I've had a number of picnic "baskets" over the years. Our green kookaburra bag is still in service and works well for times when there are more picnickers but these days it's usually just Nick and I out together, so a smaller set-up makes sense.I spotted this vintage lawn bowling bag at an opshop recently and promptly paid $20.00 for it and four bowls! (Nick has a plan to use the bowls as hat stands - somehow).
The case was in pretty good condition. There were some scuffs and tiny nicks to the exterior as well as some light rust/tarnish to the clasp. I went over the metal parts with very fine steel wool. Scuffs were treated with gumption and/or a magic sponge.
I didn't think to take a photo of the interior before I removed the vinyl strapping but you can see a similar case in the second collage pic.
The case has N W initials outside but was marked J Swadling inside (with a phone number). My maternal grandfather married several times and was partnered with a J Swadling at one time, so that was a bit funny.
I removed the green lining from the lid and base but left the band in place - as removing it would have been a far more involved exercise. I trimmed the vinyl very neatly, as close to the rivets as possible.
Baking paper was used to create a template of the base and I originally intended to use a flexible chopping board to cover that area. As I worked though, I revised my plan and cut a cardboard piece to cover with fabric.
More recently I read a blog where the writer had used foil to create a template - so I tried that method for the lid. I found the baking paper just as easy to work with though and less fragile.
The foil template was used to cut fabric for the lid lining. While I was pondering how to apply the fabric to the lid, specifically to shape the corners neatly - I practiced using mod podge on the cardboard base piece. (I also coated the bottom of the case interior with mod podge, to seal the base).
I've had covid, so have been self-isolating and recovering these past couple of weeks. I wasn't up to doing much and upcycling the case was a pleasant, low-energy diversion.
Covering the cardboard base piece with fabric was quite easy and then I moved to adhering the fabric lining inside the lid. That also was a fairly smooth operation.
There was more pondering before I tackled the side band. Once I started, it wasn't as fiddly as I anticipated - and I'm pleased with how it turned out, even with the vinyl ridges underneath.
I like that some of the original green is still visible. I also salvaged the "Savoy Luggage" sticker and put it on the new lining, in a prominent position.
I paid 50-cents for a falling-to-bits op-shop dress because the colours were so bright and beautiful. The fabric was fine and I love how it looks inside the case.
The fabric covered cardboard fitted snugly into the base, so I didn't bother gluing it in place. Although I thought to have the flexible chopping board as a protective cover over the base, I prefer the pretty fabric being on show.
I'm sure I'll find another use for the flexible chopping boards - and the pack of four was only $4.00 from a discount store, so not a huge outlay.
According to the mod podge instructions, the interior will need to cure for four weeks before a different, final sealer is applied. I might to do a bit more research about that process.
I gave the exterior another clean, particularly the small Savoy logo plate. I'm thinking of removing the gold initials and replacing them with ours - or a small plaque. I'll ponder those options!
How much did I spend on the transformation?
$20.00 for the case, 50-cents for the fabric, $15.50 for the mod podge and a couple of dollars for the foam applicators. Cheap fun!
