Travel Jewelry Case
Chanel Decoupage, Stripes, Stencils & Rhinestones (Start to Finish)
This tutorial takes a $14 Amazon travel jewelry case from plain pink to fully decorated showpiece — and shows every single step from start to finish so you can follow along in real time. The design ended up being Chanel No. 5 inspired (the original plan was Marilyn Monroe with "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," but printer issues led to a pivot — and the result turned out even better).
The process starts with Clear Bonding Boss by Dixie Belle applied over the entire case to make sure paint adheres to the fabric surface. After that, a white base coat goes on with excellent coverage in just one to two coats, and the pink top stays unpainted for contrast.
The Chanel No. 5 image is printed for free from Google Images. The tutorial shows two options for applying it: matte sticker paper and clear sticker paper, both available on Amazon. The matte version is the preferred choice — print your image, cut it out, peel, and stick. No Mod Podge, no wrinkles, no drying time. The clear version gives a transparent background for seamless application on colored surfaces. For purses and fabric projects, rice paper is recommended instead for better flexibility.
The stripes on the front are painted by starting in the dead center and working outward. The key technique is the same as painting checks: offload your paint in the center of the stripe, then lay your brush flat on the pencil line and push — you're relying on the brush to do the work, not your hand steadiness. Black stripes on the white base give it that classic Chanel-inspired look.
The diamond/harlequin stencil frames the edges of the case and adds structure to the whole design. After that, the Marilyn Monroe quote goes on the back using Mod Podge Multi: "What do I wear to bed? Two drops of Chanel No. 5." The finishing touches include 4mm Crystal AB rhinestones on the diamond stencil points, 3mm light pink resin rhinestones for accent work, silver AB rhinestone trim, and adhesive bling sheets around the borders.
There's also a critical lesson learned the hard way: never seal too close to a zipper. The sealer will gum up the zipper track and make it nearly impossible to open. If it does happen, Everclear (190-proof alcohol) on a Q-tip can help dissolve the sealer — which ties into the bonus brush hack: soaking rock-hard dried-out brushes in Everclear overnight restores them completely. Just don't leave them in too long or the alcohol will dissolve the glue holding the bristles.
The cases come in multiple colors and sizes, have compartments for rings, earrings, and necklaces, and make incredible personalized gifts — especially for a young girl getting her first jewelry, a bridal party, or a travel-loving friend. The smaller version is around $8 on Amazon and equally adorable.
Supply List
Some links may be affiliate links — thank you for supporting Studio MDAZ!
The Case
Travel Jewelry Case: https://amzn.to/4wEvz5e (~$13.99; multiple colors; compartments for rings, earrings, necklaces)
Small version also available (~$7.99; great for young girls or smaller collections)
Prep & Adhesives
Dixie Belle Bonding Boss Clear: https://amzn.to/447ZJSh
Mod Podge Multi: https://amzn.to/4wuJAlK (for quote on back; ~$7.99–9.99 at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Amazon)
E8000 glue (for rhinestone trim — careful near zippers!)
Printable Paper
Matte Sticker Paper: https://amzn.to/4ffXCkl (full-sheet stickers — print, cut, peel, stick; preferred over clear)
Clear Sticker Paper: https://amzn.to/4w5CKDO (transparent background for seamless look on colored surfaces)
Rice Paper: https://amzn.to/3QSz5K9 (for purses/fabric — more flexible; comes in white and beige; 20 sheets per pack)
Stencils
Small Diamond/Harlequin Stencil Set: https://amzn.to/4aNmUoA
Paint
White acrylic (1–2 coats for base; great coverage over Bonding Boss)
Black acrylic (for stripes and diamond stencil)
Rhinestones & Bling
4mm Crystal AB Rhinestones: https://amzn.to/3SMTS2m
3mm Light Pink Resin Rhinestones Kit: https://amzn.to/4yobe5Z
Bling Adhesive Sheet: https://a.co/d/0gkMrE92 (~$7.99/sheet; lasts a long time)
Small Rhinestone Trim — Silver AB: https://amzn.to/4eY7ccR
Tools
Wax Rhinestone Picker Pencil: https://amzn.to/4wXReWn
Paint Bottle Nozzles: https://amzn.to/4eMcA2G
Epson EcoTank inkjet printer (recommended; model 2980 or 3950)
Everclear 190-proof alcohol (for restoring dried-out brushes — soak overnight; don't leave too long or it dissolves bristle glue; also works on clogged zippers with a Q-tip)
