I Repurposed a Vintage Train Case and Now I'm Basically Martha Stewart with Tenure

Well, it’s summer break—which means I’ve got two glorious months to rediscover hobbies, question my life choices, and talk to adults who aren't asking if this "counts as extra credit."

Naturally, I kicked things off with the time-honored tradition of wandering around a thrift store for no reason other than to avoid doing actual home repairs. And lo and behold, among the usual graveyard of VHS tapes and coffee-stained teddy bears, I found it: a vintage train case.

Ah yes, a cracked faux-leather box with a mirror inside and the faint scent of mothballs and Aqua Net. In other words: treasure.

The Purchase

It was $5 and the cashier gave me a look that said, “Ma’am… why?” But listen—after 14 years of teaching middle schoolers, I know potential when I see it. I’ve turned hormonal chaos into poetry and a cramped corner into a functional reading nook. I can handle an old makeup suitcase from the 1970s.

The “Creative Process”

Step one: wipe it down with every antibacterial wipe in the tri-county area. Step two: stare at it for several days while it sat in the garage, judging me with its little tarnished latches.

Eventually, I cracked. I dragged out my ancient craft bin—last used for a failed attempt at decoupage in 2011—and got to work. Painted it. Lined it with scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby and glued on a pink fabric base.

Final Thoughts

Repurposing a vintage train case might not be world-changing, but it sure beats reorganizing the spice rack for the fourth time. And hey, it will give me something to talk about at book club besides the unbearable heat.

So if you, too, are a woman of a certain age with a glue gun and a dream, I say: thrift boldly. Craft with wild abandon. And remember, even if it turns out ugly, at least it’s not another Pinterest recipe that tastes like beige.