How to easily identify your suitcase in an airport baggage carousel.

You've just had a long flight and you're standing at the carousel waiting for your bag. Here they come - which one is mine. You think to yourself for the nth time - "I wish I had done something to my bag to make it easier to identify." You begin to wonder if someone walked off with your bag - how would you know? How would you recognize it?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• paint
• brush
• newspaper
• suitcase(s)
• stencil (or imagination)
• a couple of clean rags
• scissors
• shoe box and/or books

1. This can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. You may want to get a stencil from a craft store. Pick one you'd like everyone to see at the airport and where ever you travel. Or, if you're crafty, make your own out of some stiff paper or cardboard. Or if you're artistic, just go freehand. And you're going to need some paint. Someone at the craft store can help you find a nice, durable cloth paint. Get something bright and easy to identify. Don't use red paint on a red bag. Why bother? If you're brave and want to try spray paint, go for it. I'm not good enough for that, but you might be.

2. Lay some newspaper out in an open area. Turn on some music or the TV. Get your suitcases and carry ons and travel hand bags. Put your supplies on the newspaper and choose a bag - maybe the one you least like, to start with.

3. Determine what stencil you're going to use (if you're using a stencil) and get it ready. Read the directions on the paint. Shake it or stir it or whatever it calls for.

4. Determine how many stencils you're going to paint on each side of the bag. The size of the stencil and the size of the bag will solve some of this. No need to overdue - two or three or four on a side is probably plenty. You just want to be able to easily identify the bag. It doesn't have to come on like a brass band every time you see it. Don't make the job too big (unless you really like stenciling - hey, have fun).

5. Choose a side of the bag to start with and lay the bag flat on the floor with that side up. Tape the stencil to the bag. Three or four pieces of tape is fine. Remember, you're going to be removing this in a minute.

6. Brush on (or spray on) a LITTLE paint. Not too much paint on the brush please. We don't want drips. A little goes a long way. Better to do several light coats than one messy, gooey, runny coat. Follow the stencil and try not to get too much paint on it. There will be more likelihood of smearing if you get thick paint on the edges of the stencil.

7. Carefully remove the stencil (loosen the tape and remove straight up), being careful not to smear the paint. Cut off the tape and lay the stencil on the newspaper. Using a clean rag, carefully wipe off any wet paint. Now you can reuse the stencil in another area, or if you have another stencil, use that one.

8. Two or three stencils is usually enough on a side, but do as many as you wish. I don't usually do the top and bottom, but I do the other four sides. When you've done one side, turn the bag and do the next.

9. On the next turn of the bag, you'll need to prop it up on a shoe box or a book or something to keep the wet paint from the newspaper. You may need a couple of books when you have a handle on the suitcase side that's on the newspaper. Just put a book on each side of the suitcase to balance it.

10. When the bag is done, stand it up and put it somewhere safe to dry. If the paint smells, you might want to put it in the garage or attic or outside. Go on to the next bag. Since you're ready to go, you might as well do them all.

Tips & Warnings

• When you buy your stencils, you might consider getting two or three of the same, or a package with several similar ones. It'll give you more to work with and you won't have to constantly be taping and removing and taping the same one in a new spot again and again. Don't buy stencils that are too big unless you don't plan on doing the small sides of your suitcase.
• Don't get too cute with your stencils. Remember, that skull and crossbones might be cute for the dude ranch in Wyoming, but might be slightly embarrassing walking across a posh hotel lobby in Paris.
• Don't use too much paint. Drips will spoil your fun.
• Take your time. Make it fun. Relax and enjoy your work.
• Read the warnings on your paint. You may need a well ventilated area.

[torque63]

on 12/12/2007 I tied a bright ribbon to the bag handle otherwise my bag looks just like the 10 others passing by