Thursday, April 28, 2011

Vintage Overnight Case Turned Doll Trunk

My grandtwins, Aubrey and Chloe, have a birthday coming up.  Because I always make them something, I decided to use the overnight case (the third of my, maybe a little too ambitious, 10 projects in 3 weeks) to make them a trunk for a 1970's doll I found and for the doll clothes I made the poor little naked thing.










I'll have to find second suitcase.  I predict a cat-fight over this one.  I'll be ready with my video camera, though, just in case they stage a Youtube worthy brawl that'll make us all instant millionaires.  

Before they were infamous...


The doll and trunk were the perfect size for each other.  I love it when that happens.  A good bath was all the baby needed but the suitcase was a very different story.  



The outside of the case was in almost perfect condition and just needed a good cleaning and some furniture polish to liven it up.  It turned out awesome...


But, the inside was just plain nasty. I ripped the guts out  and re-lined it with a really cute vintage-y looking fabric.






This was a little tricky.  Not hard, really, just tedious.  Poster board was cut to fit then covered with the fabric using spray adhesive and white glue.  




The fabric was stitched to the poster board to help it stay put.



I added a little pocket for storage, the ties to hold the baby in place and a bar for hanging doll clothes. 
     



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Posted by Lindy
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50 comments:

  1. birdie blueApril 28, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    love the doll/case makeover, absolutely adorable. the little doll clothes are especially sweet.

    xo
    ~molly

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  2. Vintage GalApril 28, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    That is the sweetest doll case I've ever seen ~ just wonderful ;-)

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  3. LeighApril 28, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    I love this idea! I am going to send the link to my mom (who is dying to be a grandma) she'll love it too I'm sure!
    --Leigh

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  4. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsApril 28, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Wow, Lindy, you did a fabulous job with that little case! What a great idea, too! Your grandtwins will love it, but I think you're right. You're probably going to have to find a second one! : ) Love the little clothes and hangers, too.

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  5. Art From The heartApril 28, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    What a great make over and the clothes are terrific!
    Hugs, Amy

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  6. chrisApril 28, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Lindy, this is adorable. I know you're gonna have to make another one...and quick! How did you make the hangers?

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  7. LindyApril 28, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    @Chris

    Hi Chris,
    I used two layers of heavy poster board with scrap book paper on the front and back, all put together with Mod Podge. I'm planning a future post on them and the clothes and will include the patterns.

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  8. Debra LeaApril 28, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Those are some very lucky little girls!! :0) that came out so cute, what a great idea and I LOVE the clothes!

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  9. Connie the crafterbugApril 28, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Oh my gosh! Genius I looooove it!
    Connie

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  10. AnonymousApril 28, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    I love this,, you know most people would look at that suitcase and just pass it by but I love that you have the imagination to transform it to something unique,,lovely

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  11. HeatherApril 28, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Wow! What a wonderful gift. I just love the suitcase.

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  12. La Vie QuotidienneApril 28, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Very cute. I remember getting a little doll in a suitcase from my grandmother when I was a little girl. They are going to be thrilled!

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  13. Joy@aVintageGreenApril 28, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    That is a really cute transformation - and a great idea too. I bet this will be a HUGE hit - and obviously you are going to have to make another little trunk too.
    - Joy

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  14. Raymond HomesteadApril 28, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    What a super cute idea! Yep, I'm afraid you will have to be locating another suitcase to avoid the cat-fight!lol

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  15. Sweet Bee CottageApril 28, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    How utterly adorable! You have to find another one. That is so precious and what a labor of love for your grandbabies. Cute, clever, and sweet - my kind of project.

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  16. JaneApril 28, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    That is adorable!! I love this idea. Your grandbabies are going to love this.
    Jane

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  17. Tami / Maddie LumpkinApril 28, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    That is adorable! I want to play with it! Can't wait til you show the doll clothes how-to!

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  18. DebraApril 28, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    How wonderful! That is a beautiful suitcase - you certainly saved it. :) I hope you find another.

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  19. The Polka Dot ClosetApril 28, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    This is seriously cute! I bet there was a fight!!

    Carol

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  20. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleApril 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Lindy, that is so cute and your cute grand twins are so lucky to have such a crafty and creative grandmother.

