We didn't want to completely lose this luggage chests sense of adventure when considering how to upcycle it.  Hence the carnival theme.  The wax between coats allowed the tangerine base colour through.  The edge borders tied the colours together and finally the ochre stencil was rubbed over with an oil based burnt sienna to age it.  Finished in a oil based varnish to protect it on future travels, or spills at the bedside.