My Upcycled Vintage Suitcase

A couple of months ago I found a suitcase for $5.99 and wanted to upcycle it. {Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.} I used mod podge to cover the front and back sides of the suitcase and then I painted a varnish on top of that to seal everything. I added some ribbon and a suitcase tag that I got at Michael's for 60 cents. Overall, this project cost me around $15. A pretty cute suitcase huh?

Vintage 1960's Floral Suitcase

A few months ago I was shopping in a local thrift store and found an awesome vintage suitcase. I think it's awesome at least! As soon as I saw it I knew I was going to give it to one of my friends for her birthday. She loves the store Anthropologie and this reminded of something she would like. I can't remember the exact price that I paid for this suitcase but it was either $5 or $8. Such a good find and my friend loved it for her birthday!

 

I seem to be obsessed with gaudy vintage picture frames lately. I've been searching desperately for some at the local thrift shops and nothing has caught my eye. When I find some to repaint I'll post a tutorial on it.

I have a headache right now so the only good thing to do is browse other blogs for craft inspirations and ideas. Here are just a few.

Cork Vases & Containers

You can find the tutorial here.

Yarn Wreaths

Mod Podge Glitter Heels

Frame Bulletin Board

Revamped Old Furniture

One project that I've been wanting to do for a long time is to revamp old furniture. I needed a new desk so I found a old used desk on craigslist for $30 and a cute storage shelf furniture piece for $25 at a thrift store. The latches actually matched perfectly so I was excited because I wouldn't have to buy all new ones. The desk that I bought had one broken handle(which I'm hoping my grandfather can fix) and the top of it had a few big stains as you can see below. I went ahead and sanded it, prime painted it and painted it white. I then used mod podge to make a unique top of the desk. I simply painted a coat of mod podge onto the desk top, laid my fabric down and then painted a few coats of mod podge on top to seal it. I made sure to sand each layer a bit before puting the next coat on because it helps keep a smooth and shiny surface. I've been obsessed with mod podge furniture and this was the perfect time to try it out. With my other piece of furniture I just sanded and painted it. I really like how they turned out and it didn't cost me much to make this old furniture brand new.

BEFORE

After the paint and before the mod podge fabric detail work.

 

 

BEFORE

The other pictures are coming soon!