I had this suitcase as a birthday present from my sister and I’ve had a number of plans on how to customise it. I eventually decided on this technique.

Materials

1 vintage/old suitcase

spray paint (in the colour of your of choice, but make sure it is waterproof)

lace or net curtain

masking tape

Technique

Work in a well ventilated or outdoor area. Make sure the case is clean and free from grease then place the lace or net over the area you are going to spray (I suggest doing the back then the front and finally the sides). Secure the lace with masking tape (making sure the tape doesn’t overlap the area you are going to spray). Spray, following the instructions on the can and allow the area to dry before removing the lace. Repeat on the next area.

You can finish with a layer of matt varnish if you wish but you might not need to if the spray you have used is hard wearing.

(click on images to enlarge)

I had some spray left over and did get a bit spray happy so sprayed the seat of this old chair and I now have a desire to decorate a whole range of things with this technique! I really like how the grain shows through on the chair and it still looks “woody”. I’m going to finish the chair by painting the legs and back white .

(click on images to enlarge)

Talking of lace I’m hoping to get to the Lost in Lace exhibition really soon.