dress up

If this suitcase could talk, the stories it would tell. I have had this suitcase in my possession for well over 15 years. I actually have no clue where I got, most likely at a lovely antique store. It has had many uses since we met. It has been magazine storage, DVD storage, held numerous love notes from my Hubby, a random junk box, and most recently a photo prop. Lately it's been neglected and stashed away in the garage. With my daughter's 3rd birthday coming up I knew that I wanted to do something fun with so she could have it as her own and carry with her to make more memories. I came across a pin on Pinterest, where some one turned their old suitcase into a dress up trunk. 

'LIGHT BULB'

How perfect for a 3 year old who's imagination is constantly running wild! This would be the perfect gift!!

Basically all you need for this project is:

Vintage Suitcase

Finials (used on bedposts)

Paint; in your color choice

&

Some power tools

I mixed up the color I wanted to match the color of the suitcase, a soft mint green. Painted the finials and allowed them to dry completely. I then had my Hubby drill 4 holes on the area that would become the bottom of the dress up trunk. Since the screws on the finials were a tad long, he also had to trim them down so there wouldn't be any sharp edges. I also added a pocket to the inside top portion of the suitcase, to put any accessories in. Had some extra scrap fabric lying around that was about twice the width of the suitcase, I folded down the top of the fabric leaving enough room to pull some elastic through. I measure the elastic to be as wide as the suitcase, doing this allowed for the fabric to scrunch up, which is what I wanted. So when I came to attaching the fabric into the suitcase, I was a totally cheater...I just hot glued it!! I know I know!! I figured that staples would be too long and poke through, and for the sake of time the hot glue gun was winning choice! ( I did add some tiny screws to the top of the pocket just to secure the fabric...)

You don't have to add a pocket, yours might already have one. 

I added a fun Walt Disney quote to finish off this dress up trunk. 

I am so very happy with how it turned out!!

I can't wait to give it to her!! And watch her imagination come to life!

**I noted earlier that I found this idea on Pinterest. I had to search for the original source because the pin came from a tumblr page with no information. After some searching, I found it was from the

Red Velvet Girls Blog. Searched through their old archived post, but couldn't find the exact direct link to give. If anyone knows the exact link to this post, please let me know so I can add it to here!**

This was the inspiration for this little project!

Source: followthedotxoxo.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

{DIY} Fourth of July Fabric Banner

So this post is a little late, seeing as today is the 7th. But better late than never, right!?

I have been wanting to make one of these banners that I have been seeing every where. They are so cute and add something special to what ever event they are being hung at.

So what better time to make one, to help celebrate the Fourth of July. I was doing a photobooth for a friends party and it was perfect to hang on the backdrop.

What makes this even better, it's SUPER easy!

I cut out triangles that were about 7 1/2 in on top and 8 in down both sides (You can do as many as you want, I made sure I had enough to do a front and back for one triangle piece) and then I whipped up this funky shape to use in between each triangle...you can do pretty much what ever shape or nothing in between... And you are also going to need some Double fold bias tape in a coordinating color. I grabbed 3 just to be safe, I used one 3 yard piece for each section I made.

To keep with in the Fourth of July theme, I painted of course, Red White & Blue! I use your basic fabric paint and let dry.

Now pin the front (painted triangle) to the back (plain triangle) and then I folded my little funky piece in half and pinned everything in place. Then sewed up the sides! On the triangles I didn't worry about sewing the top because it is going to get sewn shut once added to the bias tape.

Now insert your pieces into the bias tape, leaving enough room at each end of the tape to use to tie up. I sewed all the way threw the tape closing up the end pieces as well.

Now that it's all sewn together, hang and ENJOY and of course CELEBRATE!!!

I really love how it turned out!! Definitely plan on making more in the future and will be pulling this back out next year!

***Stay tuned for my post on how I put together my Photo Booth that I used the Banner for, plus some fun photos that were taken!!***