Do-it-yourself suitcase. How to make other things out of a suitcase

Making a suitcase with your own hands, as it turned out, is very simple. Much easier than restoring an old suitcase. This does not require any "reserved" elements and devices, and all the necessary materials are available and sold in stores at fairly low prices.

background

As often happens in creative practice, the necessary things are usually in the trash, like our Soviet-era suitcase a little larger than a diplomat. Its dimensions were suitable for storing a bunch of jewelry and trinkets, woven, but lying around idle. A very shabby, dirty and unaesthetic appearance of a useful thing in the household left no doubt: the restoration of the old suitcase was necessary.

At first, the fittings were carefully removed and placed to soak in a can of gasoline. Then the linings and the ancient torn leatherette were removed. It turned out that the side boards that make up the frame were rotten, and the walls of the lids were generally made of thick cardboard, pierced to huge holes in several places.

The cardboard has been torn off and thrown away. Instead, boards of the required size were cut from hardboard. The wooden frame is sanded down to white wood, a couple of walls are replaced with new ones and reinforced with glue and self-tapping screws. Covers made of hardboard are put on glue and nailed.

So, it can be argued that we began to design a suitcase with our own hands almost from scratch.

Exterior finish

Dark brown leatherette was used for decoration. Leatherette is marked strictly according to the size of each suitcase flap, taking into account the turn on the walls of the inner sides.

We carefully cover the surface of the leatherette with PVA glue, and, accordingly, one of the covers of the suitcase. We glue the material, carefully expelling all air bubbles and excess adhesive liquid, smoothing out irregularities. For this purpose, we have a felt squeegee in store.

We especially conscientiously roll the material around the perimeter of the edges so that the hand-made suitcase looks aesthetically pleasing, as if it came off the factory assembly line yesterday.

The hardest part is wrapping the corners. We deliberately do not give patterns, because we assume that every home craftsman has his own vision of the technology for high-quality finishing of corners when restoring an old suitcase. The main thing here is accuracy, a lot of glue and diligence.

We will show a number of photographs, which, we hope, will help clarify the technological process of pasting corners.

When the dermantine is stretched over the skeleton, it is recommended to walk on the seized glue with a warm iron in order to fix the gluing (bake). Be sure to iron through a rag, otherwise your synthetic material will melt.

At this, we consider the first stage of making a suitcase with our own hands, or restoring an old one, to be completed. Therefore, we will put back its fittings.

Interior upholstery

For interior upholstery, we will make pads on synthetic winterizer covered with synthetic velvet or any other suitable textile. The illustration shows the components of "velvet" pillows and part of the procedure for their layer-by-layer formation.

When the pillows are ready, we thoroughly glue the inner walls of the product with glue and glue the pillows inside.

This is how our "new" handmade suitcase looks like.

We did not attach the handle. The project is to make our suitcase wearable on a shoulder strap, like a sketchbook, but so far there is no time to look for suitable fittings and options for attaching it.

So, we have created a functional thing, the practical applicability of which is not limited to storing jewelry or tools. The master class not only clearly shows how to make a suitcase with your own hands, but will come in handy as an instruction, according to which the restoration of an old suitcase is also feasible.

Materials and tools used in the master class:

• suitcase frame with fittings;
• sandpaper, hammer, screwdriver, brush, scissors, mounting knife;
• hardboard and wooden slats (optional);
• PVA glue;
• shoe nails 10 mm long;
• leatherette, cardboard, synthetic winterizer, synthetic velvet.

Time spent on restoration:

• giving the product a look suitable for finishing, including grinding and puttying - 2-3 days;
• finishing - 2-3 hours.

Helpful Hints

If you have old suitcases left at home, in the country or in the pantry, then you should not immediately throw them away.

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

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

Useful things from an old suitcase

Coffee table

Small enough to put even in the hallway and functional enough to use as a coffee table.

Speaker

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

Dollhouse

You can make such a house yourself or buy it online. It all depends on your capabilities and desires.

Bed for cats

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

Bathroom cabinet

Looks nice 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. It can store tools or various things that do not lie well.

See also: DIY crafts from old things

Cabinet for face and body care products

needlework box

In a suitcase, you can neatly organize a whole department for needlework. Such a suitcase can also be decorated from the outside and taken with you if necessary, for example, if you were invited by needlework friends.

What can be done from suitcases

Coffee table

Mini bar

This suitcase minibar was made by designer Dane Holweger. It is perfect for various parties or just to decorate the house and improve its functionality.

