What’s inside the Vintage suitcase?
A beat-up vintage suitcase gets a practical new purpose in life with a colorful and budget-friendly DIY makeover! You’ll be on the hunt for one of your own.
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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Mary, the makeover is really wonderful! Great work!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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 !
Thank you Queen of the Maps! I really love using maps too, they have so many stories to tell.
I love that you have an old map of Greece! It looks perfect Mary!
Doreen I have more than one so I should be able to come up with lots of projects.
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!
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.
Hope you had a look at my pot holders.
This DIY pure genius. You’ve hit the ball out of the park again. I never would have thought to do this with a suitcase.
Where do you come up with these things?
Baba
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.
I’m also very happy with the suitcase and now I’ll finally have a chance to get organized.
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.
Wishing you a lovely Monday.
Hugs, Lynn
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.
And you are always welcome to my home and to my basement.
That’s just the perfect place for all your beloved twine, burlap and sewing stuffs. It must be such an awesome feeling opening the suitcase and seeing all the maps of Greece and remembering where you are and where you’re going. This one is a keeper. Love it!!
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!
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.
Now every time you get ready to sew you can see your beautiful makeover.
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, what an impressive makeover!! The map is the perfect lining for this project, and using it as a sewing kit is brilliant. Kudos to you for your creativity and happy sewing!
Poppy
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.
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.
Great makeover! And a great place to store craft supplies. I would store yarn and fabric in there. 🙂
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.
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!!
Thank you Kim. I am pretty proud of myself with this one, considering how it looked before.
What a transformation! Great job! The old maps are perfect
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!
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, the inside of the suitcase looks cool with the decoupage map! I think it’s a great place to store your sewing supplies! Another fantastic repurpose!!
Thanks Keri. and now I can actually find everything. What a treat! Now if only I could get my crafting supplies organized.
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!
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.
I was really waiting for the inside revealing! You did a great job! I loved the idea with the map!
You know I had to put a greek map in there. Shame on me if I didn’t !
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.
I hope so Celeste, and if you don’t just send it down to me and I’ll take care of it.