Make your own old suitcase. Fashionable accessory from an old item: decoupage of a suitcase

Useful tips

If you have old suitcases at home, in your country house or in your closet, you shouldn’t throw them away right away.

The fact is, from suitcases, even the oldest and most hopeless ones, you can make completely new things that will be more functional and useful.

Here are some interesting ideas and useful tips how you can repurpose an old suitcase to give it a second life:


Useful things from an old suitcase

coffee table

Small enough to fit even in a hallway and functional enough to be used as a coffee table.


Column

You might not want to turn your suitcase into a speaker, but this conversion looks pretty impressive.


Dollhouse

You can make one yourself or purchase it online. It all depends on your capabilities and desires.


Cat bed

If you have one or more cats at home, you may want to create a comfortable place for them to rest.


Cabinet in the bathroom

Looks beautiful and holds a lot of different useful things for the bathroom.


How to make other things out of a suitcase

Dresser

For such a chest of drawers you will need several suitcases. However, it can be made from 2 or 3 suitcases. You can store tools or various things that don’t fit well in it.


Read also: DIY crafts from old things

Cabinet for face and body care products


Craft box

You can neatly organize an entire craft section in your suitcase. You can decorate such a suitcase on the outside and take it with you if necessary, for example, if you are invited by friends for needlework.


What can be made from suitcases

Coffee table

Mini bar

This suitcase minibar was made by designer Dane Holweger. It is ideal for various parties or simply for decorating your home and improving its functionality.


Suitcase for a seamstress














Tray

Remove the lid of the suitcase, decorate the inside of the lid with fabric, using, for example, a stapler.


How to make a beautiful organizer from an old suitcase with your own hands


1. First you need to sand the suitcase to remove the paint.


2. Paint the suitcase in any color using special paint - in in this case paint for plastic.



3. Using thick cardboard or plastic, divide the inside of the suitcase into several sections. Cut them to the required sizes and glue them together with superglue.


4. If desired, you can paint the plastic or cardboard using spray paint. However, it is best to do this in a well-ventilated area, wearing a respiratory mask and safety glasses.


Now you can safely fill the organizer with the things you need.

What to make from an old suitcase: a picnic suitcase


You will need:

Old suitcase

Sandpaper

Stationery knife

Painting tape

Cream wax (optional)

Brush

Paste glue

Glue for decoupage (PVA glue)

Fabric glue

Ribbed elastic

Stapler.

1. Remove all stickers from the suitcase (if any). Wipe it clean.


2. Remove the old lining using a utility knife. Old lining can not only smell bad, but can also tear quickly. A lot of dust also accumulates under it.


3. Cover all parts of the suitcase that you do not want to paint with masking tape. First of all, this concerns mechanisms.


4. Paint with 2-3 layers of paint.


5. To protect the paint, you can apply cream wax over it.

The things that bring the most pleasure are those that are made or restored with your own hands, especially if they have been given a second wind. This could be decoupage of an old suitcase. To create a unique vintage product, you don’t need specific skills and abilities; you just need to choose a decoration technique and allocate a little time for your creativity.

The technique of decoupage (applying a decorative pattern to a surface) has been known since the 17th century. Nowadays, it not only has not lost popularity, but is also experiencing a revival. Working methods and materials have changed somewhat, but the essence of creativity remains the same. Among things that are given a second life, old suitcases are especially popular.. These items can be turned into a variety of useful and, most importantly, beautiful things for the home.

There are several stylistic trends in the decoupage technique:

  • Shabby chic style. The main background is white, with shades of ivory or pink. The item should have a slightly aged appearance, for which abrasions and the effect of cracks (craquelure) are artificially created. Light colors predominate in the compositions;

  • Provence. Reminiscent of shabby chic, only olive tones are added. Pictures of various plants and twigs are the main theme. Patenting (blurring, reminiscent of copper deposits) is often used here. You can find a master class on the Internet where this technique is shown in detail;

  • Simplecity. It uses old newspapers, magazine clippings, postcards, sheet music, photos of ancient sights;

  • Victorian style . The main leitmotif is engravings and thematic pictures of the 17th-18th centuries. Shades of burgundy, gold and beige predominate.

It is clear that any classification is conditional. You can fantasize, mix styles, add something new.

DIY decoupage of an old suitcase

Let's start with the materials that are needed for decoupage. With the advent of acrylic varnish, paints, and special napkins, the process accelerated and became somewhat simpler. Materials for decoupage of a suitcase and other things can be bought in art shops and specialized outlets.