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  21. NanaDianaApril 28, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Lindy-ALL three of those dolls are cute-especially the two lively ones! Great job on the little suitcase. It turned out beautifully. Hugs- Diana

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  22. Diane WritesApril 29, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Hello Lindy! I super love this post! Everything is a piece of cuteness. What's more beautiful about this post is that the art was made from the heart. Such is priceless!

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  23. KarenApril 29, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    Oh, Girl! You are definitely going to have to find another- I woulda fought tooth and nail for that at their age. Epic Battles! Great job, it is too too precious.

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  24. JanetApril 29, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    circa 1954 I had a doll named Francis who had a wardrobe trunk which housed all her clothes which matched my clothes. I loved that my Mom made my doll clothes to match the clothes she made for me. Maybe some day I will have a grandaughter to spoil...*sigh*

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  25. Mary @ Framed and TaggedApril 29, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Great job and thanks for sharing your instructions!!
    I know they will love it!

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  26. MeMeSueApril 29, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Yup...I can see it now...full blown drag out brawl!! LOL You did an awesome job...it's just too cute. And if their anything like my granddaughter...that baby will be naked again lickity split!!

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  27. KathApril 29, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    what a great idea! it fits perfectly. LOVE this.

    I'm your new follower!
    kathryn @
    thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com

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  28. Susan in SCApril 29, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Love this!!

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  29. kateApril 29, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    very very cute!

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  30. AnonymousApril 29, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Now, how cute is that! Adorable, just adorable!

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  31. AnonymousApril 29, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    How sweet!

    I remember my great grandmother making clothes for dolls. It is a memory that I cherish!

    Benita

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  32. AnaApril 30, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Oh Lindy, what a clever idea...I love it! And I can assure you that those two cutie patootie twins will absolutely love it too. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  33. Cheryl ~ ZanyMaydApril 30, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Now that is Adorable....

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  34. Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed BoysApril 30, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Lindy, how cute! I have a suitcase just like this. If I didn't have a house-full of boys, I'd be all over it!!

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  35. Courtney ~ French Country CottageApril 30, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    What a darling idea and sweet thought Lindy! It's adorable and perfect for your sweet grandtwins~ thanks for sharing at FNF :)

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  36. CindyMay 1, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    What a great idea!

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  37. Evelene SMay 1, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Oh that is so darling. I have two vintage cases like yours and I am thinking it might make a cute Christmas gift for my granddaughter.

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  38. Pam KesslerMay 1, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    That is so cute. I am always running across suitcases with yucky interiors. I never thought to just yank it out. It turned out adorable and I bet the girls will love it!

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  39. JustForDaisyMay 2, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    I love this! I have my grandmother's old suitcase. It's gorgeous on the outside... perhaps I now have a new use for it! :)

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  40. All Things FeeMay 2, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Amazing! Wish I had a little girl to make one for!

    Would love for you to share at Calling All Crafters!
    http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2011/05/calling-all-crafters-5th-edition.html

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  41. Debilou ~ Mississippi MamaMay 2, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Hey Lindy,, this is so dang cute. You are so creative. I will be a grandmother for the first time in Sept and then again in January. Im so excited and cant wait to make things like this for them. Thanks for sharing.

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  42. KarieMay 2, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Adorable and clever, they are going to love it. You did a beautiful job with this project. Thanks for sharing. I think I will try to make one for my little grandgirls. Hugs, Karie

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  43. ChristineMay 2, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Amazing! What a creative idea. I would love to do this for my lil girl one day. I'm now following you. Would love it if you got a chance to check out my blog!

    krazycraftylady.blogspot.com

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  44. Janna ReneeMay 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    That is such a cute idea! Now all I need is for someone to pop out a little girl, so that I can make it for them! or maybe make a little fold out city with cars for boys ;)

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  45. SherrieMay 2, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    This is so creative! Love it!

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  46. Stay Sew CreativeMay 3, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    This gives me ideas...maybe use a larger suitcase for American Girl Dolls and their clothes. It would be a great way to keep the dolls and their clothes/accessories all together. Thanks!

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  47. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 8, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Lindy, What a good grandmother you are! The twins are just adorable and I know they will love this gift. The doll case is wonderful and the clothes are so cute. Thanks for joining my party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  48. JessicaMay 8, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Wow! This is so fun! I love the transformation. I'm sure those girls are going to love it.

    justenoughstyle@gmail.com

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  49. VillblomstenMay 9, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    WOW !!
    I love it !! :-)

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  50. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    That is pure genius! I'll bet they loved it!

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