Tutorial: Touring Suitcase

Hello.
I haven't done a tutorial for a while, this one is very similar to a blog I have written previously - HERE - but I wanted to show you the step by step process of covering a suitcase. You can get such good results using wrapping paper, and its perfect for the interior and exterior.

I have had this suitcase for a while. It has come with me to many markets, but it just won't sell. I have always thought it looked a little worn on the outside but the inside had its great original dog tooth patterned paper lining, which I just wouldn't want to alter. When I was shopping the other day I found some really great wrapping paper, and I decided that it would be the perfect match for my suitcase. So here's the how to:


YOU WILL NEED:

• suitcase
• paper
• decoupage glue (that can be used to adhere paper to any kind of surface)
• scissors
• scalpel
• brush
• bull dog clips
• damp cloth
• Paper
• Masking tape
• Spray paint suitable for plastic surfaces

METHOD:
1. Make sure the surface of your suitcase is nice and clean. I have decided to just decorate the front and back only and leave the sides their natural brown.
2. I used one large sheet of wrapping paper for this, which does make it more difficult. If you want to use lots of little pieces you can just use the glue and paste the paper on the surface, gradually filling the area until you are done, then go straight to step 7.

3. For the large sheet of paper, cut it out so that it is about an inch bigger on all sides than the desired area. Then start by spreading glue in the centre and lay the paper down, using the bull dog clips to keep the paper in place.

4. To make life a bit easier for yourself I would suggest not sticking right along the edge but just on the flat surface. This will be explained later.
5. Continue to paste and stick the paper on the flat surface, trying to keep the paper nice and flat with no air bubbles. Once the whole flat surface is stuck, crease the paper around the edge and use a scalpel to create a nice neat edge. I like to do this bit before I apply the glue as the glue softens the paper, causing the paper to tear when you cut.

6. You can then stick the edges down. You might want to create small creases in the corners before you glue, but the main thing is to make sure you apply plenty of glue. Don't worry if the glue oozes on to the rest of the suitcase, simply wipe this off with a damp cloth before it dries.

7. The last stage is to cover the whole area in a layer of the glue. You might want to add more than one layer to ensure it is all sealed in properly.

8. One final touch which will really finish off any suitcase with a plastic handle - colour co-ordinate your handle with the wrapping paper. Simply mask off around the handle using tape, and cover the suitcase with paper to protect it. I sanded down the plastic surface lightly so that the paint would adhere fully. Then using the spray paint spray the handle, applying thin layers, slowly building them up. Once dry remove the paper and tape.

And you are left with a very funky suitcase. Hopefully this will inspire you next time you are looking for wrapping paper for presents - use the rest of the role to liven up some of your possessions.
xx

Electric Fan

I may have mentioned this earlier, but the other week the other half and I bought a very cool (ha ha, I chuckle at my own joke) electric fan.

I think it is from the 80s, but I couldn't resist the blue fins and buttons. This got me thinking that we should all be a bit more prepared for summer. That may seem silly now, when it is raining so hard outside that I can't see the garden through the window. But the sun will come eventually, and then all us Brits will complain about it being too hot. The remedy? Buy an electric fan that looks so gorgeous you want to leave it on the side-board regardless what the weather is doing. And just to help you all out I have created a treasury list of all the best on etsy. Check it out - HERE.

Anyway, I'm hoping this positive thinking about sun will make the rain stop. Otherwise I'm going to have to resort to a sun dance in the garden - I don't think any one wants to see that!
xx

New Item Friday

It's Friday again!? How can time be travelling so quickly! I have had a very productive couple of days, if a little blurry from the cold medicine. I have found some nice new items, and finished off some chairs, but I completely forgot about New Item Friday! Luckily, I do still have some new goodies for you. But just the two.....I will make it up to you next week.

In a previous blog I mentioned about an old Creamer which my Mum and I had ago at using - check it out HERE. Well, it would seem the bus theory (where there are no buses for ages and then 2 come along) applies to Bell Creamers. Head over to the shop - HERE - to visit both of these lovely Bell Creamers and all my other treasures.
xx

Rockett

I think the excitement of the last couple of days has worn me out. The cold I have been fighting off has snuck in and decided to take hold of me. I have a really horrible soar throat, headache and punged up nose - so alittle bed rest whilst doing 'research' seems like a good cure. I realise I am meant to be working on the business, but new house and wedding are always on the brain, fighting with any productivity I may have.

So whilst wandering around the internet doing 'research' I came across this great website that you have to check out - Rockett St George.

All images coutesy of Rockett St George

I sense that I might be visiting this site when we have a place of our own. The shoe rack is gorgeous and perfect for the hallway. Plus I know a friend who would love the coasters. And they do wedding lists so we could always ask for pressies from our guests! Basically, I'm sold on this site.
xx

Electrical Appliances Gone Bad

So today I was going to share with you a lovely post about a really gorgeous electric fan I bought in a car boot the other week.

