the crocodile suitcase.

Published on by Quandie

I’ve had this faux crocodile suitcase in my stash for quite some time.

As you can see in the lower left corner, it’s a little beat up.  It’s also one of those cases that are tapered, so it doesn’t lend itself to stacking because it becomes an angled surface when you lay it flat.

So I couldn’t really add it to my stack of vintage cases.

So I decided to paint it up to include at my occasional sale this summer.

After giving it a good cleaning, I applied two coats of Dixie Belle’s Drop Cloth.  I painted the handle as well, but not the rest of the hardware.

Then I went through my stash of transfers to see what I could add.  I ended up choosing the I.O.D. Flora Parisiensis transfer.

I had to cut it up and rearrange it a bit, overlapping some of the elements, to fit my suitcase.

But that wasn’t difficult.

Once I had the transfer on, I went over it gently with one of Dixie Belle’s 220 grit sanding sponges to both distress the transfer and to bring back a little bit of that crocodile texture.

I finished everything off with some of DB’s clear wax.

This suitcase would be perfect for extra storage of things like Christmas decorations, or even off-season clothing because it does not have a musty fabric lining.

This interior is easy to wipe clean.

I have to admit, using a $30+ transfer was probably not a wise investment for a vintage suitcase that I plan to sell.  It’s unlikely that I can charge more than $45 or so for it.  In other words, I’m not expecting to make much of a profit, if any at all.

But I have an embarrassingly large stash of unused transfers that I’ve had on hand for a while.  Many of them are several years old or more.  At this point I think it’s wise to just go ahead and use them.  It’s not like I’m making any money on them sitting in my cupboard.

What I really should do is quit buying more!  But I can’t seem to help myself.  However, if I enjoy revamping items with them, and in the end I’m not actually losing money, I count that as a win.  For those of you who may actually have to make a living at this, then this probably isn’t a good idea for the use of an expensive transfer.

I also used this transfer on a tackle box last year, and I didn’t regret it one bit.

So if you’re just creating for your own enjoyment, I say go for it!

I think this suitcase turned out lovely, but I think whether or not it’s an improvement will be a matter of personal preference.  I’m sure some of you may prefer the original faux crocodile look over this floral one.

What do you think?

24 thoughts on “the crocodile suitcase.”

  4. When I first saw the suitcase,

     I thought I love it but with the damage I knew you would make it much better for a longer “suitcase” life! It turned out great! Another job well thought out and done! smiles, alice

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks Alice! I think there must be antique suitcase purists out there who would prefer that I left the suitcase unpainted, and I did like it myself as well. But I have found it much easier to sell a suitcase that has been given this treatment v. one that is left ‘as is’, so I have to factor that into my decision making as well.

      Like

      Reply

  5. This is lovely and a perfect use for those pricey transfers. Transforming a shabby looking suitcase into a beautiful and functional storage piece is as rewarding as making a profit in my mind. You kept it out of the landfill and it will make someone very happy. Well done.

    Like

    Reply

  7. Your items are always great and inspiring. I wish you could sell your transfers. The older transfers look much better than the newer ones in my opinion. Keep doing the great job you are very inspiring once again.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

    Reply

      1. No I was looking at the vintage labels transfer for example, the ones that are retired iOd. But thank you anyway. I am just thrilled that you take the time out to answer emails no matter how trivial. I wished you got commissioned like on YouTube. How can I support you?

        Sent from my iPhone

        >

        Like

      2. You are supporting right now with your comments! Honestly, just knowing that people are inspired enough to take the time to leave a comment is enough support for me!

        Like

      4. My blog is not monetized, I don’t make any money regardless. But I’m not in it for the money, just for the enjoyment I get 🙂

        Like

  10. Fabulous revival of a case I would have likely donated. I have pieces of that transfer to use up too….you always inspire best uses and this is no exception. Lovely!!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.