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!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Shared With





Blue Cricket Design



Vintage WannaBee Talent Tuesday
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
30Handmade Days Pity Party
Thrifty Decorating
Thrifty Decor Chick
Fingerprints on the Fridge