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A few weeks ago I showed you my vintage suitcase makeover, you know the one I found in the basement. The one that was a hot mess. The one that nearly broke my back.
I think that I've kept you in suspense long enough. We are here to answer the question that you have all been wanting an answer to: What's inside the vintage suitcase? 
After I had finished the outside I realized that I still had plenty of work on the inside as well.
The paper was peeling off ...
... and the metal work did not look all that great.
Disclosure: I was compensated for doing this post with product. However, all the opinions stated here are my own. I only use products I love and would recommend to my viewers.
I went to my trusty DecoArt Metallic Lustre in Burnished Brass. (If you'd like to purchase this product I have included links to Amazon for your ease.)
I have to say I really love this stuff, I even ended up putting it on with my finger, to get into all the crevices.
I removed as much of the paper as I could and then covered it and sealed it with Mod Podge.
It's an old map of Greece. It had belonged to the kids and I knew they would have no use for it anymore. So why not repurpose it like this.
In fact, I was lucky enough to find two of these maps, which was perfect because I covered the whole of the inside. I left the top looking raggedy and torn to give it an old aged feel.
Initially, I stored some of my craft supplies in the suitcase.
Here you can see my beloved twine, and the burlap ribbon.
I also covered some tin cans with notebook paper and wrapped pretty ribbons around them to match the colors of the map.
And then one day before I was to publish this post I saw my friend Pili of My Sweet Things' cabinet makeover here, and had an epiphany.
There was no way this suitcase was going to hold ALL of my craft stuff. Any true crafter worth her work knows it takes a lot more than these few things to create. So taking my cue from Pili's example I filled the suitcase with all of my sewing things. 
Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
Don't they look great? And I can actually find everything now. I had kept everything in a tiny sewing box before but had outgrown it long ago. All my sewing things were scattered all over the house in various small boxes...
... till now.
And just to remind you all what this vintage suitcase looked like before...
Here are some pin worthy images for all of you with my staged "craft supplies".
I really love the look of the maps inside the suitcase. They have such a clean feel with the blue of the water and the red road lines running through.
We have finally answered the question "what is inside the vintage suitcase". My vintage suitcase is finally complete and full. I've upcycled, repurposed, painted, decoupaged, organized...you name it, I did it!! And I did all this without breaking my back.
Now you tell me, should I have kept the craft supplies in there or is it better now that I have stored all of my sewing supplies? Go and check out Pili's Old Sewing Cabinet Transformation and you will understand why I was inspired. 
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. 
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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here. I love it when I get your comments and I will reply to each and every one of them. Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise we cannot publish it.
97 Comments
Mary
9/9/2016 03:44:07 pm
Thank you Olga. I am so happy to be finally done with this old suitcase. So much better now! The map is a great "wallpaper" for the suitcase Mary, I love how it looks and that it's a map of Greece!! This suitcase became not only pretty but also very functional now and I think it's a great idea to have all your sewing material inside. The craft supplies for sure would take more room and might also become too heavy! Great solution and beautiful makeover!!
Mary
9/9/2016 03:45:48 pm
Finally Katrin, I am able to put everything in one spot. I had all of my sewing things strewn all over the house and was running around like a fool looking for this and that. 9/5/2016 07:07:04 am
Mary, I missed your suitcase makeover but appreciated seeing the completed product here and how you've put it to good use. So true about craft items -- an ever-growing collection. I like the idea of using it for your sewing supplies. I saw your link at a new party for me: Over the Moon.
Mary
9/9/2016 03:50:46 pm
Craft items are like weeds. they sprout all over the place. And the party is a great one I go every week. I hope you also have a chance to visit our party here every Friday. 9/5/2016 07:45:07 am
What you have done with the original suitcase is amazing. As you know I love maps, so I think your lining is fantastic. Pinning for sure !
Mary
9/9/2016 03:52:45 pm
Thank you Queen of the Maps! I really love using maps too, they have so many stories to tell. 9/5/2016 09:14:26 am
I love that you have an old map of Greece! It looks perfect Mary!
Mary
9/9/2016 03:55:19 pm
Doreen I have more than one so I should be able to come up with lots of projects.
Ellen
9/5/2016 09:20:46 am
Mary, this is absolutely the most amazing repurpose of what looked to be beyond redemption! The use of an actual map inside is inspired and perfect for a suitcase. What a beautiful sewing box it has become with your loving touch. Thank-you for revealing this vintage suitcase in all of its new glory!