What you will need:

  • acrylic varnishes and paints (when dry they become resistant to water);
  • stains, primers;
  • brushes and trowel for mixing paints (palette knife);
  • decoupage napkins, pictures, newspapers and other photocells (at your discretion);
  • sponges, sponges, brushes, roller;
  • PVA glue or decoupage glue.

This is the basic set. Further details that can be used depend on your imagination and purpose.

Decorating an old suitcase with your own hands includes the following steps:

  • Surface preparation. We clean the item from dirt, wash it, and let it dry. We restore the damaged areas and seal them. We prime the surface and wait until it dries. Use fine sandpaper to remove any unevenness after priming.
  • We paint the suitcase with acrylic paint in the color we need. If necessary, we create the effect of wear and cracking.
  • We apply a drawing from a napkin or picture or newspaper to the prepared areas. This is done using PVA (decoupage glue) diluted with water and a brush. Gently press down the pattern with a roller and displace the air. Let it dry. In cases where you need to create an additional effect of patination or a shade of a different color, apply a second layer and wait for it to dry.
  • Cover with acrylic varnish. The varnish layer depends on the product; up to three layers can be applied. There are different varnishes: matte, glossy, with a pearlescent tint and sparkles.
  • We attach the new handle and additional overhead parts. The handle can be made from beads, an old spoon, a belt, etc.

The internal content depends on the purpose for which the item will be used. For example, home improvement magazines may contain interesting master classes and detailed recommendations on how to decoupage a suitcase with your own hands.

On video: Volumetric decoupage of a suitcase with painted elements

How to use a suitcase in the interior

Old suitcases in the interior can become a useful thing. An object decorated with your own hands (an old suitcase) takes on a new look and a new place among household items. From an old suitcase you can make a comfortable place for pets (cats, dogs). To do this, special pillows with a removable cover are sewn and placed on the bottom of the walls. You can attach regular or wheeled legs for convenience, and decorate the sides with themed pictures.


A roomy, medium-sized suitcase is used to make banquettes, bedside tables, and tables. To do this, decorate the old thing beautifully on the outside. If you plan to decoupage the suitcase to create a banquette, prepare a convenient place inside for glasses, glasses or bottles. It is better to line the inner surface with a velvety fabric in a contrasting color.

You can make a collection of bedside poufs by attaching legs to decorated items. It is better to reinforce the bottom with a layer of thin plywood. The upholstery of the soft part is selected in the style of suitcase decor. For example, if you are remodeling an old suitcase in a shabby chic style, then a fabric with flowers will do. Classic legs and burgundy velvet look beautiful in Victorian style.

Some interesting ideas

  • Large trunk suitcases are ideal for a vintage chest of drawers. In this case, the facade of the furniture can be decorated with applied leather belts and antique-style handles.
  • A children's room with cheerful shelves-suitcases for toys, pencils and other things will delight your child. He himself can take an active part in the decor, helping his mother. Bright colors and funny pictures have a positive effect on children's mood.
  • Home flower bed will decorate the room if the flowers are placed in an old but updated suitcase.
  • By attaching a suitcase in a vertical position to the wall, you can get a convenient cabinet for household items. You can make a key holder from a small children's suitcase. Shelves are made inside or decorative hooks are attached.
  • A newly decorated item will turn into an interesting independent interior detail in the bedroom. The product will stand out with its individuality. In this case, you need to build on the style of the furniture, but it is possible to play with contrast.

An updated suitcase in the interior of your home can be a real “cherry on the cake”. Using our advice, you will get a great opportunity to realize your creative potential. Decoupage of an old suitcase is a very useful and fun process!

Ideas for restoration and decoration of a suitcase (2 videos)

What can you turn an old suitcase into: interesting decoupage ideas (40 photos)

Decoupage is conquering cities and countries, and it seems to have embraced something that was difficult to even think of. Not only bottles and boxes, tables and trays, banknote holders and vases are decorated. Even suitcases are decorated, and new pictures from old dull things make an incredibly fashionable accessory. In whatever style you want.

Suitcases have a long history - at some point they went out of fashion, and new travel bags were both more convenient and prettier, but they could hardly boast the same, one might say, charisma. Then Soviet suitcases are taken from the mezzanines, and modern craftswomen use these well-worn suitcases to make an ultra-fashionable item. From a strict brown suitcase, for example, a shabby chic style travel bag is made. Or Provence, or something in a retro style that evokes pleasant associations.

