Thursday, March 31, 2011

A sample to go, please

I was asked to send a sample suitcase to an event planning company in New York City. They are planning a travel themed wedding, saw one of my suitcases on my blog (how cool is that?!), and thought they might make good place card holders. If the client likes the sample, I may be making 100 mini suitcases for a July wedding. Lots of "ifs" for now but I did get the sample made and sent out. And, for the first time, I actually made patterns as I went so that it would be easier to replicate multiple suitcases. Even if the wedding thing doesn't work out my suitcases will now be much improved.
I also found a new glue (to me) that works really well with leather. It's Fabri-tac by Beacon Adhesives and I'm sure many of you have used it but this was my first time. I used regular tacky glue for the lining but the Fabri-tac was great for bonding the leather to the metal.
I'm not sure why the leather shows up gray -it's really a dark brown. While glue shopping, I found some leather lacing strips in colors I use for the suitcases. That makes the handles all very uniform in width. See, I'm learning lots of ways to improve the cases so there's a positive result no matter what the final outcome happens to be. :)

Another positive outcome is that I've found sources for empty tins and leather scraps. Up til now all of my suitcases have been made from recycled mint tins. I haven't run out of mints in a long time. ;) But a mini tin of Altoids is $1.29 (and you have to find a store that sells them - not an easy task sometimes) and the empty ones come out at 55 cents each. Plus they won't smell strongly of mint, lol.

I'm excited about the possibilities - any time miniatures get some "exposure" it's a good thing. Now to just sit and wait patiently...now that's the hard part!

13 comments:

Anna said...

what a nice perspective! your suitcase is wonderful!Greetings from Greece, wishing you every sucess possible!

Minnie Kitchen said...

OMG! that is wonderful!! Isn't this everyone's dream? Hope everything turns out well!

Marisa said...

congratulations, I hope it works out for you.

Kathi said...

That really IS cool De! Hope the wedding party people love your little suitcase. I know I do! :D

MrsPitStop said...

Good Luck I hope you here from them soon

Dark Squirrel Victoria said...

Your suitcase looks great De. If you get the commission i don't envy you having to make 100. Good Luck :)

Victoria ♥

dalesdreams said...

De, how exciting! Good luck in your new endeavor. :)

Your suitcases have come a long way! :)

Lataina said...

How exciting! I hope it all works out for you. =)

De said...

Thanks for all the support everyone!

Poppypatchwork said...

Fingers crossed for you xxx

Kim said...

How exciting De!!! I'm crossing my fingers and toes for you- I have one of your little suitcases and I love it! Good luck!!!! ♥

Josje said...

That would be a great commission! I hope they like the sample :)

De said...

Thanks for the encouragement. Blog friends are the best! Thanks to all of you!