Mary
9/9/2016 03:58:42 pm
It did look pretty awful Ellen. Even now when I look at the before I am so surprised that it actually looked like that once upon a time. I am so happy that you all like the inside as well as the outside.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:06:22 pm
Thank you so much Baba. I just went over to see them. They came out absolutely marvelous! I love the maps you used, the colors are so pretty. 9/5/2016 09:56:12 am
So, I know without a doubt that all of your crafts supplies would never have fit in that charming suitcase, so I think using it as a sewing 'kit' is the perfect use for it! It really looks fantastic and the next time I'm in Greece, I hope for an invitation to go 'shopping' in your basement.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:18:12 pm
Lynn, you know that we crafters have way too many supplies. It's a good think I saw Pili's project and got the idea for the sewing things, otherwise I'd still be trying to cram all those craft supplies in there. There is no point in having storage if you can't find anything.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:25:36 pm
Michelle I am very possessive of my twine we have been through a lot together and so it deserves a place of honor. I'm just happy I can find everything now, because before it was scary! 9/5/2016 11:50:20 am
Oh wow Mary! That looks great! I love the idea of using it to store your sewing supplies. I know there is no way my craft supplies would fit in a suitcase, they barely fit in there own room, LOL.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:37:10 pm
Linda you understand me. Us crafters have to have paint in all the colors and we need to have all the ribbons and all the what nots! No way was I going to fit them all in that suitcase. I am really happy with my decision.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:48:00 pm
Thank you Poppy. It is not just any map, but of Greece which is full of those beautiful blue seas. Mary, your suitcase is not only pretty on the outside, but it is lovely inside too. The maps are so appropriate for it!! They evoke past trips and could tell lots of stories. The gold color is the chic touch, and I'm honored to have inspired you placing your sewing supplies there. It won't be too heavy but I'm sure it will make your life easier when looking for something.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:50:48 pm
Thank you so much for the inspiration , even though you had no idea that you had done it. I saw your project on the eve of when I was supposed to take pics of this suitcase, and so I rushed outside and changed everything up. This is so much better than the crafts.
Mary
9/9/2016 04:52:44 pm
Thank you Monroe. I have too m uch fabric to fit in there. I have boxes and boxes of it. That is another worry for another project. 9/5/2016 04:40:38 pm
Wow oh wow!! Your suitcase is a dream, Mary, both the interior and the exterior. I would not believe it was the same one from the poor and unloved original. I love the idea of the map lining the inside and yes, I think all your crafts should stay inside. You have transformed a woebegone suitcase into a thing of great beauty. LOVE it!!
Mary
9/14/2016 05:00:54 pm
Thank you Kim. I am pretty proud of myself with this one, considering how it looked before.
Melanie
9/5/2016 04:48:08 pm
What a transformation! Great job! The old maps are perfect
Mary
9/14/2016 05:19:59 pm
Thank you Melanie. I really love the colors on those old maps. They are so bright and show off the deep blue. Looks great! I laughed when you explained that this wasn't all your crafting supplies. The thought had just crossed my mind - I was deciding why you chose to put those items in the suitcase - when you explained it. :) I knew you had gobs more stuff that you used. Anyway, its perfect for the sewing supplies. Nice job!
Mary
9/14/2016 05:22:36 pm
Krista, sometimes we show things on the blog for effect. But I always like to reveal what goes on behind the scenes. Maybe one day I'll show you what a DIy bloggers house really looks like... then you can freak out.
Mary
9/14/2016 05:33:22 pm
Thanks Keri. and now I can actually find everything. What a treat! Now if only I could get my crafting supplies organized. 9/6/2016 10:49:49 am
That map of Greece is the perfect finish for your suitcase, Mary! You should advertise makeovers for vintage pieces in your area and start a business! Have a great week!
Mary
9/14/2016 05:39:29 pm
Jas it was the natural choice, plus the map has lots of watery blue which I love. As for that brilliant idea... hum, to be put on the to-do list. 9/6/2016 01:27:34 pm
I was really waiting for the inside revealing! You did a great job! I loved the idea with the map!
Mary
9/14/2016 05:54:41 pm
You know I had to put a greek map in there. Shame on me if I didn't ! 9/6/2016 06:00:31 pm
I have an old chest I was going to throw or give away, but maybe not so quick. I think I'll try my hand at repurposing that chest.