Seamstress suitcase

Tray

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

How to make a beautiful DIY organizer from an old suitcase

1. First you need to process the suitcase with sandpaper to remove the paint.

2. Paint the suitcase any color you like, using a special paint - in this case plastic paint.

3. Using thick cardboard or plastic, divide the inside of the suitcase into several sections. Cut to desired size and glue with superglue to each other.

4. If desired, you can paint plastic or cardboard with spray paint. However, this is best done in a well-ventilated area, wearing a respiratory mask and goggles.

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

What to make from an old suitcase: a picnic suitcase

You will need:

old suitcase

Sandpaper

Stationery knife

Paint tape

Cream wax (optional)

tassel

paste glue

Decoupage glue (PVA glue)

Adhesive for fabric

Ribbed elastic band

stapler.

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

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

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

4. Paint with 2-3 coats of paint.

5. To protect the paint, you can apply cream wax on top of it.

A few days ago we showed 35 ideas, . Would you like to get such a handy thing, but don't know where to start? In this collection of tutorials, you will see 5 easy ways to make a DIY craft case.

• the basis - in most cases - were old suitcases (of different sizes and original appearance);

• the authors converted both the main compartment and the inside of the lid for storage;

• no special skills were required;

• if the suitcase is a travel suitcase, before starting the renovation, the old lining was completely removed from it so that the frame opens;

• all methods are extremely economical (with rare exceptions, you don’t have to buy anything - just what was found in the needlewoman’s house is enough).

Check out 5 tutorials on how to turn an old suitcase into a cute craft case and make yourself even better!

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do-it-yourself handicraft case, master class No. 1 “simple and tasteful”:

Needleworker Vanessa offers an easy way to transform even the oldest and most boring suitcase. This will require inexpensive materials and a minimum of skills.

before:

Even if the suitcase is pretty on the outside, its lining is rarely as beautiful. Feel free to remove it and paint the inside of the suitcase in some nice color - for example, green. Then cut out two blanks from cardboard (according to the shape of the bottom and the inside of the lid) and glue them with paper (or cotton cloth) in a flower. In the cardboard for the top, make holes for the elastic bands, thread the elastic bands and tie on the back side, then glue the cardboard on the inside of the lid and frame with a beautiful braid.

Now the lid of the suitcase will help you always keep scissors, reels, needles and other necessary little things at hand. And in the main compartment you can store the remains of fabrics, braid, needles, pins and buttons.

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do-it-yourself suitcase for needlework, master class No. 2 "journey to the land of creativity":

One Swiss needlewoman loves retro, handmade things and cannot imagine her life without travel. All these hobbies were combined in a nice little case for needlework, which she made with her own hands.

The basis for the "magic chest" was an old boring suitcase. Its sides were painted white, and the standard upholstery was replaced with a floral fabric. And the shabby thing turned into a nice vintage hand-made.

The suitcase has also been transformed inside. The dark bottom was covered with a fabric in a bright cell. The inside of the lid was decorated with multi-colored fabric pockets - not only beautiful, but also functional. They can store large items. For skeins of braid and cuts of fabric, small baskets and containers are suitable. And elastic bands and small pockets on the sides will help organize the smallest items (needles, pins, coils).

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do-it-yourself suitcase for needlework, master class No. 3 "sweet life":

Just look at this suitcase! Bright prints on the outside, old pages on the inside. Such a thing is usually expensive, but you are quite capable of making it yourself.
The base is the same old suitcase. We will decorate it not only inside, but also outside.

before:

For the design of the outer part, Amy chose a fabric with appetizing prints of sweets. If you do not find exactly the same, you can choose any other, but be sure to be bright and with an interesting pattern.

The interior looks especially luxurious. All thanks to the unusual decor from ... the pages of the old dictionary, which are pasted over the bottom and walls.

Amy made the lid of the suitcase not only beautiful, but also functional by attaching small plastic jars to it. They can be put on superglue or attached using double-sided tape.

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master class No. 4 “like mom” - do-it-yourself suitcase for children's needlework:

Does your daughter like to sew, knit or draw? Give your little fairy a magical craft box just like Megan did. All you need is a small suitcase (not necessarily an old one!), a sheet of colored cardboard and a little imagination.

Attach the cardboard to the lid of the suitcase from the inside and cut the blank according to its shape. If there is no multi-colored cardboard, take a regular one and glue it with a cloth. Then make holes to secure the holders for the spools and knitting needles (they can be made from ordinary elastic). Glue the cardboard to the inside of the lid - a cute craft case is ready!

It can be difficult for children to keep order, especially in small things. Help them in this difficult task by equipping the suitcase with a container with dividers. Now buttons, beads, pins and other necessary little things will lie in one place and will no longer scatter all over the suitcase.

