Pillar Box Blue

You are here: Home / Maps / How To Make A Brilliant Vintage Map Suitcase Upcycle – Pillarboxblue

How To Make A Brilliant Vintage Map Suitcase Upcycle – Pillarboxblue

by 79 Comments

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.

Stationery Suitcase

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

(This post was updated from 2015)

How to Upcycle a Vintage Suitcase with Maps

What you need to make a map suitcase

Map fabric

 

vintage suitcase before
inside the suitcase

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.

wire wool to remove rust off suitcase

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.

cutting out the map

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.

decoupagin the map
Decoupaging the corners

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.

Final protective glue varnish coat
outside of finished map suitcase
vintage map suitcase

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.

cutting the fabric

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.

gluing the map down

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.

cutting fabric to fit cardboard base and top
pinning the fabric to the cardboard

5. Finally, to finish off the lining of the map suitcase, pop the fabric cardboard pieces into the lid and base.

poping int th fabric lid
Vintage Map suitcase lining
Tutorial for a vintage map suitcase

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.

Upcycled vintage map suitcase - Wait till you see the inside it's even better. Full Tutorial

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.

How to upcycle a vintage suitcase with maps
map fabric


 
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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

    Reply

  5. 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!

    Reply

  6. 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~

    Reply

  8. 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!

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

  11. 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. 🙂

    Reply

  12. 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.

    Reply

  16. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  17. 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

    Reply

  24. 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!

    Reply

    • Claire Armstrong

      You should definately give it ago. You can layout your maps before sticking them down to see how it would look

      Reply

  25. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.