Last spring I got an email from an Art of Doing Stuff reader who lives in my general area. She said she had spotted a vintage suitcase out for garbage pickup while she was out for her morning walk. She lugged it home, emailed me and asked if I'd like it.
Um ... YES. Garbage finds are my favourite finds and I didn't even have to go root through garbage for it. I didn't know what I was going to do with the suitcase but I knew I could think of something.
The suitcase was in relatively good condition, but definitely couldn't be used "as is". I'd have to fix it up, clean it up, paint it up ... something.
One year ago the title of this post was going to be "How to Paint a Suitcase!". By spring it was going to be, "How to Turn a Suitcase into a Gardening Shed!". Around July I decided the title would definitely be "Put Wheels on a Suitcase for Easy Underbed Storage!. Then fall arrived and the title became "Shove that old suitcase in your basement. It's ugly and a pain in the ass!"
But then I made a discovery. I decided to peel off the travel stickers that were on the suitcase.
One of the stickers was covering up a hole in the outside fabric of the suitcase. It looked like wood underneath.
I figured if I just peeled a little more of the fabric back I'd be able to see if the whole suitcase was wood. Just a little. Just enough so I could see if it was wood. If I was careful about it, I could always just glue the fabric back down.
Hmm. Not sure. Might need to peel a tiny bit more back.
Down to the basement to set up for suitcase surgery. I'd get everything ready and then come down in the morning to start working on it.
And I stuck to my plan. As long as you call 2:00 a.m. morning.
It was like an addiction this suitcase. I couldn't stop until I knew exactly what was underneath. Then once I knew what was underneath, I was satisfied and promptly walked away leaving it sitting on my workbench for the next 4 months. It runs in my family this sort of behavior. Rip something apart until you know what it's made of or what's going on and then walk away because your curiosity has been quenched.
Last month I got back to work on it.
To strip the suitcase I:
Table of Contents
1. Ripped the fabric off with my hands.
2. Scraped off some of the glue residue.
3. Sanded the rest of the glue off with a palm sander.
Now that the suitcase is stripped you have 3 options:
1. Leave it as is with no finish or sealant.
2. Seal it with a coat of Varathane.
3. Stain it and then Varathane it.
Even though I loved the clean look of the pale wood, I wanted it to have a bit more age and character so after MUCH debating I went with stain then Varathane to seal and protect the suitcase.
Are you wondering what this suitcase ultimately became? Is it underbed storage? A mini gardening shed? Nope, nope.
And yes. That is Rough Linen bedding. Smooth linen sheets and an Orkney duvet cover.
By putting the suitcase on an actual suitcase stand it instantly becomes the perfect height for a bedside table. Although it would look good on antique casters. Or on the porch with gardening tools. The one place it won't be going is the basement.
Laurinda
Lovely!
Nancy Blue Moon
I have three very old Samsonites that I suspect are wood..luckily they are in great condition and don't have to be re-done..They are just worn enough to give them character..I wonder how people lugged them around after they were packed full of stuff..You did an awesome job and save it from the trash..I commend you both..Now hand over the HB blanket and nobody gets hurt!
Nancy Carr
Great transformation.
Bonnie G.
Sorry, I typed Erin( daughter's name) instead of my own.
Erin
Looks great Karen! I have three vintage suitcases in my stash - they've been here for more than ten years (OMG, did I just admit that?!!) My plan is to stack them according to size and add bun feet for use as an accent or end table but I need to think about it a while. After all, I wouldn't want to be too impulsive! Oh and my favorite trunk is covered in houndstooth.
Enjoy your table!
toekneetoni
*humbling bowing to your genius*
rktrixy
Really, really nice. It has a visual simplicity to it that I really like... my first inclination would have been to leave the old fabric on, put a light cotton batting on and upholster it. Attach little feet. Ta-da - ottoman/storage. But the wood is really really lovely.
Peggy
I have a vintage upholstered train case and the outside is peeling off. It's all original with a red vinyl cover. I have been wracking my brain on how to recover it. After seeing what you said about leaving the old fabric on, using light cotton batting, and upholstering it I may try your idea. I had thought about peeling off all of the red and painting it but not sure how that would work. What do you suggest using to get the batting and upholstery to stick to the case? Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you so much, Peggy.
Evlayn
I love old luggage - recently bought a steamer trunk in excellant condiditon. I use it for craft storage.
I only get old suitcases with good linings - that's my favorite part - I could never have taken the lining out of yours since it looked to be in good condition. I have an old Samsonite with silk lining, cream background with little red palm trees.
mickey
Incredibly awesome!!!
Jrn
Karen- I am so envious! It is absolutely gorgeous. And so perfect in the bedroom. Staining it was the right decision. It looked fine with the bare wood but this is a whole other level.
Tricia
Oh my, what a fabulous find! Now I just have to find a similar dumpster diving comrade in the South Eastern parts of the states!
JBess
I will never look at a vintage suitcase the same way again! WOOD. Had I known there was wood- sandable, stainable wood, a lot more of these would have come home with me!
I'm so excited :)
Auntiepatch
BEAUTIFUL!
heather
I'm already off to Sally Ann's to get me one of those! Love the HB blanket and loved that book too.
Great work!
Cindy Marlow
Stupid autocorrect screwed up my blog address.
Cindy Marlow
I KNEW there was some reason I was collecting all those vintage suitcases! You have redeemed me in the eyes of my scoffing friends and children. I applauded you.
Natalie
Beautiful job! Very creative.
Debbie
Bravo!!! Love your beautiful room and what a surprise the wood was ... very cool
SarahL
I love how it turned out. Using it as a bedside table is Brilliant.
rev59@shaw.ca
what a find! it looks awesome.