In order to decoupage a suitcase, you will need:

  • Three-layer paper napkins;
  • Acrylic primer or white paint;
  • Special glue for decoupage;
  • Pastel crayons (beige, olive, pink) or the same eye shadow;
  • Roller;
  • Acrylic paint"Vintage Rose";
  • Fan tassel;
  • Sharp scissors;
  • Sponge;
  • Clear acrylic varnish;
  • Pieces of leather for patches;
  • Awl;
  • Suitcase handle (new);
  • Acetone;
  • Fine-grained sandpaper.

When everything is ready, you can begin the so-called restoration work. This includes removing the paper that lines the inside of the suitcase. Wipe all surfaces - first with a cloth soaked in soapy water, then with a damp, clean cloth.

Leave the suitcase to dry. If there are damaged areas on the suitcase, then patches are applied with an awl and a piece of the desired leather. And they are usually fixed with self-tapping screws.

Step-by-step master class on decoupaging a suitcase

The suitcase is decorated in several stages. Get ready for long but interesting work. And in no case do not push yourself - if some layer needs to dry thoroughly, let it dry.

Master class, suitcase decoupage:

  • Use a roller, brush or sponge to prime the surface of your suitcase with acrylic;
  • Next, the same thing is done with the inner surface;
  • Everything needs to be dried well;
  • Then the surface must be cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper;
  • Everything is painted in the desired color, for example, pink;
  • And again wait for complete drying;
  • While the suitcase is drying, take napkins and cut out the necessary images along the contour;
  • Separate two layers, the top one with the pattern, and the one on which the pattern is less visible.

This is the first stage of decoration. It may take more than one day. But don’t waste your time - the result is worth it.

Decoration: do-it-yourself suitcase decoupage, master class with napkins

Then turn the suitcase upside down. Take a fragment of a napkin and place it in right place. The fan brush is moistened with decoupage glue, starting from the center of the napkin fragment, apply the composition. In all directions, move towards the edges. Be sure to squeeze out any air bubbles and smooth out all the so-called wrinkles. And do the same with all the fragments of napkins that you have prepared.

You need pastel crayons to make the drawing on the pictures of the second layer clearer. Blend everything with your fingers to make it more effective. If you use eye shadow, it rubs on the ribs, corners and rivets, suitcase locks. This will all help create an aging effect.

Finally, the surface must be covered with several layers of varnish. As it should be, with intermediate drying. And if the suitcase handle has already become unusable, it is easier to replace it with a new one than to restore it.

Interior decoration: decoupage of a suitcase in vintage style

And often this is the main mistake of decorators - on the outside the suitcase is just a picture, but on the inside it remains old. This needs to be corrected, of course. It’s not for nothing that they say that a thing can be called luxurious if the back side is as good as the front side.

For this you need:

  • Wallpaper of suitable colors with retro motifs;
  • Brush;
  • PVA glue;
  • Simple wallpaper glue;
  • Rose color paint;
  • Breadboard knife.

The top edge of the wallpaper needs to be trimmed with a zigzag blade. Unwind the roll and measure a length that is equal to the length of the suitcase. Cut it so that you have a rectangle. Divide it in half. Then cut out two more of these rectangles.

Wallpaper glue should be mixed with a small amount of PVA glue. Cut out rectangles that are equal in size to the side walls of the suitcase. Lubricate all rectangles with the resulting mixture from the inside out. First they are glued to the walls, and then to the bottom and lid of the suitcase. Leave everything to dry.

After this, you should cut out strips of wallpaper 3 cm wide and 7 cm long. They need to be glued to the inside corners of the suitcase in order to hide the seams. Then use a brush to paint over all the defects and edges of the sides in the same pink color.

If you want your suitcase to have a vintage style, but not with floral motifs, this could be, for example, images of the Eiffel Tower or the famous red telephone booths of London. It would be good if these images looked like retro postcards. Select the blanks in advance so that everything fits together.

Suitcase decoupage: master class (video)

The work is not fast, but the result will please you for a very long time. And, most importantly, who else will have such a suitcase? It will be exclusive, made by hand. And, perhaps, it will also become a family heirloom.

Sometimes a suitcase, no matter with or without a handle, becomes completely unsuitable for use for its intended purpose. Then a situation emerges when it’s a pity to throw it away and it’s pointless to keep it at home. Smart housewives in such situations act as follows - they give things that are unnecessary in everyday life completely different functional duties, giving them a second life. Let's find out what you can do from an old suitcase.

