I love decorating with maps and for my latest project transformed a vintage suitcase with them. This upcycled map suitcase is the new storage place for all my travel memorabilia, photos, trinkets, maps, etc that I collect on my holidays.
It also looks great next to my upcycled personalized map chairs.
I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to fabric, yarn, paper, and other crafting paraphernalia. Ideally, I would love to have it all on display in my own studio but unfortunately, that’s not possible.
Also if my stash was visible to everyone then the extent of my craft hoarding habit would be laid bare for possible criticism!
Not only did I upcycle the outside of this vintage suitcase with maps but wait until you open it up inside. I actually think the inside of the map suitcase looks better than the outside.
I still managed to retain the old character of the vintage suitcase with this upcycle.
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(This post was updated from 2015)
How to Upcycle a Vintage Suitcase with Maps
What you need to make a map suitcase
- Vintage Suitcase – I bought mine for £2. It was a simple cardboard suitcase with a few scratches but as you are going to decoupage it you can cover the majority of them. The main thing to make sure is that the hinges and the catches on the casework fine.
- Wire wool, scissors, rotary cutter & mat, pins & glue brush
- Cardboard – any old cardboard from delivery boxes is ok
- Cavallini world map wrapping paper and postage stamps.
- Map fabric for the inside.
- Standard PVA glue and either a waterproof PVA or acrylic varnish. (You can use Elmer’s glue or Mod Podge instead of PVA)
I upcycled my map suitcase in 2 stages; firstly I decoupaged the outside with paper maps and then lined the case with fabric.
Stage 1: Transforming the outside of the map suitcase
I didn’t cover the whole of the suitcase with maps. I just cut out bits of the map and stuck them on. That is because I still wanted to retain the character by still making bits of the original case visible.
The map is just for decoration and to add interest not to cover up the whole suitcase. I wanted to achieve a look similar to the suitcases my friend Lisa Tiley from U Old Bag makes.
1.. First, clean your suitcase with some soapy water and sponge the inside and out. Make sure it’s thoroughly dry before you begin the next stage.
Use wire wool to gently rub away any excess rust on the hinges and catches. Don’t worry about removing all the rust as a little will just add to the vintage look.
2. Next, plan your map design and cut out your maps. If you want to use a different world map to the Cavallini one, there are a lot of free world maps on Pictureboxblue. There are also country-specific or city maps to choose from if you want to make a more personalized map suitcase.
I didn’t want to cover the whole suitcase in the maps. I just cut out the continents and left most of the ocean behind.
3. Next, starting with the underside of the suitcase, cover it in PVA glue (or Mod Podge) and stick down your map design. The edge of a credit card can come in handy to gently squeeze out any air bubbles trapped under your paper.
When the underside is dry, turn your suitcase over and repeat with the top and sides.
Top Tip: If you have any bad scuff marks that the map doesn’t cover, you can strategically use stamps or printed vintage travel labels to hide these.
Personally, I don’t mind the odd scuff mark. I find it adds to the vintage character of the map suitcase
4. Finally, to finish the outside of the map suitcase, cover it with a top coat of waterproof PVA (or acrylic varnish). This helps to protect your design.
Don’t worry about the PVA looking white and streaky when you put it on, it will eventually dry clear. If you plan to use your case out and about I would use 2 coats of PVA. Allowing at least 24 hours between each application.
Stage2: Lining The Vintage Map Suitcase
This is the lovely surprise when you open the upcycled vintage suitcase a map fabric lining. The lining was very easy to do and involved no sewing.
2. Firstly carefully measure the inner sides of your suitcase. Make sure you account for a 2cm seam allowance, cut 4 bits of fabric one for each side. Fold the top edge of about 1cm over on each piece of fabric and glue this down.
2. Then, cover the 2 long inner sides of the suitcase with glue and stick down your pieces of fabric. The fabric will overlap to the shorter sides and the floor of the case; this is fine just make sure you also glue these bits down.
