New Life for Vintage Luggage

Recently I wrote about coveting a vintage carry-on travel case and guess what?!  I snagged one - woo hoo!  I found this beauty (well, it was pretty filthy!) at the Helping Hands Thift Shop in Clermont for $9.

I brought it home, scrubbed the outside and gently washed and dried the inside then set about trying my hand at decoupage.

Using Mod Podge, a paint brush, clear spray varnish and bits and scraps of fabric and such I decoupaged a collage of retro-inspired images.  I LOVE the results!

The front side:

The back side:

(My mother-in-law Lois gave me the beautiful, hand tatted butterfly)

(Close up of back side)

Yes, there are a few bumps (should've snipped the edges of the hankies) and creases (next time I must be more careful when applying the glue so I don't create little folds) but overall I really adore it and can hardly wait for my next trip so I can carry it.

Look at these amazingly creative uses for upcycled, vintage suitcases!
Sherri from Love-Nostalgic-Whimsy (http://www.etsy.com/listing/51533298/repurposed-luggage-pet-bed-blue-green) repurposes vintage suitcases into pet beds.  How cute is this?!

Kim, the Sassy Crafter, upcycled her suitcase into a coffee table:

I love the industrial wheels!  She also blogged about how she did it at http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com/2010/01/suitcase-coffee-table.html

And for the serious upcycler, look at this!

I think this chair and ottoman are so cool!  Found them on TrendHunter.com.
Thinking I may have to revisit the thrift store and snag a couple more suitcases.  These clever upcyclers have inspired me to create new life for vintage luggage!
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