Ever feel like a hot mess? You know I have…tsk. Well, this is a story of a hot mess turned…well…hottie. haha. I felt challenged me with this vintage goodie that needs a whole lotta love. Let’s go on a DIY adventure to see this vintage luggage painted, shall we?
Not only is it taped up, beaten up, but also totally full of a story I wish I could hear. This vintage luggage by Hartmann has the original functioning locks, leather handle, and even the monogrammed leather label. eep! I love it.
Conversely, the inside shows the wear and tear the most.
To tell the truth, I have my work cut out for me for sure.
LET’S GO
As you can imagine, most folks would toss this in the trash bin and carry on. However, true #trashure me, is committing to saving this once-beauty. In the past, I’ve made:
- a portable folding table into a luggage look-alike
- turned old silverware boxes into luggage boxes
- a nightstand made from vintage luggage
In addition, you can see, I have a slight infatuation with vintage luggage. For me, it brings back times when things were simpler…no screens…just life. For this reason, I want to revive this suitcase to offer a decorative piece with hidden storage.
First, I tear pull off the packaging and duct tape holding it together in replacement of the leather that used to be there.
Then, to my amazement, I find the wooden sides have detailed joints and even metal banding reinforcing.
In order to repair this, I use glue in the joints, but also whip out my copper contact paper to create reinforced seams once again.
INSIDE OUT
After that, it’s time for the inside lining to come out – whew! What a mess, but nevertheless much easier than working on silverware boxes.
Regardless of the mess, as soon as I clean it out, I use my custom-mixed paint to paint two coats of it letting cure in between.
Afterward, the white is dry, I use a custom-mixed beige to loosely brush on a layer. I’m wanting to create a story on each side of the vintage luggage painted, and this is my start.
Next, I break out 5 different stencils I have on hand. You can totally add a transfer, stripes, decoupage…the sky’s the limit.
LINING
Finally, I add a layer of batting to the top and bottom using a spray adhesive.
On top of that, I use more adhesive and add a base layer of fabric first.
Last, for the sides, I measure and add 1″ so I can fold under. I press it with my iron and allow extra for overlap. To finish, I use my hot glue gun to tack the sides in place.
You can see how I line a box in this tutorial or video below.
STEPPIN’ OUT IN STYLE
As a result of my DIY efforts, I now have a vintage luggage painted in French chic style with beautiful lining to boot. woot!
It’s funny…I have a daughter with the initials E.J. and I told her I should save this for her but that she has to marry someone with an S last name! haha…nah…she doesn’t need to marry.
Furthermore, I did two different designs on the outer sides because, why not?
It’s hard to see in the pictures, but I did use a soft gold and opalescent paint to highlight certain areas and to tie in the monogram. By the way, I had such fun, can you tell?
Further, if you’d like to make this part of your home story or fill it with goodies and gift it to a friend or loved one, find it and more in my online store.
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So, I’m curious…what would you store inside this case? As always, my goal is to inspire you to give DIY a try with your own vintage luggage painted. It’s fun, a creative outlet, and saves these gems from the landfill. Also, pin and share!
What is more, stick around and sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this little cutie HERE.
Until next time!
While you’re at it, more fun DIY projects likes this vintage luggage painted:
What a transformation!!! So adorable and functional!! Would be a great place to store special items or memories. 🥰
That’s what I was thinking…like a hope chest, but this is hope luggage. haha.
Love it. I would probably store books or my old diaries. Blessings
I just love that idea! I have old vintage linens I’d like to tuck in (I actually already do in the ones I have)
Wow that cleaned up so well Larissa! I like the designed you chose, and the pretty fabric inside. I need . I’m not sure what I would store in there. Probably vintage table cloths- if I had any. I so want some….
I have some you can have! I have too many…ahem. 😀 Thanks so much for the smile. 😀
Wow, I love it! I have a vintage 1960’s suitcase of my moms that I want to use for storage in my sewing room.
Ooh…what color is it? I love the robin’s egg blue ones.
You are so creative, I bet you could write some good background stories of adventures this case has gone through.
Wouldn’t that be fun?! I can imagine all sorts of wonderful adventures.
Wow! You absolutely met the challenge to give this piece new life, Larissa 🙂 Very chic! Love the way you paint a piece with so much dimension, not just one solid color. That really gives so much visual interest. I have an old suitcase that belonged to my mother-in-law that she saved greeting cards, letters, photos in…I know technically it was not a “safe” environment for paper products probably, but they all fared well and it has been such a treasure hunt going through her memorabilia! You inspired me to paint her old case and I can still store her artifacts in acid-free sleeves and they should live on in their beautified home? 🙂 Thank you!!
How fun to hear, Mary! Thank you for the smile 🙂 You truly have treasure and I love the idea to create a “memory box” for her and you to cherish.
Another fabulous rescue of what might have ended up in the landfill. Lovely vintage-style night and day transformation, Larissa!
Happy dance!! Thank you. Yes, I think I was the last hope of sorts. haha. I had fun!
Keep learning and keep an open mind. Thanks for sharing your story.
Open mind indeed as my kids and I learn for each other and about their dad. Also, I know where I be for me as well.