Several methods to repurpose an old suitcase

From an old suitcase that has become unnecessary and inherited from your grandmother or mother, you can make very useful and beautiful things. A little imagination and free time, and having the materials necessary for work on hand can turn a travel bag out of regular use into an organizer for storing sewing or knitting accessories, cosmetics, and necessary little things.

Attention! Before starting the rework, you need to clean the surface from any existing contaminants. If the suitcase is leather or plastic, rubbing alcohol will help remove stains. detergents. Contaminants are removed from fabric using special wet wipes. There is no need to wipe off dirt from a bag covered with paint; it is recommended to clean it off before starting the alteration.

The cleaned lid and lower part can be spray painted, coated with a layer of colored varnish, or covered with fabric. Next, take thick cardboard and cut out long strips from it, which will act as internal partitions. Their number and parameters depend on the purpose for which the suitcase will be used. If there should be as many small sections as possible for storing threads, needles, buttons and other sewing items. If the organizer is prepared for larger items, then the departments in it should be larger in size.

The cardboard sections must be fastened together with superglue or high-quality PVA. If desired, even before fastening, the sectional partitions inside the bag compartment can be painted with a paint that matches the tone, covered with shiny paper or decorated with rhinestones.

An excellent use case would be to use an old suitcase as a picnic box. In it you can store things necessary for a fun time in nature: dishes, tablecloths, blankets, napkins, or dishes prepared and packaged in durable containers.

The step-by-step modification method looks like this:

  1. The outer surface is cleaned of stickers, dirt and unevenness;
  2. Use a utility knife to rip and cut off the inner lining;
  3. The elements chosen for decoration are painted over or varnished;
  4. A sheet of plywood is attached to the bottom, to which a piece of fabric cut to its dimensions is attached;
  5. The same actions are performed with the upper part of the box (under the lid) and its inner side parts;
  6. The rubber band that will hold plates, spoons, forks and other accessories is attached to the plywood using a furniture stapler.

Important! The location of the elastic bands and the size of the objects that they will hold must be calculated in advance. For those things that elastic bands cannot hold, you can sew a small fabric bag and secure it to one of the sides.

How to paint and decorate an old suitcase

Transform appearance The top cover and side parts can be painted using acrylic paints or the decoupage technique. Each of these methods is very labor-intensive and requires perseverance and care.

In order to paint a suitcase with acrylic paints you will need the following materials:

  • paints (in a can);
  • paint in a tube and brush;
  • acrylic varnish.
  • ballpen;
  • stencil;
  • sandpaper.

Attention! Acrylic paint is quite toxic. Spraying it from a can in a closed and poorly ventilated area is strictly prohibited. If possible, it is better to carry out such work in the fresh air, remembering to wear a protective respirator.

Before painting, a suitcase with a leather outer covering is carefully cleaned with sandpaper. Then it is evenly coated with paint in two or three layers. After the coating has completely dried, apply a stencil to the lid and carefully trace its contours with a ballpoint pen. With a brush I paint over the outline drawn with a pen, filling it completely. After the drawing has dried, it is opened with varnish.

Decoupage is a special technique for decorating hard surfaces based on transferring an image to an object and then opening it with varnish. Decoupage is divided into several stylistic directions, including:

  • shabby chic;
  • Provence;
  • simplecity;
  • ethno;
  • Victorian;
  • vintage.

This kind of decoration procedure can be divided into several stages:

  1. Preparation. The lid is cleaned of existing contaminants, sanded and degreased;
  2. Padding. The surface is primed using a roller and a paint brush;
  3. Painting. The suitcase is carefully painted with a single-color background paint;
  4. Decoration. A fragment cut out of paper or napkin is applied to a thick film (file). "face" down. The napkin is moistened with water and, together with the file, is applied to the surface of the suitcase treated with glue. The file is removed. After the composition has dried, the picture is opened with a layer of varnish.

What to make from an old suitcase: useful uses

In addition to the organizer and picnic box, you can make from a suitcase:

  • small but functional coffee table;
  • toy house for dolls;
  • pet bed;
  • dresser;
  • mini-bar;
  • distribution;
  • bedside table;
  • armchair or ottoman.

Music speakers made from an old suitcase look especially interesting. They can be used both in an apartment or in a house, in a car or on the street during family holidays and feasts.

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