Mary
9/14/2016 06:06:05 pm
I hope so Celeste, and if you don't just send it down to me and I'll take care of it.
Maria Brittis
9/6/2016 08:54:13 pm
I love the maps, what a brilliant idea, I love the inside as much as the outside. Great place for your crafts.
Mary
9/14/2016 06:27:45 pm
It is good storage for anything really it just depends on what will fit in there. Thanks Maria. It looks great Mary! You have created a masterpiece....really! I actually liked the blue paper in there before, but not in it's shredded state. Your map application is great. We love maps in this household. I also like the sewing supplies rather than the craft items & you filled it up! Great for your organization, right? That gold stuff you used must be like "Rub N Buff" here.
Mary
9/16/2016 02:18:09 pm
Florence the stuff that I used is from an american comapny called DecoArt. I get my stuff from the States, because here in the boondocks everything is so overpriced. Would you believe they don't have chalk paint? Shame on them! 9/8/2016 02:17:50 pm
You did an awesome job on this old vintage suitcase both inside and out, Mary! Love the map liner and yes, I think using it to house your sewing supplies is perfect. I just passed up on a vintage suitcase at a good price and now I'm kicking myself.
Mary
9/16/2016 02:23:41 pm
Thank you Marie. I'm sure another one will come your way, you always find great things. I on the other hand, only have my basement. 9/8/2016 05:27:24 pm
Mary, I love, love, love this! I love the travel theme of the maps inside the suitcase and then re-purposing and using it in a very functional way. I may have to do this to a suitcase I have.
Mary
9/16/2016 02:26:35 pm
Mel, I had so much fun doing this project. It took me a while but I really enjoyed the process and picking each piece apart.
Mary
9/16/2016 02:40:48 pm
Marjan that little blue tin belonged to my mother and I have kept it ever since I was a child. It is so special. Thank you for your sweet comment. 9/8/2016 09:38:46 pm
I love this Mary! The suitcase turned out so cute and it's useful too. What more could you want?
Mary
9/16/2016 02:45:02 pm
You are absolutely right Stacey. I now have one area of my life organized and I've saved that suitcase from rust purgatory. 9/9/2016 10:34:35 am
Love the suitecase and all the goodies. I was thinking of doing something similiar for my grandaughter on the way to put dress up clothes and treausres inside.
Mary
9/16/2016 04:53:33 pm
Pamela that is such a great idea. It could be her special treasure suitcase. Oh.. And you'll have so much f un decorating it with her. 9/11/2016 12:20:11 pm
Mary, when I saw the beginnings of this poor suitcase I had doubts! LOL I will never doubt your talents again. This turned out so cool! I love the use of the map, it's striking, and the case looks awesome whether it's open or closed.
Mary
9/16/2016 04:57:21 pm
Nikki I had it sittting in my foyer for half a year before I tackled it. I had to let it sit t here till I came up with just the right solution. Sometimes these things need to ferment.
Laurie
9/11/2016 05:48:14 pm
Mary,
Mary
9/16/2016 05:01:00 pm
I am so happy I was able to save the old thing. She really did look pretty awful before. 9/11/2016 09:36:02 pm
I loved the redo of the vintage suitcase but now you have taken it to a whole new level by decoupaging the inside with an old map of Greece. It is perfect to hold either craft supplies or sewing notions.
Mary
9/16/2016 05:05:56 pm
Sharon you cannot have a fancy coat and then remove it and be wearing your pajamas... although we bloggers may do that on occasion. I am loving this suitcase because it is roomy enough to hold all my sewing stuff. 9/11/2016 10:35:54 pm
I've got to get some of that burnished brass stuff! There is just so much I could do with it. I love the map makeover, such a pity the original pretty paper couldn't be salvaged.
Mary
9/16/2016 05:26:28 pm
It was in really bad shape Stella. It crumbled to the touch. I kid you not when I say this is vintage... it certainly had enough rust on it. As for the metallic lustre you can get it thru DecoArt. I love it and use it at every opportunity. 9/12/2016 01:46:28 am
Mary I love how you have transformed this old case and made it into a perfect storage solution for all of your craft supplies! Great idea!
