Newest obsession...the vintage train case...a go go

For years and years I always wanted a "mini" vintage suitcase (aka a train case). I found one once in SLC that stunk of Chanel 5 and had to pass it up...since then I just always wanted one...about a month ago I did a trade with a fellow etsian for a magenta train case...and that's where the obsession began...

At first I was obsessed with finding train cases in perfect condition that could be used the day they showed up...but then, I was watching one case that was obviously beat up.. it had everything I was looking for in a case....(keys, inner tray)-it just looked like crap...and that's when it dawned on me....I COULD REVAMP IT! I could decide the color...I could line it with my favorite fabric...it would totally be the coolest case ever....so, I bid on the case on ebay, I won even though some other person starting fighting me for it in the last minute! But, I was stoked...I couldn't wait to get the case and immediately starting picking out paint and fabric for it.

I searched on ebay for more cases that needed to be repaired---and came across one that no one had bid on and it was ending in less than a minute....on a whim I threw in a bid and won it at the last second-nabbing it for only $14!

So, the wait began...I thought about it all the time and planned out the entire thing....finally, the second case came and I was on it the second I opened the mail....I decided to document my little experiment...so, here's an up close and personal journey the "train case experiment"

First step....I took a few pics of the case as it arrived...a little dirty, a little disheveled...and totally ready to go.





Next, I ripped out all the inner pockets (which smelled of vinyl and had the random hair clip and sewing needle in them). I taped her up and took her outside to spray paint the first layers:


I pulled the tape off and retaped and did the awesome layers of the fabulous blue paint I had just picked up. I think because it was so hot out (around 100 degrees) the paint ran a little on the first coat...the second coat it was awesome...but it did leave some touch up on the silver layer...:




I retaped again and sprayed the inside to take care of sealing up the vinyl:


I taped the case up AGAIN and fixed the little smears on the silver (it looked kind of fun:):



Next was onto the fun stuff! I added on some nifty new feet on the bottom for good grip:


Next was onto making the sweet A fabric for the inside (I've decided IKEA fabrics are the bomb!):



After I got all the fabric panels all put together I started putting in my velcro pieces so that the fabric can be removed for washing or just when you feel like putting a new set in!:


Finally all the pieces were in, velcro-d and ready to go! I freakin LOVE how it came out!:


I really wanted to fix the 'sticky' looking areas on the front latches and on the handle, so I fitted them with a little fabric to make the case look even more fun:


And it was DONE! I had soooo much fun making this case...In true Samaria Project/Jess spirit, I saw a case that no one wanted...and I gave it a new life....makes it a lot more special than all the others :)
Now the debate on whether to keep it or not is on....the other case I bought is on it's way....and of course I am picking out the paint and the fabrics as we speak...