World Traveler

Vintage suitcases seem to be all the rage lately, and I caught the bug! I had something particular in mind for this suitcase, which I found at a consignment store.

The top had a tear, and there were a couple of other flaws—not the least of which was a dirty, faded brown color. So, first things first—I painted the whole thing white!

My husband asked in disbelief: “You painted a suitcase??”

Yes, dear.

But that’s not all.

I did a search on Google for “vintage luggage stickers.” Click on the “images” tab, and you won’t believe what you’ll come up with!

Images like this one:

Or this one:

Or even this one:

And so many more!

I must have chosen about 30 different, cool luggage stickers. I copied them into Microsoft Word and adjusted the size, and then I printed them on cardstock in shades of white, beige, and gray (I wanted them to look old…plus it’s what I had on hand).

I cut out each ‘sticker’ and mod-podged them to the suitcase. A big “Vegas” sticker covered the tear!

Finally I lightly glazed everything with some dark brown glaze, concentrating on the stitching especially.

So now my suitcase looks like it has been all over the world….

…I am so jealous…

…and what’s a suitcase without a stand to put it on?

I found a luggage rack at an auction, and I painted it white and replaced the flowery ribbon straps with some upholstery webbing.

Put them together, and I think this would make a really fun nightstand or end table!

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Thanks to {Primp} for featuring this project!

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A new direction

This is my first attempt at using Windows Live Writer…so please be patient with me!

In my last post, I showed you the new-to-me couch in my living room.

Of course, that one new piece of furniture started a domino effect! I had to change the orientation of the rug. Of course I have to rearrange my pictures. Naturally I will need some throw pillows. But most importantly, I need *something* to cover the now bare space of wall above! (Can’t have that cable jack staring me in the face, now can I??)

My first thought was to put a bookshelf there, but then I remembered this little chest of drawers that I picked up at a (very cold, very wet) auction on Memorial Day.

No one else seemed to want it! I scored it for $20. I thought the shape was fun and unusual, and it is actually a great height for a small entry table or buffet.

Or maybe…for my bare wall??

I had a specific idea in mind for this piece. I purchased this map from Amazon (about $6, including shipping), and I mod-podged it to the top. Knowing that mod-podge tends to create wrinkles, I purposely crinkled and wrinkled the map before I put it on! The body of the cabinet I painted in a creamy white “oops” Valspar paint (the same paint that inspired my bathroom makeover here).

The map originally had a glossy finish, but the matte finish mod-podge toned that down, and I liked it much better. Then I used Minwax Jacobean stain mixed with Martha Stewart glazing medium over the whole chest—map and all. It gave great “age” to the map and everything else! I used the original hardware, painted with oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, but then roughed up to show some of the original brass underneath.

Here’s what it looks like now!

The map looks more vintage-y with the glaze (and the wrinkles!)

Then I had fun playing with a few accessories….

I picked up these two HUGE chippy baseboards at an architectural-salvage shop in Salt Lake City. I didn’t know Salt Lake had an architectural-salvage shop! It was probably better when I didn’t know…

I have three of these cool scales now. I think Ballard Designs want $300 for theirs. I didn’t pay over $20 for any of mine!

The left side of the scale holds two doorknobs and a wire flower frog. The right side has an old brush. I purchased them all at a great antique shop in Salmon, Idaho, on my way home from Montana. I spent a delightful 20 minutes and $28 there!

The succulents in the little wheelbarrow I bought from a local lady who makes delightful arrangements in “found” objects—like tea cups, gravy boats, or other unusual dishes.

So the real test is…what does it look like in my living room?

Well, what do you think?

This is the “new direction” I am referring to (also a nod to the map on the top!) Is this as good as / or better than a bookshelf?

(Still not sure what to put above the couch now. But I may have the glimmer of an idea…)

What do you think?

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