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"?

 

Comments

[randi]

Yes, I absolutely love it!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

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!

[Casey]

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!

[southerngirlmusings]

Truly a WOW item!! It is gorgeous and best of luck at the show.

[Colleen]

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!

[Cindy]

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!

[lulu sparkles]

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

[Miss Paula]

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??

[jen]

GREAT JOB JULIE!
Super. I love it!
I keep buying these, but have yet to cover one. Thanks for the inspiration!