Plain vintage suitcases are pretty great but cover them in your favorite coordinating fabrics and your house just got cuter! Not only do they look cute in your home, they're great photo props. Decorate a nursery, stack them high in your living room, stand them up behind other items on a shelf, etc. It's an easy way to add color to your space without investing a lot of money.
Keep an eye out for hard cases with stitched seams (for tucking fabric in) and think about using a variety of sizes for great impact. You no longer have to pass up the perfect case shape because of a nick in the vinyl!
First, gather your supplies. I used three vintage suitcases that I had on hand and chose three fabrics that coordinated with their colors. The color of the case will still show so keep that in mind when you're choosing fabrics. You'll also need Mod Podge
, a paint brush, a pen, scissors, a rotary cutter (or a butter knife). Next, lay your fabric face down on the case and carefully trace into the groove of the seam. Then cut about 1/4" extra around your trace line and place it on top of your case to make sure it's going to fit. Iron your fabric before attaching to get all the wrinkles out.
Carefully spread a thin layer of Mod-Podge over one third of your case starting at one side. It dries quickly so you want to work in sections. Line your fabric up and spread it evenly over the first third of your case making sure it covers the corners. Smooth your fabric as you attach it to the Mod-Podge.
Your fabric should hang over your edge about 1/4" or more. You can either pull it tight over the edge and trim it with your scissors before tucking the fabric in to the seam with a butter knife, or you can use a rotary cutter to simultaneously tuck it in and trim. You need to be a little more careful with the second method. Watch out for your fingers! Do this one section at a time.
When you're dealing with corners, apply a little extra Mod-Podge to your fabric and create two little pleats before you tuck the fabric in. It'll mimic the pleats in your suitcase nicely. You can repeat the same fabric on both sides or alternate depending on how you're going to display them.
This project turned out to be much easier than I thought with fewer complications than expected. Give yourself about half an hour per side, per case and be sure to let one side dry completely before tackling the other. ♥
I can't wait to see some fabric-covered suitcase photos! xo. Rachel
so super cute!!!
Posted by: melissa | October 10, 2011 at 04:48 PM
so cute! Floral is so feminine
Posted by: a girl with a smile | October 10, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Awe, so cute! And it looks pretty easy! ;)
Posted by: Miki | October 10, 2011 at 04:58 PM
So cute! I may have to try this. It looks so easy. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | October 10, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Adorable! I pass by these suitcases at the thrift all the time, but now I am tempted to pick one up. : )
xo,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Nicole | October 10, 2011 at 05:10 PM
what a fantastic idea! I thought it was so fantastic that I posted a picture on my blog and linked it back to your blog! I had to share it with my readers! Your blog is so inspirational to me!
Smiles,
the Joyful Thrifter
Posted by: The Joyful Thrifter | October 10, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Love love love the idea! I know what I am going to be thrifting for this week!
Xo
http://beingzhenya.wordpress.com
Posted by: ZhenyaH | October 10, 2011 at 05:13 PM
This is darling! SO going to try it!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | October 10, 2011 at 05:16 PM
oh this is amazing, and the colors are amazing. I love how it`s styled. I definetly need to buy some of these suitcases and try this diy . so cute
Posted by: Nina | October 10, 2011 at 05:16 PM
So CUTE! I am completely in love with this DIY! I love the idea of using them as storage! I never would have thought of that!
Kacie
A Collection of Passions
Posted by: Kacie @ A Collection of Passions | October 10, 2011 at 05:21 PM
NO. WAY.
Perfect Miss Elsie ma'am---just perfect <3 <3
Posted by: Sara Sophia | October 10, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Oh wow, these look so pretty stacked all together :) I did this to the interior of my old suitcase, but it never occurred to me to do the exterior! Very nice.
Posted by: Candace | October 10, 2011 at 05:47 PM
So cute, Rachel! Also... WHERE did you get that daisy afghan?!
Posted by: Mary@SoSheDid | October 10, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Really cute idea!
Posted by: Tonya | October 10, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Wow they are so CUTE! Love it!
xo Emma
Posted by: Emma | October 10, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Love this! I need to find some suitcases to do this with!
Posted by: LauraJane | October 10, 2011 at 06:02 PM
howwww do you come up with this stuff? much less have time to write blog posts?!
http://breatheandhush.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Katie | October 10, 2011 at 06:03 PM
That's a really great storage idea! Thanks!
x
culinarilychallenged.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lauren Helen | October 10, 2011 at 06:06 PM
I am in LOVE with these! I would seriously use these at an airport while traveling.
Posted by: Caty | October 10, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Great idea! I love your DIY tutorials! So helpful and inspirational!
Posted by: Morgan Charleigh Smith | October 10, 2011 at 06:26 PM