah!

This week, our challenge was Trash to Treasure. Here's the button, just to make it officially official.



I was so excited (and nervous) about our first challenge. Turning trash to treasure!?! I had nightmares of decorating dumpsters. But, once I got out and about and started looking for a victim, ( I mean....candidate...) it got to be pretty fun. I found this old Samsonite suitcase....

It wasn't love at first sight. (I'm sure Oscar the Grouch would have thought it was smoking HOT!) It looked like crap on the outside, but the inside was practically BRAND NEW!



And sunshine yellow with white polka dots. *drool* I knew we were meant to be! So, I paid my $6 and took my new baby home. I got out the masking tape, spray paint, acrylic paints, brushes and stencils. I had so many images of what I wanted going around in my head, and it was so much fun to make them come to life!

Here it is all taped up and ready to go...



I spray painted it red, and with my Silhouette I cut out a spiffy (yes, I said spiffy) flower stencil.



and added some lovely text and swallows. "Away we go..." Love it! :) So, here's the back:



Now, for the BEST part. I've been loving all this chevron eye candy going around, and knew I had to have a piece. So, I stenciled on a chevron pattern and then after that dried I stenciled on a scroll design in teal. Then, I added an "N" for Natalie and sat in awe for a little while at my creation. I also did a coat of Krylon clear topcoat over it to protect all my hard work! It added a nice glossy finish.


And, there you have it! My trash turned into treasure...and I LOVE IT!!! I can't wait to use it when we go on vacation in June! I will always treasure my trash. :)

Now...this is a competition just like American Idol. And YOU, my dears, get to vote for your favorite projects! I would be HONORED if you voted for me! And you also get to vote for 2 more of your favorites! There is so much talent there...go check it out!





19 people leaving some love!:

Jenny said...

that is so cute! wow. now i want to make one.

Natalie said...

Amazing! I love it! You're going to do a giveaway, right? It does have my initial on it :)

Janet said...

Oh My GOSH what a transformation!!!! GORGEOUS, who woulda thunk?!?! Great job!!!

www.iheartmygluegun.com

Kathy said...

Oh my gosh! I love it! That was an awesome find and you did a fantastic job with it!

Tatum said...

Good grief, woman! This is so cool. I had to go peek over at the American Crafter post a while ago to see what you did- the suspense was killing me. Wow, Miss Nat Sprat, fab. u. lous. It's so hard to make anything original in this wonderful crafting blogoshpere, but this truly was unique and I love how you glammed it up! Good luck twin, I'll be following and voting for you!

Unknown said...

That turned out so amazing! Now I want to scour the thrift stores to find a bunch of old suitcases so I can make a set for each of us.

Natalie said...

P.S. Yes, I'm from Alamosa. Small world ... I was "blog hopping" one day and found your blog (either from another valley person, or another craft blog, I can't remember!). You make such fun/cute stuff! And thanks for following my blog!

Lolly Jane said...

I voted for you (: loooove this!!! too cute!

Beck said...

Okay, I am in love, Love, LOVE with this suitcase!!! You always have such great ideas. I'm green with envy over here!

Unknown said...

Heading over to vote for you but first had to say...AMAZING! That is some serious treasure you created:)

Sarah @ This Crazy Blessed Life said...

I voted! It's ADORRRABLE! Such a unique idea :)

Unknown said...

I had to head over and vote. Great project, and I love your color combo. Well done!

Marisa said...

Looks GREAT! Love the colors :) Hope you win!

Jessica@SewHomegrown said...

That is so adorable! I want one!

Chiara said...

This is absolutely beautiful! I can't get over how great that inside is too--what a wonderful buttery yellow. Thank you for sharing--it is an amazing upcycle!

Brandy J. said...

This suitcase is FABULOUS!! Thanks for yet another awesomely inspiring blog post.

HoneySage said...

I love the red color you chose! Thanks for sharing!

Nicole@Thrifty Decorating said...

That turned out great!! Good luck! :)
Thanks for linking to Thrifty Thursday!

Megan said...

Now that is for sure one of my favorite junk into treasure transformations ever! Super cute!

Megan - applehouserevival.blogspot.com