For the final two pieces of fabric, fold over and glue the side edges so they are the same size as the case. Glue these in place. You may find that it helps to pin the fabric while the glue dries.
3. Next, you’ll need to make a top and bottom panel for the case. Measure and cut 2 pieces of cardboard that will slot into the base and top of the suitcase.
4. Then, using the cardboard pieces as a template, cut a fabric piece for each. Again allow for a 2cm seam. Wrap the fabric around the cardboard and glue down the seam edges to the underside. You may find it easier if you miter the corners.
5. Finally, to finish off the lining of the map suitcase, pop the fabric cardboard pieces into the lid and base.
I love the upcycled map suitcase. Even though I originally upcycled it for storage I have used it for the odd weekend away. Because I just love the funky way it looks.
I bought another vintage suitcase at the same time I acquired this one. That I transformed it into a fabulous travel themed vintage suitcase side table. For this one, I used vintage travel stickers and luggage tags that are free to download.
I have also had my own printed personalized map pillows made to match.
Don’t just throw away any map paper scraps use them to make some gorgeous map roses. I also have some free vintage maps that you can download and use for this project.
Even though I have lots of map upcycled and crafts on Pillarboxblue, they are only my second favourite material to use. My favourite material to upcycle is denim. So of course, I made an upcycled denim suitcase as well.
I’ve also upcycled simple cardboard shoe boxes and made them look like vintage suitcases.
If you are looking for more vintage suitcase ideas check out these.
Linda at Mixed Kreations
Very pretty! I think using a map to upcycle a vintage suitcase was the prefect choice. I love the inside as well. You did a awesome job on it!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much. I thought maps and suitcases went well together as they are both travel themes.
Cindy Craw
What a wonderful idea! I’ve always loved maps of any kind. I’m an armchair adventurer, though. When I saw your project, I immediately thought to use a suitcase lined and covered with maps for a cat bed. I’d put some kind of small pillow in it and leave it open on top of the stack of large wicker baskets I have. The cats love to be up high and I love maps–so, there ya go.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! I think that would make a lovely cat bed.
Mickey
ok, I like the cute suitcase with the maps inside and out but I’m curious what that footlocker is used for!! LOL I have one that was my Dad’s from his military days and want to keep it but it needs to be useful to take up space in my home! TIA
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. Being English I’m not familiar with the term footlocker, but if you mean the big metal trunk, I use that to store the families ski clothes in.
Aimee Shanan
Hi. I love your suitcases!! I was wondering if I could use your photos? I work for a non-profit and we post a daily devotion everyday on Instagram and Facebook. I’m always looking for different photos to use. I wanted to ask be doing so. Thank you so much!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! You can use one photo as long as there is a direct link back to Pillar Box Blue.
Lisa B.
Good Morning!! I wanted to stop by and let you know that your post has been selected as a Feature post for the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party!! Stop by this morning to see your post linked up and don’t forget to grab your Featured Button too! ~Lisa~
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much I look forward to seeing it.
Sara
Love this suitcase! Maps are so fun to decorate with! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers and thank you !
Keri
Claire, what a cool way to upcycle those vintage suitcases!! Love the map lining! Great idea to hide the craft stash in the suitcase. 🙂 Thanks for linking up at Sweet Inspiration!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much. I stash a lot of my craft supplies in vintage suitcases, I have one just for yarn.
Petite Words
This is absolutely fab! Love it, must give it a try. Those style of suitcases are hot property now, quite hard to get hold of reasonably priced ones! This would work great for bashed up cases in need to some love!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much! I always manage to get my cases really cheaply as I picked the more unloved ones to revamp.
Cynthia Chilson Finger
Your suitcase is so cute! Your tutorial made it look pretty easy, as well. Thanks so much for sharing. On the hunt for vintage suitcases now! 😀
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Hope you find one.
Stacey
I just love this! You have such a creative mind and it’s very inspiring to see the things you do. The suitcase with maps on it is darling to begin with but to use it for storage and carrying your crafty things is perfect.
Happy Thoughts of Home. 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you for your kind words. I just love making stuff.
