Be still my heart! Two wooden suitcases at Goodwill for six dollars each!
Fumigation not included.
I had a big idea for this small suitcase: A table when it’s closed and a vanity when it’s open. You know, “just in case” I need to freshen up.
I paired the suitcase with a table waiting for the perfect partner.
Stripping the inside of the suitcase involved experimenting with a few cleaning products. Goo-gone won first place in glue removal BUT it soaked through in some spots and darkened the exterior. Decision made. Paint!
Magic Eraser did such a good job cleaning up the trim and handle that I decided to leave it as is. Before painting, I taped the trim and the hardware.
The suitcase and table were graced with two coats of Annie Sloan Cream. In this “case,” I didn’t need the tabletop. I removed it and saved it for a future project.
I taped off stripes on the suitcase and added pink and peach highlights to the table. The pink is a combination of Emperor’s Silk and Cream and the peach is a combination of Barcelona Orange and Pure White. I don’t know the proportions. I just mixed until I liked the color.
It looked a little stark so I did some distressing and added images. Thank you to the Graphics Fairy and Diana Dreams Factory for the “Shabby French Roses Furniture Transfer.” The complete transfer is on the bottom shelf. I enlarged some of the elements for the top of the suitcase. Heirloom Traditions 1gel is a great transfer medium.
On to the “Just in Case” vanity…
I had some beautiful fabric and used a craft paper template to cut it to fit the back of the lid. I brushed the fabric with Mod Podge before the final cut. That made it easier to get a true cut without loose threads and it also helped align and decoupage the fabric to the surface
Before I glued the fabric to the suitcase, I cut an oval in the center about half an inch smaller than the mirror.
For more secure adhesion, I wanted to be able to glue the mirror directly to the the bare wood (and granite-like cardboard residue). To avoid sharp edges, I’d purchased an inexpensive mirror with a beveled edge
After the Mod Podge dried, I sealed the fabric with 1gel. 1gel is much more expensive but I find it leaves a harder, more protective top coat.
Gorilla Glue gel held the mirror beautifully.
To attach the suitcase to the table base, I needed a sturdy piece of plywood that fit inside the bottom. I was excited to break open my brand new jigsaw but I waited until my brother Jim was available for some lessons and guidance.
(I asked to borrow a sweatshirt. Apparently he only owns NY Giants sweatshirts. Worked for me.)
A perfect fit!
I rested the board on a smaller table and flipped the open suitcase on top of it. I screwed the table base through the bottom of the suitcase and the board at the same time. I’m sorry I didn’t take a picture. I was on a roll.
This is the flip-side after the operation was complete.
The interior came to life with another piece of fabric decoupaged to the board on the bottom and sealed with 1gel.
I used the same method for the trim that I used for the Pretty as a Peacock Chair. I soaked clothesline in water, then soaked it in paint, and hung it up to dry. No wax if you’re going to glue it!
I felt like Willie Wonka on the cusp of inventing bubble gum licorice.
“I am the maker of music, the dreamer of dreams!” – Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
With a little extra help from Beacon Fabri-Tac, pink trim!
With repurposed clothesline, repurposed clothespins seemed the right choice for some handy hooks.
A suitcase side table…
with a surprise inside.
Just in case.
