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Turn that vintage case from "mehh" to "wow that's super cute! where did you get it?!"
I found this vintage Samsonite train case at a Goodwill outlet store (even cheaper than regular Goodwills!). It cost me a whole $.99 but normally they would cost between $4-$5 from what I've hear others say. You can also find them at thrift stores like the Salvation Army which according to people that have gotten them their, they were about $8. The time for this project really varies depending on the design you choose to paint. It's fairly simple, just time consuming when you add in dry time. I bought all supplies for the project at walmart.
Primer/base coat- $3.50
acrylic paint (pink)- $1
acrylic paint (black)- $1
Spray gloss sealant- $3.50
Crystals- $12
Masking tape- $2
Total: $23 (estimate)
It seems expensive but most of the supplies can be used on the next one, except for the crystals :) Hope you like this!

Posted by Ashley G. from San Antonio, Texas, United States • Published
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  • How to make a suitcase / trunk. Upcycled Vintage Train Case - Step 1
    Step 1

    I used masking tape to cover all the trim and anything you don't want painted (handle, metal parts). Take care in taping off the trim so that it's nice and neat (you'll be glad you took the extra time!)

  • How to make a suitcase / trunk. Upcycled Vintage Train Case - Step 2
    Step 2

    after covering anything you don't want painted, use a flat spray paint- i used a primer that was gray since they were out of flat gray spray paint. This dries fairly quickly (10 minutes or less)

  • How to make a suitcase / trunk. Upcycled Vintage Train Case - Step 3
    Step 3

    Now it's time to start working on your design. I chose leopard print in baby pink acrylic paint. Just a flat one, not the gloss.

  • How to make a suitcase / trunk. Upcycled Vintage Train Case - Step 4
    Step 4

    Next you will want to apply a clear glossy sealant BEFORE removing taped off areas. You may want to do 2 coats. In the craft section they have Mod Podge in spray form, but in the spray paint section in walmart you can get a clear non yellowing glossy sealer for about $2 less...that's what I used and it was fine. Now you can remove your tape after the clear coat dries

  • How to make a suitcase / trunk. Upcycled Vintage Train Case - Step 5
    Step 5

    next I used some crystals that come in strips, i got them from the scrapbooking section in walmart for $3 per pack- this took me 4 packages. once you're done adding any finishing touches you want, your case is now as cute as can be and totally unique to you! We'll tackle the inside next- although this one is is good shape- i painted the border of the mirror inside matching baby pink.

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Comments

Leah S.
Leah S.
I love this! I have collected about 15 train cases with the intention of making keepsake boxes out of them.. but your design gets me thinking in a whole new direction!! Thanks!
Reply
Leah S.
Leah S.
I love this! I have collected about 15 train cases with the intention of making keepsake boxes out of them.. but your design gets me thinking in a whole new direction!! Thanks!
Reply
Ashley G.
Ashley G. · San Antonio, Texas, US · 1 project
i'm so excited i went and found another one today- $1.99 and it's pink <3 i think no one around here wants them thank goodness!
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Audrey-ola
Audrey-ola · Longmont, Colorado, US · 8 projects
They can be hard to find. I spent 3 years looking for my 3 piece set. I have everything but the hat box that I still can't find. Vintage collectors grab them as fast as they can.
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Ashley G.
Ashley G. · San Antonio, Texas, US · 1 project
@Audrey-ola- i went back today to look for another but no luck...i searched like 10 times lol...i think i kept looking because i found the tray that goes inside exactly like the case i got, so i kept thinking the case must be around there somewhere, either it was never together, or someone beat me to it Happy but i did find a samsonite hardshell briefcase that i'm going to trick out as well haha Happy
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Audrey-ola
Audrey-ola · Longmont, Colorado, US · 8 projects
Way to go on getting it so cheap! I got mine (blue samsonite that matches the luggage) for $19 at a vintage shop.
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