Project Idea: Stenciled Suitcases

Personalize your Luggage with Stencils

Customize your luggage with paint and stencils and you'll never need to worry about airport baggage mix-ups again!

Stenciled suitcases also make great gifts for kids. They'll love taking these one-of-a-kind bags on sleepovers and trips to Grandma's. Think about the child's interests when selecting a painting theme for a kid's bag. If you need some ideas, try the Themes for Kids' Rooms section of our Stencil Directory.

The stencils on the bag below are available from Canvas Collectibles, Inc. If you like the idea of painted clothing spilling from your suitcase, you might also try L.A. Stencilworks' His & Hers Collection.

Sources

Some tips to get you started

The fronts of the bags shown easily laid flat once unzipped. If yours won't do the same, you'll need to find a way to stuff your suitcase and get a good flat surface underneath the area you want to paint.
When painting on a dark background, use white paint or gesso as a base for all of your overlays. Be careful to offload well so your paint doesn't seep under your stencil. If you do see a bit of a white halo after you're finished, try touching it up with a Sharpie (permanent marker).

How-To Links

Visit the links below for more ideas and instructions on creating stenciled suitcases.

Trompe l'Oeil on Luggage - DIY Crafts episode DIC-205
Funky Painted Suitcase - Loew-Cornell