jane's apron: altered train case

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"?

Posted at 08:14 AM in jane's apron projects | Permalink