Are you inspired and want to do something else? Do not limit your creative impulses! Sew a pillow for needles, a bag for small things, a pencil case for pencils and felt-tip pens to complete the suitcase - yourself or involve your daughter in this. Now your child will be able to boast of original handmade things.

Luckily, we got an old suitcase from 1980. The appearance and fabric of chiffon has been worn and soaked with dirt over the years. It was decided to completely restore it. Initially, the idea was to put it in a prominent place, as a decoration. Major work has been done. Let's rather see a detailed master class - the restoration of a suitcase.

We will need:

• Suitcase
• Chiffon fabric (We recommend you buy chiffon fabric at a good price in an online store)
• Foam rubber
• newspaper sheets
• Furniture glue and PVA glue
• Furniture stapler
• Scissors
• Leg-split
• Acrylic paints
• Pictures for applying decoupage technique
• brushes
• Acrylic lacquer
• and other small tools

Step 1

Here is such a suitcase fell into our hands. The photo may contain our cat. The curiosity of the kitty is off scale, so it was not always possible to remove it from the frame. 🙂

The restoration of the suitcase begins!

The suitcase inside became soaked with dust and dirt over the years, so it was decided to completely remove the lining and replace it with new material.

Step 2

Let's start the fun! Removal of old material and complete analysis of the suitcase!

After removing all the excess, we got a kind of cardboard box. Dirt and dust was more than enough! 🙂 So we washed it with a damp soapy cloth. The main thing is not to soak the cardboard.

Step 3

Let's leave the suitcase, let's get upholstered! These frame frames are made from raw wood, so everything was in sharp splinters. To prevent damage to the material, it was decided to glue the frame with a newspaper. Let's dry!

This will be our inside of the suitcase. Here we simply cut out the required size foam rubber (we calculated it based on the inside of the frame) and covered it with fabric. Staples were attached to the frame.

To strengthen the upper part, cardboard sheets were glued to the PVA glue. After drying, the lid became unbendable.

This is a blank for the side walls of the suitcase.

In order to carefully fix the fabric and strengthen the base, we decided to attach cardboard to the frame.

Fasten the cardboard with tape. On the inside, glue the foam rubber on furniture glue. This fix will suffice. After we tighten the workpiece with a cloth, fasten it to a furniture stapler and carefully close the corners. For reliability, we glued each bracket with furniture glue.

By analogy, they made the bottom of the suitcase. They cut out cardboard, foam rubber and covered it with fabric. Brackets and adhesives.

Step 4

Before applying acrylic paint, all old Soviet glue must be removed. We didn’t have soil at hand, so we applied paint over fiberboard. By the way, acrylic paints are quite expensive. And it would take a large number of jars to paint our suitcase. Therefore, we decided to replace art paint with construction paint. The cost of a 500 g can cost us 80 rubles. The main thing is to take water-based paint. It is sold only in white, but you can buy a dye of absolutely any color for them. Such a dye costs 30 rubles. During work, we realized that the primer is applied so that the fiberboard does not absorb too much paint. So the primer is necessary for those who want to save on paint consumption.

We applied 2 layers of acrylic paint with intermediate drying of each layer. The paint dries very quickly. After using the decoupage technique through a file. Instead of decoupage napkins, we used ordinary office paper. Scotch tape helped us to thin the layers. Here is a little technical guide.

1. We print the necessary picture on the printer
2. Lay it face down on the table
3. Tape on top
4. And carefully tear off along with an extra layer of paper
5. We thin the paper to the maximum. The main thing is that there are no holes
6. Cut out the picture

1. We put the resulting drawing on the file picture down
2. Pour water on top, spreading over the entire surface of the image
3. Drain excess water
4. We transfer the drawing to the suitcase, carefully removing the file. See that there are no bubbles
5. From above, from the center of the image, we coat the drawing with a solution of PVA glue and water in a ratio of 1: 1
6. Let the glue dry

After that, we covered our suitcase with another layer of acrylic paint. We wanted to achieve the effect of an old suitcase without bright images. Therefore, we also slightly painted over the picture with paint. In order not to obscure the image, part of the paint was diluted with a small amount of water and applied only to the drawings. We are waiting for drying.

Step 5

The next layer is applied gold art acrylic paint chameleon. The beauty of this paint is that it is almost transparent, but at different viewing angles it gives a different shade of gold and a glossy sheen. We are waiting for drying.

This is our suitcase from the inside. Restoring a suitcase doesn't seem so difficult anymore?!

Step 6

Close the handle and corners. For this we used ordinary twine. Everything is very simple here. We coat the handle with PVA glue and wind the twine. Knitting needles were needed to create the corners. Cast on 12 stitches. In each row, close 1 loop and bring them to 1 loop. We should get a triangle. We fix it with PVA glue.

