Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom |Keeping it Real

Monday, September 7, 2020

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Hello, and welcome to another week! Today I'm sharing here my latest Sunday project -  how I turned a vintage vanity case into a bedroom for one of my daughter's dolls.

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

A couple of weeks ago my mother found this old case in one of her closets. I remember it from my own childhood as my mom always used it when we traveled. So now she asked my daughter if she wanted it - and my daughter of course said yes.

But...this case is probably at least fifty years old and it came in a sorry state, especially the inside. Extensive upcycling was needed. So I metaphorically raised my sleeves and got down to work.

Here's the before look:

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

We debated what we would do with it, and finally we decided to make a portable bedroom for Catarina ("Catarina" being one of my daughter's dolls with a rather extensive Hello Kitty themed wardrobe and accessories, and which, sadly, had been living inside another bag for lack of a proper space). 

Fist I ripped the inside pockets because there was just no way to save them. I only left the leather ribbon to the side after cleaning it thoroughly, because I thought it would be useful to keep the doll clothes organized. 

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

Then I glued fabric all over the inside of the bag. 

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

Before adding new lining to the bottom of the case I glued a few bits of thick interfacing to make it look more like a mattress. 

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

After adding some lace here and there as embellishment, I turned to the case flaps. After lining them with matching fabric, decided I needed them to have some storage capacity so I cut part of one of those plastic business card organizers and glued it in place. 

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom


Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

I also added two additional pockets inside the case as well, to store more accessories.

By then, all that was missing was the bedding. My daughter of course chose pink and as an afterthought I decided to add a Hello Kitty iron-on patch I had in my stash. Seeing as Catarina's clothes are all Kitty themed, it kind of made sense.

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

In the end, the space seems a bit tight, but since the case can easily be opened to play I'm hoping it works. At least my daughter is happy. 

 

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

 

I'm still debating what to do - if anything - to the exterior of the case. For now I've left it unchanged (except for some cleaning) and just added a new ribbon to keep the key from being misplaced. In case I come up with any additional remodeling plans I will share them here for sure!


 
Upcycled: vintage vanity case to doll bedroom

Happy Monday!


Keeping it Real, craft blog




8 comments:

  1. that takes me back... I had a little vanity case as a girl and I'd love for my doll to have a whole little nest like this... thanks for reminding me in this world of stress that there are sweet cute things like this! LeeAnna at not afraid of color

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    1. Thank you so much LeeAnna! I'm enjoying these little pleasures while they last, as my daughter is growing and in a couple of years the won't be playing with dolls anymore...

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  2. What a a great project. You have made a great memory for your child; I bet she will keep it for her own kiddos! I bet you can find a package of Hello Kitty stickers at a Dollar Store or Michael's and your daughter can have a field day decorating the outside!

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  3. That's a fun way to give an old case a new life and new purpose. As it child it is so much fun to be able to pack all the stuff up and carry it around isn't it? I love how you say it's a bit tight! Not exactly a bedroom with a walk in closet for this doll but she looks comfy and doesn't seem to be complaining so all's well!

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    Replies
    1. If she didn't have so many clothes, she would have much more room...but that's what happens to most of us anyway, LOL. Thank you for stopping by!

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  4. What an adorable makeover !
    Naush

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