It is lovely. My other half and I have been looking for a retro fan for a while, just to keep us cool in the summer months and to add character on the side board. But after what has happened today I have decided to steer clear of all things electrical (don't mention the fact that I am risking using my laptop...).

The other week when using my large electric sander I noticed sparks on the inside. As you can imagine, this was not a good sign. But it was my own fault, I had let it get over heated so it had caught fire. But luckily I had a smaller detail sander which does for the majority of jobs. No need to worry. So when I set myself up this morning to sand down some chairs with my lovely reliable little sander, it was very annoying that it wouldn't start. My other half replaced the fuse, and it seemed to be fine. Then it blew up. This was really annoying but fine, I can sand by hand, I can cope. Then during my lunch, I quickly zapped some food in the microwave. I turned my back for 2 seconds, heard a little pop, and then noticed that the microwave was on fire.

So my casualties for the day are one sander and one microwave. You can see why I wanted to stay clear of the electric fan!

Lets hope for better luck tomorrow.
xx

Bradford-on-Avon full of Delightful Vintage

I must confess that I don't really think I have recovered from yesterday yet. Alot of very exciting things seem to be developing at the moment, but I don't want to mention anything until it is concrete. Once I know more I will share with you, but if everything does work out I am going to be very happy in the future. Fingers crossed...

My stall on Sunday

But let me tell you about yesterday. The market was not as busy as I would have liked, due to the temperamental weather at the moment, but there was some lovely people there. One of my fellow stallholders had stuff lovely items that I wanted to tell you all about her - Delightfully Vintage.

Lots of treasures at Delightfully Vintage's stall:

She had such lovely things that I ended up buying a few small bits for myself! She is also holding an event of her own in North Bradley near Trowbridge in September which I'm hoping I can be a part of. I recommend checking out her blog - HERE.

Anyway, I need to get busy but will try and write again soon.
xx

The Quickest Blog Known To Man

Hello.
Just a very quick post this evening. I need to run off and get my stuff together for a fantastic market tomorrow in Bradford-on-Avon. I will be at St Margarets Hall from 10am onwards selling all my goodies. This market is part of the Retro, Vintage and Nostalgia Fair which is taking place this weekend in Bradford-on-Avon.
Please come and see me if you are in the neighbourhood.
Anyway, will write more on Monday.
xx

New Item Friday

I have my new (fingers crossed some time soon) home on the brain all the time at the moment; what it will look like, what I will fill it with, what I will cook in the kitchen.....I'm obsessed. So this Friday I decided to theme my new items. I have a large collection of books in the workshop at the moment. A collection of these are really gorgeous vintage reference books, these would have been an essential kit for any ones home.

Check me out - HERE

Check me out - HERE

Check me out - HERE

Frankly I think they look gorgeous regardless of the content, particularly sat on the side in the bathroom or study. I think they would also make great gifts for anyone setting up their own home, training to be a nurse or a barrister. Remember though, these books are not up to date so I would not recommend following the advice they contain, maybe check a modern version first.

xx

Online Vintage Shopping

I thought I would share some lovely vintage shops that I have found online. They all have lovely selections and are definitely worth a look when you are vintage hunting.

www.littletoucan.co.uk

www.follyandglee.co.uk

www.homesweethomestyle.com

I hope you enjoying checking out these sites as much as I have.

xx

Salt and Pepper Pots

I have recently joined instagram and have been trying to post photos of what I get up to with the business, sometimes it is a bit difficult as no one really wants to see me covered in dirt from sanding, painting, etc. So I am trying to add variety, so one of my recent images was of some lovely retro salt and pepper pots that I picked up in the charity shop. Looking at the lovely shape and smokey glass I got thinking about how gorgeous salt and pepper pots are. They get over-looked so often, but they really set off the centre of your dining room table. And if they are really, really cute (like the selection below), they could be a great talking point.

Top to Bottom: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

I've got my eye on the last ones. I think they would be great for my kitchen, when I get a proper kitchen that is.....I am dreaming about having my own house again, sigh.
xx

Markets, markets and more markets

I'm so sorry for not having written sooner. I have spent my Monday and Tuesday doing non-business related things. But now I am back and ready to get working my socks off again. Firstly, I thought I should tell you about the market I did in Bristol on Sunday. The day went well, not as much money taken as last time, but still a successful day.

I now have myself lined up for another market this Sunday in Bradford-on-Avon. This market is going to be great. It is part of a 2 day Vintage, Retro and Nostalgic Fair at St. Margaret's Hall in Bradford-on-Avon.

I'm very excited about this market and keeping my fingers crossed it will be a huge success. The only problem I am having now is that I am running a little low on stock......I need to do some shopping!
xx