Cunning 1

Visually, it seems that the drawing was applied by hand ... but ... no. 🙂 Initially, it was another decoupage drawing. But when covering the image with a layer of paint, we overdid it a little and generally covered the entire drawing. The lines were barely visible to the eye. Therefore, it was decided to add more dye and outline the image by hand. After drying, the drawing was covered with chameleon paint, it gave a rich golden color. In the left corner put a small "signature". 🙂

Cunning 2

At first glance, you might think that craquelure paint was applied to the sides of the suitcase to create mother-in-law... but... no 🙂 We could not remove the Soviet glue from the sides of the suitcase. We decided to paint over it. But almost immediately after applying the paint went into a crack. 🙂 To preserve this effect, we immediately covered the acrylic paint with gold paint and varnish.

At the end of the work, we completely cover our suitcase with acrylic varnish. By the way, we recommend that you thoroughly paint over the twine (handle and corners). After varnishing, they will take on a stone shape, which will give extra shine.

Most of all, those things that are made or restored with your own hands bring pleasure, especially if they have been breathed a second wind into them. It could be decoupage of an old suitcase. In order for a unique vintage product to be born, certain skills and abilities are not needed, it is enough to choose a decoration technique and allocate some time for your creativity.

Decoupage technique (applying a decorative pattern to the surface) has been known since the 17th century. In our time, not only has it not lost its popularity, but it is also experiencing its revival. The methods of work and materials have changed somewhat, but the essence of creativity has remained the same. Among the 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 decoupage technique:

• Shabby chic style. The main background is white, with shades of ivory or pink tones. The thing should have a slightly aged look, for which scuffs and the effect of cracks (craquelure) are artificially created. The compositions are dominated by light colors;

• Provence. Reminiscent of shabby chic, only olive tones are added. Pictures of various plants, twigs - the main theme. Here, patening is more often used (blurs resembling copper plaque). You can find a master class on the Internet, where this technique is shown in detail;

• simplecity. It uses old newspapers, magazine clippings, postcards, notes, 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.

Decoupage of an old suitcase with your own hands

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

What you will need:

• acrylic varnishes and paints (when dried, 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.

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

The decor of an old suitcase with your own hands includes the following steps:

• Surface preparation. We clean the thing from dirt, wash it, let it dry. Restoring damaged areas, sealing. We prime the surface, wait until it dries. With fine sandpaper, we remove the bumps after the primer.

• We paint the suitcase with acrylic paint in the color we need. If necessary, we create the effect of wear, cracking.

• We apply a drawing from a napkin or picture, newspaper to the prepared areas. This is done using PVA (decoupage glue) diluted with water and a brush. Gently press the pattern with a roller and force out the air. Let's dry. In the case when you need to create an additional effect of patination or a shade of a different color, apply a second layer and wait for drying.

• We cover with acrylic varnish. The varnish layer depends on the product, up to three layers can be applied. Varnishes are different: matte, glossy, with a mother-of-pearl shade and sparkles.

• We fix a 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 thing 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 painting elements

How can you use a suitcase in the interior

Old suitcases in the interior can be a useful thing. Decorated with your own hands (an old suitcase), an object 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, sew special pillows with a removable cover and lay them on the bottom of the walls. You can attach ordinary or wheeled legs for convenience, and decouple the sidewalls with thematic pictures.

Banquettes, bedside tables, tables are made from a roomy medium-sized suitcase. To do this, beautifully decorate the old thing outside. If you plan to do decoupage on your suitcase to get 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 strengthen the bottom with a layer of thin plywood. The upholstery of the soft part is made in the style of the decor of the suitcase. For example, if you are remodeling an old suitcase in a shabby chic style, then fabric with flowers will do. Classic legs and burgundy velvet look beautiful in Victorian style.

Some interesting ideas

• Large suitcases-chests are ideal for a vintage chest of drawers. In this case, the facade of the furniture can be decorated with overlaid leather straps and antique-styled handles.

• A children's room with cheerful suitcase shelves 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, cheerful pictures have a positive effect on the mood of children.

• A home flower bed will become a decoration of the room if the flowers are placed in an old but updated suitcase.

• By attaching the suitcase in a vertical position to the wall, you can get a convenient locker for household trifles. From a small children's suitcase you can make a key holder. Shelves are made inside or decorative hooks are attached.

• A newly decorated item will turn into an interesting independent detail of the interior in the bedroom. The product will stand out with its individuality. In this case, you need to build on the style of furniture, but it is possible to play in contrast.

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

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

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