I found an old suitcase at a local antique/flea market for $8 that I thought would be a good item to upcycle for this month’s Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge.
The Rules:
- Upcycle an item(s) from a thrift store, resale store, or garage sale into a new piece of decor.
- There’s no monthly theme.
- There’s no budget to stick to.
Meet the Hosts
Amanda | The Kolb Corner Erlene | My Pinterventures Kim | Made in a Day
Dru | Polka Dot Poplars Maureen | Red Cottage Chronicles Pili | Sweet Things
Debra | Shoppe No. 5 Marie | DIY Adulation Havalah | Sisters, What
Chelsea | Making Manzanita Ann | Duct Tape and Denim
Molly | Just a Little Creativity Ashley | 3 Little Greenwoods Kimm | Reinvented
Kim | Farmhouse Made Victoria | Dazzle While Frazzled Sara | Twelve on Main
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den Michelle | Our Crafty Mom Jeannee | Shepherds and Chardonnay
Jennifer and Vicki | 2 Bees in a Pod Lora | Craftivity Designs
Ali | Home Crafts By Ali Denise | My Thrifty House Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
Jeanie | Create & Babble Michelle | Michelle James Designs
Make sure you follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!
Thrift Store Upcycle Suitcase Makeover
At first I thought this case was just a small suitcase, but technically I guess it’s called a train case. I remember my older sisters having train cases that they carried when they went to the pool in the summer – sort of like we do today with backpacks or tote bags.
I was so jealous of their train cases. I wanted one!
Well I found one for $8! It looked a little rough when I brought it home.
But after a good cleaning, removing the lining . . .
. . . a coat or two of paint
and after adding a few vinyl decals that I made with my Silhouette® . . .
My train case is looking pretty sweet!
As shown in the images above, I cleaned the case and removed the old lining, then painted the inside and outside of the case. Next I cut chip board pieces to fit the inside dimensions of the case. Because the width of the case was wider than my chipboard, I had to piece them together with painter’s tape.
New fabric was then attached to the chipboard pieces using Fabric Fuse by ThermOWeb. To cover the hinge area on the inside of the case, I attached a piece of the fabric that I had “hemmed” on both edges with the Fabric Fuse. (second photo below)
The fabric-covered chipboard pieces were then inserted and adhered with hot glue. Lastly, I cut vinyl decals with my Silhouette® Cameo and attached them to the top and sides of the case.
I love how this little suitcase turned out. It matches the colors in my master bedroom makeover and I might use it to hold cards that I have saved throughout the years or maybe as a jewelry box?
Click on the photos below for more of my upcycled projects:
And now for more thrifty goodness!
Check out what my fellow upcyclers created below!
Brings back memories of my mom’s train case! You did a great job bringing it back to life! I love the colourful lining!
Great suitcase! I love how you updated it and the inside fabric is so pretty. Also love that you kept the original handle. Visiting from Thrift Store Challenge.
Wow Jeanie – your train case looks fabulous! Love the colors and fabrics you chose too. We bet your sister’s are jealous of your case now 🙂
Very cute upcycle!!! I love the colors and the print of the inside. 🙂
I love the transformation! It is so pretty now! I love the idea of a train case. Now I want one.
What a transformation. Beautiful!
I haven’t ever even heard of a train case. But I love it! You did such a fantastic job on it. It turned out beautiful! I love the color and the decals on the outside, and the inside WOW!
I love this. I can’t pass up an old suitcase!
That turned out so pretty! I love the color and the applique! But mostly I love the material you used inside! Did you get it at Hobby Lobby?
Jeannee
I love the makeover you gave it! The inside really makes it pop!
I love this transformation. It looks so sophisticated on the outside and then the lid is opened and the playful side comes out.
What a great makeover, it looks so pretty now. I am still scared about trying making vinyls with my Silhouette but looking to what you did I think I have to get some courage
That’s such a good find! I love the colors too, it’s such a fun project!
The prints on the inside are TOO CUTE!
This little suitcase turned out great! Love the fabric & color you chose!
I love the fabric you choose to line the inside of the box. Such a pretty makeover and I would totally display the inside 🙂
Oh this is adorable! I’ve got the perfect spot for this upcycle in my craft room. Wouldn’t it make fun ribbon storage?
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
{BIG hugs}
~Ashley
Jeanie,
Your train case is so pretty. I love the addition of the vinyl, especially the gold!
gail
ps pinning!
You did a wonderful job with the train case. I have one, full of my love letters. I plan to paint mine using white chalk paint and stencil it. Did you use chalk paint? Thanks for a great idea.
Your train case is adorable, now. I especially like the colors and designs that you used for the interior lining. It’s great that you revived this piece from a bygone era — we never see suitcases like this, anymore.
It is so pretty. Love the colors.
It is just gorgeous inside and out Jeanie – love the fabric you lined it with !!
This is a great makeover, I love love love the material you used for the inside. Its absolutely gorgeous. Pinning so I have a reference for how to line something with material Thanks for the info.
That train case came out so cute. Thanks for sharing at http://www.fabifabu.com/2017/05/28/inspiration-galore-project-party-35/ Your will be feauture next week party!!