Susan
I don’t what I’m more charmed by- the inside or the outside of this suitcase project?I will be hitting the thrift stores this weekend to find my own vintage suitcase to decorate. Thanks for sharing at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Hope you find one.
Pam
I love it. The inside looks so cool I would be tempted to display it somewhere and leave it open.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I love the inside too it’s a nice surprise when you open it.
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage
Hi Claire! I just popped back in to let you know that I’m featuring your fabulous suitcase at Vintage Charm tomorrow. Thanks so much for linking up your amazing projects.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much look forward to seeing it !
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction
Oh my–I love this transformation! Great job!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much !
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage
What a fabulous project! I thought it was so great on the outside, and then you went and did the inside with map fabric and it was like… OK… I’m totally in love now. I’ve got to find me a vintage suitcase so I can do this too. Thanks so much for sharing this at Vintage Charm Claire. Hope to see you at the next party.
Claire Armstrong
Thanks ! It shouldn’t be too hard to find a vintage suitcase for this project. As you are covering both the outside and inside, it doesn’t have to be perfect to start with.
Cassie @ Little Red Window
This is so cute, I love it and it would be so easy to personalize with specific maps! great idea! Thanks for sharing with us at The DIY Collective Link Party! I hope you come back and link up again next week! – Cassie @ Little Red Window
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Personalising with maps is what I love to do.
Chloe Crabtree
I found this over at Hometalk’s Instagram page. Such a cute project. I would love it if you would stop by and share it at my Sunday link party: Celebrate it Sunday! http://celebrateanddecorate.com/celebrate-it-sunday-link-party-18/ I think my readers would love it! I am pinning this and sharing over at FB and Twitter! Hugs, Chloe
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! And thanks for the invite
Sigrid
Really nice! I love your creative idea and I love vintage…
Greetings from Belgium, Sigrid
Claire Armstrong
Thank you that is really nice to hear.
Katherines Corner
this is such a creative idea, thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Pinned xo
Claire Armstrong
Cheers ! Thanks for hosting.
Janice@Curtains In My Tree
That is so unique
you did an excellent job
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much
Melissa Vera
Hi I just wanted to stop by and first thank you for linking up to the #HomeMattersParty last week. And also to let you know that this post was selected as one of the featured posts for the party this week. You can see at http://adventuresfrugalmom.com/home-matters-linky-party-51/. Make sure to grab the I was featured button to display proudly in your sidebar. Thanks for linking up and hope you come back and visit us again.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you for selecting my post as a feature.
Wendi @ H2OBungalow
This is great! Love the vintage suitcases paired with the maps!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers ! Yes I do think they go well together
AnnMarie
I just love the look of your suitcase! I picked up a box of maps and I have many vintage suitcases….I could do this! I always hesitate on upcycles because I am afraid I can’t do it right and in the process ruined some great vintage pieces. Your method seems easy enough!
Claire Armstrong
You should definately give it ago. You can layout your maps before sticking them down to see how it would look
Karen
Claire, this is so darn clever! And I love the pictures where you are holding It. Really cute!
Thanks so very much for sharing at Something to Talk About!
Karen
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much, I just took the photo in front of a neighbours garage doors as I love the colour for background shots.
Tianna
this is such a cool idea! love it! thanks for sharing xx
Claire Armstrong
Thank you
Mila
This is awesome!
I hope you’ll share your suitcase with Idea Box :
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/08/idea-box-thursday-link-party-23.html
xx
Mila
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for the invite.
Noa Ambar Regev
This looks beautiful, I love the inner maps!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, yes I agree the inside does look great.
creativejewishmom/sara
Fabulous, if only a suitcase this size would hold all of my travel stuff! thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, you could always have another one.
Ginny
What a great idea. I particularly like the maps on the inside of the suitcase.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I really like the lining too it’s a nice surprise when you open up the case.
Felicia
Ilove your map suitcase! It matches my desk and globe lamp that I just blogged on.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. Just looked at your desk and lamp they look great.