Paint your vintage briefcase

The other day when I was in the thrift store, I noticed some old vintage briefcases. When I picked one up, I got a whiff of something I can't quite describe. I put it back very quickly, but decided to be brave and pick up another one.

The second one definitely smelled better, and I almost bought it. Everything in the store was 25 cents that day, but I couldn't for the life of me think of why I needed an old briefcase.

Too bad I didn't see this awesome tutorial from Creative Reveries. Stephanie found an old briefcase at Goodwill and decided to give it to her 5 year old niece as a birthday gift, but knew she couldn't give her the old and decrepit briefcase looking all brown and gross.

After thoroughly cleaning the briefcase with soapy water, Stephanie applied 2 coats of primer, letting the primer dry between each coat. When that was dry, she applied 2 coats of acrylic craft paint, letting dry between each coat of paint. She cut out some pretty scrapbook paper to cover the trim and locks, and then applied decoupage medium to glue down the paper. She then applied 2 coats of varnish to seal the paint, letting dry between each coat.

With the easy step by step instructions, you too can easily turn your old briefcase into a beautiful work of art. Your youngster will have hours of fun with all the age appropriate goodies you stuff in her stylin' new briefcase. For the older gift recipient, check out M.E. Williams' post on painting your luggage.

[via: Tipnut]

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