DIY Sheet Music covered Suitcase
This was a post that my friend Gina, from The Shabby Creek Cottage, wrote awhile back. It’s been stuck back in the archives for awhile and it’s such a lovely project, that I’ve dusted it off and enlarged the photos so that you can see it better now! I just adore Upcycled projects… there’s something so satisfying about transforming a thing that has potential, into a thing that’s beautiful and useful. I love how Gina transformed this old tattered and torn suitcase into this beautiful Parisian Home Décor Accent piece, just with a few pieces of old Sheet Music, a Vintage Paris print, and some Glue! This is a very simple Decoupage, or Mod Podge, project that anyone can do. What’s really great about these old Vintage Suitcases, is that they make great storage pieces too. Can’t you just picture this piece on top of an old French Armoire… or Dresser, or stacked in a corner with a few others? You could store anything that you like in it … from out of season clothing, to your favorite Craft Magazines, or maybe your Quilting or Knitting supplies! So it’s as practical as it is pretty. Now, I’ll just go ahead and let Gina take it from here so that she can walk you step by step through the full Tutorial…
Ever luck up upon a great deal – but it’s just not completely your style? Happens to me all the time! I found this suitcase at an antiques shop, at a steal for only $15. Only problem? A rough looking exterior of some scuffed up roses. But I knew that the sweet little suitcase could be a beauty with just a little imagination! Living south of Nashville, I know that everybody LOVES music related stuff. Sheet music is the key to selling anything in my neck of the woods. So that’s what this pretty little case needed.
I started with the Suitcase and some sheet music (I found mine at a local thrift shop for only 10 cents!!! – but you can always print off your own with the Printable Sheet Music Graphic found HERE or HERE.) You will also need:
Sheet Music Decoupage Supplies
Antique Matte Mod Podge
A paint brush (for applying the Mod Podge)
Scissors (for paper)
Exacto Knife
Brayer
A print for the top (I used the Eiffel Tower Graphic found HERE)
Step 1: Let’s get started! First I trimmed up the flaky parts of the previous paper job with my exacto knife. I used it to lift up the bits that were peeling up, and cut around the edges cleanly.
Step 3: I used the Brayer to get the pages as smooth as possible, although the rough paper underneath did leave a little texture (and it looks pretty fab!)
Step 4: I love using the Antique Mod Podge, because it gives it an aged appearance. The more coats you use, the better it looks!
Step 5: Around the corners, I used my nail as a guide to put a crease in the paper to get the curves just right.
Step 6: Then I trimmed it out and glued it down, using the Mod Podge on top as a sealer.
One Brave Soul says
You are amazingly talented and you write crystal clear instructions, Your work is waaaaaaay beyond email level. I’m old. I cry for quality. I rarely get it. Thanks for making my day. Keep up the excellent work. Soon we will be saying “we used to get freebies from her! Can you imagine”?!
graphicsfairy says
Thanks so much 🙂
Dawn says
Personally I really love the rose and pink paper look because it goes with my decor. But I am so grateful for the instructions for covering the suitcase. I have a few that I have picked up at garage sales and would work perfect for this project. Thank you so very much for sharing!
graphicsfairy says
That is wonderful Dawn, I am so happy you found this both timely and useful. Have fun!
Kristi L says
I LOVE THIS!!! I’m hoping I can find an old suitcase so I can give this a try.
Dori Stowell says
I loved this so much that I went ahead and made my own just like it right away. I gave you a shoutout too:http://prairiescraps.blogspot.com/2012/10/vintage-suitcase-redo.html. Thanks so much for sharing!
Crystal-barker says
Found you On Pintrest, the suitcase is fantastic! I found one at a flea market I want to use mainly for a photo prop with my toddler. I paid 2 dollars for it at a flea market, but it does need some love and this project is perfect! You mentioned being south of Nashville and having a barn sale? I’m south of Nashville and I want to know more about this sale if you have other great things like this in there!!! 🙂
srpprcrftr says
Loving that suitcase, hope I can find a small one similiar to one you redid. So cute and handy. Great tutorial and thanks so much for links to the images you used to redo the suitcase. Very helpful. If I can’t find one I”ll use one of my train cases to experiment.
The Craft-Arty Kid says
This looks awesome. Love the vintage-y feel
agnès says
Très jolie!