D.I.Y.: Transforming A Gatsby Era Suitcase Into A Coffee Table With Storage

Painting furniture, or something that will serve as furniture is so much fun.

Above is one project - from my husband's shed. I'm not sure what to call it - a steamer trunk? a huge suitcase? but I do know it has loads of style.

I especially love the four bamboo bands that surround it. (Click to enlarge and you can see those bamboo bands better) I hope you can see that the corners are heavily reinforced with leather and I was delighted that the leather straps/handles are still intact and usuable. This very old piece was found in "patched-up" condition, the work of a previous owner.

It was such an extraordinary treasure that I thought about it a long time before painting a design on it. I didn't want to overwhelm the raw appeal it had as found. To enhance, but not to overwhelm or cutesy it up was my goal. I needed a design that was as unique as the trunk and as classic.

After basecoating and antiquing so all of the distressed and aged areas were highlighted, I decided that I would paint botanical roses, in neutral tones, complete with the Latin names in the different areas. On the top, I alternated the direction of the designs so the top would be pleasing from front or back view. Counting the top surface, the sides and ends, there are nine different botanical rose designs. I truly don't want to admit how long that took me to do.
I'm redoing the interior, so that will require even more downtime. Waiting for adhesive to dry - the devil is in the details. And I'm pondering about a base to elevate it so that it might be used for a table. Little stick legs don't appeal to me. Some sort of neat iron frame would be nice though I don't happen to have one. I guess I will have to talk to my hubby about this and rummage around in his sheds to see if inspiration strikes.

In the meantime, since I've already finished most of the interior pieces for lining this, I can either take a break, or continue where I left off on another project. Eventually, most find their way to completion. *Smile* A coffee breaks sounds appealing.....

So much of art or craft work is spent -

w a i t i n g.

PS. My hubby found four wonderful huge wood BUN feet for it! We measured the height and they are perfect!

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

• Antique Curiosities: From My Husband's Shed

• Repurposed Treasures: As Pretty As I could Make Them

• PACK 'ET UP!: Best Online Free Printable Packet Templates

• BEST Online Free D.I.Y. Fabulous SPRING WREATH Video I've Ever Seen!

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Easy Painting Projects Fit For Royalty: A Royal Tee, Crowned Pillow, and Game Tote with a Crown on One Side That Flips to Checkers-2-Go

I designed patterns for years and years for the arts and crafts industry. I tried hard to create versatile patterns, patterns I loved myself. The best part about creating the patterns was hearing from customers how much they enjoyed them; whether for gifts or for creating things they could sell at craft fairs, or just for their own home and personal use.

I've been working on some patterns to offer on my Many Shades of Shabby Catablog. I'm working on several at a time, and hope to fill it up soon.

I just added this first one that I had so much fun creating. It's for fabric painting, but of course, it's easy to see that the design might go on many surfaces.

This pattern begins with a glitzy crown loaded with sparkling gems. It's really simple to use the pattern - on most medium or light weight fabrics, all you have to do is slip it beneath the pattern and trace it before you paint it. Above, I'm marking off the squares for the pillow cover and you can see the design beneath the satin fabric.

I made the pillow out of scraps of an old vintage wedding gown I purchased at a thrift store. It really turned out elegant and I love it. But the pillow is just as elegant made of plain old muslin.

What I really find a delight to do was the Game Tote.

I thought the game tote would make a great place to store all those little things it takes to play a game. I couldn't help but think what a sweet gift this could make as a set for a little princess-who could sleep in the tee, pack overnight things in the tote, and she and her friends could play checkers right on the bag. How much fun would that be?

These look lovely in different colors. Now why does pink and silver glitter come to mind?
The crown is shown on a tee and a hooded sweat here, but wouldn't it be sweet on a night tee, the long ones?

As Seen in Romantic Country Magazine: Jeweled Frames & Cherubs 2-die-4

Click on Photo to see Details

Though I haunted the local stores, I failed to find a copy of Romantic Country; so you can imagine how thrilled I was when a copy arrived in the mail . Finally, I could see the stunning home of my friend, Debbie Del Rosario. You have to see this eight page lay-out to believe it! Truly, her home must be one of the most romantic ever - from the crystal chandelier lighting, artwork, layers of roses, to her scrumptious collections - it is breathtaking.

Imagine! I counted four chandeliers dripping in crystals in her bedroom alone - and that was just from one view. Among the many beautiful table-top accessories which caught my eye were the gorgeous jeweled frames and cherubs scattered here and there. One table is laden with the frames. The immensely talented Debbie makes these frames from vintage jewelry and they are available on eBay under her id, bubbathump, not as, sadly, erroneously provided in the magazine. To see more of her creations, ideal for a Mother's Day gift, or to add sparkle to your most cherished photo - click here.

Gifts for me: The Most Beautiful Cherubic Figurines Ever!

Debbie Del Rosario is a friend straight from heaven. She recently sent me a pair of the most gorgeous cherubs I've ever seen or will ever see. All mine! Mine! MINE!!! ( See one of my pair above) Both are delicately and artistically laden with Swarovski Crystals - from their crowns to their ankles.

When I saw them, my mouth dropped and I looked and looked at all of the intricate details she had created. These are gifts that I will treasure until I die, and as Debbie is fond of saying, I may just request that both of the cherubs be buried with me!

Right now only two of her exquisite cherubs are available on eBay. Divine, they are simply mouth-watering divine. It's not too early to think Mother's Day - I know they made my day!
Thank you again and again, Deb.

This one below is one of two now available on eBay

(Click to enlarge it and see it better)

Click here to see both on eBay