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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I love the maps, what a brilliant idea, I love the inside as much as the outside. Great place for your crafts.
Maria
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love how the inside worked out and truly love the maps as lining for the suitcase!
A great piece altogether. I also have a little blue tin like yours, and use it for my pins.
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.
I love this Mary! The suitcase turned out so cute and it’s useful too. What more could you want?
You are absolutely right Stacey. I now have one area of my life organized and I’ve saved that suitcase from rust purgatory.
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.
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.
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.
I love the idea of having everything you need right at hand, I’m going to be looking around for an old battered suitcase! I need to visit your basement! LOL
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.
And you are welcomed to come to my basement any time.
Mary,
Perfect use for your old vintage suitcase! The map inside is a great idea! I always love your creativity!
~Laurie
I am so happy I was able to save the old thing. She really did look pretty awful before.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome project over at Waste Not Wednesday!
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.
Mary,
Another fantastic project! I love old maps and think the Greece maps are perfect for the inside of your vintage suitcase. Yes, there is no way a small suitcase can hold all a crafter’s supplies. 🙂 Sewing supplies are perfect.
Of course, I pinned this also to DIY Rockstars.
Thanks for sharing at the first Monday Social.
Judith
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.
You’ve come a long way baby is what I have to say about that vintage luggage. A wonderful display for your supplies. I love the map of Greece inside so much.
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.
What a great transformation! I love the map. I like it holding crafts or sewing. Practical and pretty!
Practical and rust free Michele. It was about time to clean up this old gal and see what she was made of.
Hi Mary! Just came by to let you know you are being featured with this post at Thoughts of Home today. 🙂
Thank you so much Stacey. It is always fun to be featured at your party.
OOooooo maps! I love it! Thanks for linking up at #SustainableSundays!
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 🙂
Wendy
… visiting from Thoughts of Home
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.
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!
hugs,
Jann
Hi Jann, I believe I have linked up this week in fact. Thank you for stopping by to visit.
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!
Thank you Audra. I am really happy with how it turned out.