Dressed Up Train Case

If you're looking for organization craft ideas, look no further than this Dressed Up Train Case. Find a vintage piece or head to your local discount store for supplies. This shabby chic carrier looks great and can be displayed anywhere in your home.


 

Materials:

• Train case (overnight bag)
• Craft knife
• Rags
• Light-colored, flat latex paint
• Paintbrush
• Sandpaper
• Book pages
• Ruler
• Decoupage medium
• Sponge brush
• Measuring tape
• 3-1/2 inch wide lace
• Scissors
• Satin ribbon scrap
• Key
• Craft glue
• Small flowers

Instructions:

1. Remove the lining from the inside of your train case. The lining is glued in, so in most cases simply prying up an edge with a knife will allow you to grasp it and pull it out. If you encounter stubborn areas, cut it loose with a craft knife. Discard the lining.
   
   
    
2. Close the case. Use a wet rag on the outside of the case to remove dust and dirt.
   
   
    
3. Paint all sides of the case, including the hinges and latches, using a light-colored, flat latex paint. Allow the paint to dry and repeat with additional coats if necessary. Since old cases tend to soak up a lot of paint, I like to use wall paint left over from previous home improvement projects. It's a great way to use up that little bit left in the can and it prevents the added cost of purchasing a large quantity of craft paint.
    
4. Undo the latches on the case and lightly paint over the areas that didn't get painted when the latches were closed.
    
5. Lightly sand the surface and the edges of the case. Lightly sand over the metal of the latches and hinges. Wipe away the sanding dust using a dry rag.
    
6. Insert the blade of a craft knife in the gap between the lid and the case bottom. Allowing the gap to guide you, cut through the dry paint that is gluing the lid closed. After you have cut all the way around the case you will be able to pull open the lid.
    
7. Rip old book pages into 2 to 3-inch pieces. I used ripped book pages left over from other projects. They came from a variety of old books. Even though they didn't match, the contrast of different book pages added interest to the project.
    
8. Working in one small area at a time, apply decoupage medium to the inside of the train case using a sponge brush. Place a book page piece over the medium. Smooth out the wrinkles and seal with a layer of medium over the paper. Repeat with additional book page pieces, overlapping their edges, until the inside of the case and lid has been completely covered. Allow the decoupage medium to dry.
   
   
    
9. Using a measuring tape, measure around the horizontal circumference of the case and add 24 inches. Using this measurement, cut a length of 3 1/2-inch wide lace. Wrap the lace around the case and tie the ends in a bow on the front.
    
10. Cut a 10-inch scrap of satin ribbon that coordinates with your paint color. Thread a key on the ribbon and tie the ribbon around the handle of the case. Using craft glue, attach a small flower to the key. Arrange and glue additional flowers to the lace bow.