Don't discard an old suitcase. Give it new life with a little decorative paint

An old suitcase is more than an accessory. It’s also a testament to travels, memories and amazing adventures that can make up a lifetime of experiences. When a suitcase no longer works as luggage, there’s no reason to discard it. Keep memories intact and upgrade its look with nothing more than a bit of paint and creativity.
A stencil goes a long way toward revitalizing the look of old luggage, whether it's a carry-on bag or a larger suitcase that requires a touch-up. Consider covering the surface in a pastel color before adding some tastefully painted greenery to the suitcase surface. This pop of color makes the redesigned suitcase an eye-catching addition to a bookshelf or coffee table. Painting the top and bottom of the suitcase two different hues gives the finished project even more versatility to blend with your home décor.
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Materials
- Round suitcase
- Light pink acrylic paint
- Small glass bowl
- Paintbrush
- Leaf stencil
- Painter’s tape
- Green acrylic paint
- Hair dryer
- Light gray acrylic paint
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Place an old, round suitcase on a flat working surface.
2. Fill a small glass bowl with light pink acrylic paint.
3. Paint the top cover and edges of the suitcase.
4. If the suitcase has a handle, paint that, too.
5. Secure a leaf stencil to one edge of the suitcase top using painter’s tape.
6. Fill a small glass bowl with green acrylic paint, and use the stencil to paint the design onto the surface of the suitcase.
7. Dry the green paint with a hair dryer once the stencil is removed for a more time-efficient process.
8. Move stencils around the suitcase top as desired to create a display of painted leaves. Each time, secure the stencils with painter's tape, apply the green paint and use a hair dryer to speed the drying process.
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9. Flip over the suitcase and paint the bottom half using the gray acrylic paint.
10. Wait for the paint to completely dry before placing it on a bookshelf or coffee table.
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