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.
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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.
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.
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Candice
Wednesday 31st of July 2019
Vintage suitcases are one of my favorite things to collect. I haven't ever restored any of mine though. Your cute suitcase makes me want to do something with mine! Love it!
Mary
Wednesday 14th of August 2019
I hope you do something with yours. It is always fun to give old things a new lease on life.
Katrin
Monday 5th of September 2016
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
Friday 9th of September 2016
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.
Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey
Monday 5th of September 2016
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
Friday 9th of September 2016
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.
Claire Armstrong
Monday 5th of September 2016
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
Friday 9th of September 2016
Thank you Queen of the Maps! I really love using maps too, they have so many stories to tell.
Doreen@foxdenrd
Monday 5th of September 2016
I love that you have an old map of Greece! It looks perfect Mary!
Mary
Friday 9th of September 2016
Doreen I have more than one so I should be able to come up with lots of projects.