Thursday, March 11, 2010

Suitcase Redo











Hi all. Hope you have been having a nice week. The weekend is near, yay for that.
I did this little project using an old overnight suitcase. Last time we went to the flea market my husband purchased something, and it was stored in this case. They gave us the case for free, so of course I decided it was mine. I tore out the old lining, besides being ruined, it was quite an ugly color. I relined the bottom and sides with my new favorite, burlap. I lined the lid with French dictionary pages and bits and pieces of old travel related things that I printed on the computer. I also stamped in a few places.
Now I just need to figure out where this will go and what it will hold.
I got a few requests from my last post about stamping on silverware. I am just learning myself, but I said I would give the list of supplies and the basics.
You can purchase metal stamps on Etsy like I did, but then I found out you could get the same stamps at Harbor Freight for 3 times less. If you don't have a Harbor Freight store, go to the hardware store. I was a little ticked about that, but it is what it is. I got 2 sets, but I like the 1/8" the best. You need a very strong hammer, at least 16lbs or more. You need a steel bench block to hammer on. I bought mine at a bead store, but you can get them on line too. You then need some old silverware. I have been using butter knives, forks and spoons. Once you know what you want it to say, hold the stamp super steady, and pound it 7-10 times without letting it move. Then you color the word in with a sharpie, and buff out the excess with a very fine piece of steel wool. You can also use this other blackening stuff called Liver of Sulphur, but it smells bad, and is messy. I like the good old black sharpie.
I watched a tutorial on line but they only hammered once really hard, and that didn't work for me, so you do need to experiment. Watch out for your fingers, don't smash them.
Have fun!! Have a great weekend!
Chat again soon,
Love,
Rosemary

17 comments:

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Cute, cute, cute! Love the suitcase and the old French pages inside you've lined it with Rosemary and the silverware too. You must really have to put some muscle grease into that project as my dad used to say! Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the info, I may have to give it a try... my hubby will be thrilled another project. Happy weekend sweetie!
xo~Tracie

Simply Me Art said...

I Love it! The Stamping is so Fun too. It is not easy, I have tried it, I think it takes practice. That is a Great over night case, I can never find them for a good price. Have A wonderful Weekend, Jamie

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

OK! Rosemary...I am so excited! First of all...the little train case....I have all these bits and pieces of ephemera from my trip to Italy...what a fabulous idea you have given me...to decorate the inside of one of my old cases with the papers and use it to store my souvenirs or photos...love it!!!
...and the stampers...I think I told you I found an old set in a cool wooden box....now I just need that steel bench block....how fun this will be! Thank you for always providing such inspiration and sharing your projects!
:)

chicroses said...

I love what youve done with the suitcase.. I like your stamped butter knife..I was at a flea market last wk and some gals had taken silver spoons and smashed the spoon part then stamped like sage,rosemary,I love you and other things..they really looked great.Sold them for $5..I have been wondering where to find the stamps..we have harbor fright here. I just might have to try one..sally

Journal Swag said...

Very cool! Nice job. :)

Sheila

FILIGREE MOON said...

Such a fabulous makeover! Just purchased that stamping set, so it was nice to read your experience before I try it out! ~ Angela

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

That sure is nice of you to share the information about stamping. We have a Harbor Freight and they do have great prices. My miniature screwdriver set has held up as well as my friend's very expensive version.

Love the suitcase! I would have just given up but YOU HAVE VISION.

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

Hi Rosemary ...

Thanks for stopping in at my blog ..!!! I'm so glad to meet you and hope in time to chat more ..

I have always wanted to do the stamping on silver ..Thanks for sharing ..I have a Harbor Freight nearby ..I think I'll have to try my hand at it.

Have a Beautiful Weekend ..

Blessings ..Sara

My Vintage Treasures said...

Awesome Makeover!!!
Thanks for sharing the stamping info!!!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Rosemary,

This is awesome. You applied the labels, non? This is the perfect thing for you to get your creative little hands on! I love it. You do have such an eye for tweaking things...when it comes to crafts, tweaking is my middle name!

HAVE A GREAT DAY! IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

Sugar Bear said...

I'm just starting to experiment with metal stamping too. You can buy the stamping set and the hammer online at Harbor Freight. You can also get anvils on their site but I found it cheaper via Rio Grande or like you said - a bead or jewelry making shop. Fun fun!
Karla

Faded Plains said...

Your suitcase turned out so cute...and I've been wanting to try stamping like that too...thanks so much for the tips.

Anonymous said...

Hi Rosemary,
You inspired me to strip out our old vintage suitcase. I'm so glad I did - it was pretty gross. Mildew - p.u! I Lysoled it and stuck it out in the sun to hopefully kill that dew yuck.
If it cleans up enough, i'll bring it back in and line it like you did. I'm trying to decide now if I want to paint the exterior as it has some water(?) damage on its top.
Very cute project you did there :)

MJ Ornaments said...

You clever girl. I have a whole set of letter, tried it once and gave up. Now you've inspired me to try again. The suitcase is really cool. Take care, Martha

Fete et Fleur said...

I love that you salvaged this sweet little case! I didn't know metal stamping could be so easy. Thanks for sharing on that.

Nancy

tara said...

ohh i love the suitcase and the stamping I have seen lately and really like it! I should try it but you said it takes practice and well I never seem to like anything I create so...where am I going with this, oh yes I will admire yours for now. :)

Kim said...

I LOVE old suitcases & what you have done with this one is perfect. I love the lining & the cute tag -- so creative to use the stamping set!