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Rubber Road
Scenic Byway:

Altered Vintage Suitcase

Amy McIntire
Trailblazers
Paper Arts & Multi Media Designer

Ah…vintage suitcases! Their decorative flair can add a nice touch to any home and are great for storage purposes. Many old suitcases can be left as is. However, due to lots of wear and tear, some may need a little decorative help by altering them. Old suitcase tops serve as a great blank canvas
for collage, stamping, and other artistic treatments. The great thing about this project is there are no exact measurements for the paper pieces used.  This means there is no need to
pre-measure since it is all layering and collage work.

This project can be done on any hard-surfaced case such as a small trunk, cosmetic case, or footlocker.

For the finished project, the three muses on the front with their words of wisdom guard over the art idea books that I have tucked inside. 

Supply List:

•  Heart Twinz (TAC)

•  Twilight Inspirational Words (La Pluma) 

•  Felicia Star stamp (Stampabilities)

•  Cynthia Diem (Stampabilities)

•  Judith Bliss (Stampabilities)

•  Magnetic Stamp Handle Set (Making Memories)

•  Sepia Archival Ink (Ranger Industries)

•  Luscious Lips and Starry Night Archival Inks (TAC)

•  Suitcase

•  •  Purple and pink cardstocks (Stampin’ Up!)

•  Oatmeal cardstock (Staples)

•  Crackle background paper (Die Cuts with a View)

•  Definition background paper (Die Cuts with a View)

•  Music background paper (Sandylion)

•  White spray primer (Rust-OLeum)

•  Black Spray Paint (Krylon)

•  Multipurpose spray adhesive (3M)

•  Crystal Clear Glaze (Krylon)

•  Medium size foam brush

•  Masking tape

•  Paper Perfect medium – Natural (Deco Art)

•  Palette knife

•  Watercolor pencils

•  Water brush pen

•  X-Acto knife

Instructions:

1.    Prep suitcase by cleaning the outside surface of any dust with a static-cling 
cloth (Swiffer).  Protect all of the attached hardware/latches by using by covering 
them with masking tape.

2.    In a well ventilated area, paint the entire suitcase with 2 coats of spray 
primer and let dry between coats.

3.    In a well ventilated area, paint entire case with 2 coats of the black spray paint 
and dry completely before moving to next step. 

4.    Stamp the muse images/words onto cardstock and color in muse images with 
watercolor pencils blending with water brush pen.

5.    Tear around each of the stamped pieces to create a torn border. Do the same 
torn border around each of the patterned paper pieces except for one edge (this 
edge will be aligned with the case border). When tearing the patterned paper, keep 
in mind to add on an extra inch on all sides (for trimming purposes). 

6.    Take the pieces and place onto the top lid of the case. Arrange pieces in a 
collage look, like the one shown. Remember to leave three blank spots for the 
application of the Paper Perfect medium.

7.    Apply spray adhesive to the case lid and adhere the arranged pieces. Any 
overlaps along the edge border of the lid can be trimmed with an X-Acto knife. 
To trim off excess, rub paper against the lid border and trim the loose edge.

8.    In the three empty spaces, apply the Paper Perfect medium with a palette 
knife. Spread medium on evenly in each space and clean of excess with a 
slightly damp cloth. Let dry for 12-24 hours. **Taking a sponge and patting 
the surface down can accelerate drying time - this is to remove any excess 
water. Place the piece in front of a fan or in sunlight.  (This medium is used 
to create the look of handmade paper).

9.    When paper medium is completely dried, apply 2 coats of the Crystal Clear 
medium (let dry between coats).

10.                  When case is completely dried, spray a very light mist of black spray 
paint over the top. Refrain from standing too close to the case when spraying 
as this could cause drips and runs on the surface.

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