My Antique Trunk Transformation

I love digging around at estate sales and auctions. I acquired this beauty from one such event.

This is the 'after' picture. Warm and beautiful.

 Here it is before the transformation - flat, cold, plain jane.

 Inside before the transformation -

This one was in very good structural shape and I could see promise. I really liked the leather corners as opposed to the metal that most trunks have. To begin the transformation, I took a utility knife and carefully cut each canvas panel. (The brown area between the leather and wooden stays.) After cutting it, it had to be peeled up with a stiff scraper. I don't have any pictures of the process but let's just say, it's painstaking! The brown canvas leaves behind a hard glue layer. After the canvas was removed, I took the trunk outside and began using the garden hose and a stiff scrub brush. This got most of the glue off. The rest I sanded off. I sanded the whole trunk down (except the hard leather corners). I wish I had some between pictures to show you but unfortunately, I don't. I then chose a warm brown stain and covered the whole thing. Finally, I gave it several coats of polyurathane. I recommend satin finish to keep the old look.

 I was able to keep the original handles - they are mostly intact.

 The metal banding on the lid and the corner/edge brackets I left alone other than coat them with poly. They were a nice brown and blended well with the trunk after I put the stain on. If they're rusty, some people opt to paint them. Personally, I think that makes it look too 'new'.

To finish off the inside, I chose an 'antiquey' looking fabric. First I took poster board and cut a piece the size of each panel. Then, using spray glue, I put quilt batting on each piece - trimming the edges carefully. Finally, I cut the fabric for each piece, leaving a 2 - 3 inch margin around each poster board piece. Next, I laid the fabric piece face-down on my work surface. On top of that, I laid the poster board piece batting side down. Working one side, then the opposing side, I wrapped the 'margin' around behind and glued to the poster board. I did this to every panel. Now I'm ready to insert the panels into the trunk. Using a heavy duty glue, I glued the back of each panel and put in place inside the trunk. I did one side at a time and laid out heavy books evenly over it all to hold in place until the glue was dry. I did this until each surface inside was lined.

Edited to add: This lining that you see is actually the second lining for this trunk since I've had it. I changed my mind on the first fabric I lined it with and had my Mom redo it in this fabric.

 Finally, a few more photos....

 Come back tomorrow for a peek into my Victorian Room.

Linking this post to Between Naps On The Porch - Metamorphasis Monday,  Debbiedoo's Newbie party,  DIYbyDesign's Swing Into Spring Party, and Vintage Furniture party @ Three boys