Mary
9/16/2016 05:29:26 pm
I am glad it is big enough to fit all of that stuff. As for the craft supplies, I think I will need a trunk for those. 9/12/2016 01:45:05 pm
Mary,
Mary
9/16/2016 05:36:12 pm
Thank you Judith. I think it all turned out for the best in the end. I love that suitcase and the sewing supplies fit perfectly. I wish you lots of luck on your new link party.
Mary
9/16/2016 05:41:07 pm
Thank you Debbie. That thing was a hot mess before. I kept on looking at the bent out of shape frame thinking what did I get myself into now.
Mary
9/16/2016 05:45:50 pm
Practical and rust free Michele. It was about time to clean up this old gal and see what she was made of. 9/15/2016 08:16:57 am
Hi Mary! Just came by to let you know you are being featured with this post at Thoughts of Home today. :)
Mary
9/15/2016 12:47:03 pm
Thank you so much Stacey. It is always fun to be featured at your party. 9/15/2016 12:33:42 pm
OOooooo maps! I love it! Thanks for linking up at #SustainableSundays!
Mary
9/16/2016 04:52:19 pm
Thank you Danielle, I especially love these maps because they have so much blue.
What a beautiful transformation! I would never have picked up the suitcase in the first place, so I admire your eye for what can be achieved. I too use a small case for my sewing stuff. It's a vintage Samsonite case of my mother's. Although it's quite heavy, everything fits in there with a bit more room to spare. I've been using it for about a year now, and don't think I'll switch to anything else. I say keep your suitcase as a sewing kit too :)
Mary
9/16/2016 05:53:19 pm
That is exactly what I am going to do Wendy. I love having all my sewing stuff in one place now. Before I had to go on a treasure hunt just to find them. Thank you for your sweet comment.
Jann Olson
9/16/2016 12:53:21 pm
Hi, I hopped over from poofing the pillows. I absolutely love this idea! You did a fabulous job! I co-host a link party, share your cup Thursday. It's about sharing the things that make you happy. I'd love if you linked up some time!
Mary
9/16/2016 05:57:07 pm
Hi Jann, I believe I have linked up this week in fact. Thank you for stopping by to visit. 9/18/2016 09:16:11 am
This is one of my favorite suitcase makeovers! I LOVE adding maps to things for a fun new look. You have the cutest craft storage!
Mary
9/18/2016 12:28:16 pm
Thank you Audra. I am really happy with how it turned out.
Mary
10/2/2016 06:00:40 am
Thank you Ana. I am really getting use out of it now. And it brings a smile to my face each time I open it. 10/2/2016 03:35:08 pm
Oooooh this turned out GREAT! I love your choice of paper to line the inside. You and I save the exact same jars of jam. Aren't they the cutest things!
Mary
10/2/2016 04:31:31 pm
Olivia, you are too funny. You have got to do something about those books. Take them o.ut of the suitcases and display them somehow.
Mary
7/27/2019 12:36:24 pm
That gold wax has really been a lifesaver for me and I've used it on so many projects. 9/16/2018 09:46:33 pm
I love that you are using the suitcase for your sewing necessities! So clever and it is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing at Celebrate It! 7/24/2019 12:03:59 am
I love the maps inside this vintage suitcase. I have lots of maps and an old suitcase of my grandmother's. Thanks for the idea!
Mary
7/27/2019 12:35:46 pm
Thank you Sylvia, I only wish I could find more of them!
Jane Clelland
7/24/2019 09:36:03 am
I can't believe that it's the same suitcase! Great job!! I have my Dad's old one and I've always wanted to do something with it. It is in good shape, but needs the interior worked on. Guess what I'm gonna do? Can't wait to check out my map collection! Keep up the good work.
Mary
7/27/2019 12:37:02 pm
Yay! You are going to love decorating with old maps!!
Maria
7/24/2019 01:59:36 pm
I love this! I have a suitcase I like to do the same!
Mary
7/27/2019 12:37:38 pm
I hope you enjoy the process as much as I did Maria!!
Kathy A
7/30/2019 03:46:56 pm
What a great idea. I'm so glad you included the "before" picture at the end to remind us of the progress you made with that suitcase. I got 2 picnic baskets yesterday @ GW and am trying to decide what bits of cloth/trims is going into them!
Mary
8/14/2019 11:41:08 pm
I'm sure they will turn out adorable with the trim Kathy!
Mary
8/14/2019 11:39:22 pm
I hope you do something with yours. It is always fun to give old things a new lease on life. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Welcome
I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York. Top Posts for 2018
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