altered train case
When I started working on stuff for the Rock and Roll Craft Show, I knew I wanted to make one "wow" item...a good stop-and-stare show piece. I didn't know what I'd make but figured something would come to me. When I found a nearly perfect American Tourister train case at my thrift store, I knew I had what I was looking for.
Meg at pixiegenne makes the coolest altered lugguage pieces and I have been in awe of them for a long time. I always wanted to try to make one and have made a few (much smaller!) altered lunch boxes. I decided to make everything from a McCall's Home Catalog from Summer 1962 and just started cutting stuff I liked and pasting it on the case...it really isn't something you can plan or layout but rather it just kind of evolves from a very quick and frenzied paper cutting session. My final step was to add a stitched ribbon to the top and base...the perfect finishing touch.
Now, about the case. It is amazingly well-made...just look at the detail on the handle. It has a cool combination lock and fun snappy closures. And the inside...
It already had the pearl straight pin in it so I used that to pin a little ticket to the inside (I plan to write the combination lock number on the ticket). I'd also love to add a bling-y brooch to the inside if I find one this week. The envelope opens to reveal a perfect mirror. Oh...and I bought it at my thrift store for $1.81.
So, what do you think? Is it a "wow"?
Yes, I absolutely love it!
Posted by: randi | November 29, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Posted by: Deanna | November 29, 2007 at 09:08 AM
I love this! My mom had a case JUST LIKE IT, but of course, not cute. Where is that case? You probably bought it! I have no clue what happened to it! Darn! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | November 29, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Certainly a "WOW!" item!! I just love all the images you used; and the idea of putting the lock combination on the little ticket is genius! ;) Good luck at the show!
Posted by: Casey | November 29, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Truly a WOW item!! It is gorgeous and best of luck at the show.
Posted by: southerngirlmusings | November 29, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Wow, wow, wow! I love it. When I was a kid, I used a similar (but not as pretty) train case to tote around my Barbie, even created little furniture for her inside. I wish my case had been so lovely!
Posted by: Colleen | November 29, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Wow, indeed! This is the cutest. How fun would it be to haul around with your crafts in progress in as you travel. Cute! Cute! Cute!
Posted by: Cindy | November 29, 2007 at 10:08 AM
get out of town- under two bucks! that is the deal of the year for sure! You did an absolutely perfect job! good luck at the show
Posted by: lulu sparkles | November 29, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I think it is great!!You could sell that for way more than $1.81!! Are you going to keep it?? Did you decopauge it on the outside? And what did you use to make it stick. At the Ross near us they have these small cases and I was wondering if what you did would work??
Posted by: Miss Paula | November 29, 2007 at 10:46 AM
GREAT JOB JULIE!
Super. I love it!
I keep buying these, but have yet to cover one. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: jen | November 29, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Fabulous! Definitely a WOW piece!
I've been thinking about picking up one of those cases recently, and now I know what to do with it if it's in less than perfect condition on the outside. Do post what glue you used, please?
Best of luck at the show. You're brilliant!
Love the new banner, too.
Posted by: Mary | November 29, 2007 at 12:41 PM
It's perfect!! I want it soo bad! I'm curious...is it hard to make and is it useable?? Oh, by the way...WoW!
Posted by: Whitney | November 29, 2007 at 12:56 PM
It's a "WOW", very nice, I like it.
Posted by: Judy | November 29, 2007 at 01:37 PM
too awesome. i had picked up a tear drop case for 10 cents awhile back and finally gave it a go after being inspired by you and meg. i used solid sheets of scrapbook paper so its not near as interesting but i was happy with my first attempt. you have know spurred me on to go get some more and let it rip.
Posted by: jeanetta | November 29, 2007 at 04:51 PM
WOW indeed! I have a thing for train cases and this one is fab! xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | November 29, 2007 at 06:28 PM
It rocks! Very, very cool!!!
Kari
Posted by: ArtsyMama | November 29, 2007 at 06:48 PM
It's a definite wow! I've also admired Meg's altered luggage work and think you've done a beautiful job, too.
Posted by: June | November 29, 2007 at 08:06 PM
ok, that is the coolest!!!
Posted by: Amy | November 29, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Oh my goodness! I stumbled across Pexigenne's blog last summer and fell in love with her suitcases too! I've been collecting images but have not gotten around to doing one yet! Do you have any tips? besides a SUPER SHARP x-acto knife? Yours turned out so wonderful!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | November 29, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Ok...truly truly fab!! Love it to bits!!
Really just too cool!!
Happy Holidays!!!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | November 29, 2007 at 10:31 PM
it is fantastic!!!!
i love it!
Posted by: liz elayne | November 30, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Oh yes, it's a wow! I can't even believe how cool that is!
Posted by: Mary Ann | November 30, 2007 at 03:46 PM
WOW!!!!!
Posted by: Mary | November 30, 2007 at 03:48 PM
It is definately a WOW and a must have type item! Lovely!
Posted by: melanie | November 30, 2007 at 05:46 PM
ohhhh its definetely a wow!!
its gorgeous! very clever!
Posted by: Anastasia | December 01, 2007 at 04:48 AM