If you're in love with vintage suitcases like I am, you will love this How…
DIY Suitcase Table
I have a slight obsession with going to the Goodwill Outlet here in St. Louis and scrounging through all the huge, unorganized, ridiculously germy bins. I've found some great things there (see them here), and it's always a fun adventure. So, if you're ever in the area, make sure you stop by! It's off of Vandeventer, right past the Grove.
Anyway, I love old suitcases but never know what to do with them, so I never get them. The other day, though, I thought I would grab one and come home and try to make something out of it. I decided on making a table. I searched the web for inspiration, and even checked Pinterest for ideas, but unfortunately what I was wanting to do hadn't been done or at least hadn't been pinned yet. :( So I was on my own on this one.
DIY Suitcase Table
I headed over to Home Depot, and spent an hour there trying to find what I wanted, without going over budget ($20). I decided on the following supplies:
2×2 ($.98)
2.5″ screws ($.98 x 2 packs = $1.96)
paint sample ($2.98)
plywood ($8 ugh)
I already had on hand the suitcase ($2), mod podge, drill, screw driver, and book pages. Instead of buying a paint brush, I just used a sponge brush I had. I don't recommend that, by the way. It was ruined before the project was half-finished. Luckily, I had two of them. :)
So I had the guy at Home Depot cut the 2×2 into 18″ pieces, and the plywood into a piece that would fit into my suitcase. No, I did not measure. I brought the suitcase into the store. I also needed it so the paint could be an exact match. They probably wondered why anyone would want such a hideous color of paint! I thought the same thing, but I think this little suitcase has character. I set all of the supplies out on the front porch, and then tore out the inside lining since it was starting to come out anyway. Had the lining been in tact, I probably would have kept it.
I took a really old Spanish book that I had purchased at Goodwill a few weeks ago, and tore the pages out. I attached them to the suitcase with mod podge. If you don't have an old book, you could use a new one and then spray some sealant over it to make them look aged. Or I am sure there is some ink you could use as well, but I was trying to do this project on a small budget. If the darn plywood wasn't so expensive, I could've kept it at around $10!
Total cost: $16
I painted the legs and the plywood with matching paint, and then drilled holes into the plywood and through the suitcase shell. After the paint was dry, I used the 2.5″ screws to attach the plywood to the suitcase, and then to the 2×2 legs.
Melody says
That’s so cute! I’m so UN-crafty, that it’s illegal in all 50 states for me to even THINK about doing a craft lol!
SlapDashMom says
This was surprisingly UNcomplicated actually. :)
Teresa says
That is way to cute and original. now did you paint the suitcase a different color? I have a really old suitcase in the basement. I think this would be a great idea for my daycare room to make some storage for the hot wheels or the Legos.
SlapDashMom says
Nope the suitcase came that color, I just took it to the store with me to match for paint for the legs. :)
Beth says
You are so crafty! I love love love re-purposed items like this. Plus this would look fantastic in my entry way ;)
your mother says
You have out done yourself again. This project is amazing. When I first saw the old suitcase I thought, ” What in the world is she thinking?”. The finished product shows what you were thinking and it is awesome. Keep up the good work. Love you, MOM
SlapDashMom says
I think this is the first comment you ever left. :) Love you!
amanda says
This is suppperr cute!!! I love it!!!
Johannah says
I am not in love with old suitcases or any suitcases really … but you did a good job. However, I likely would have bought an old table (maybe $5.00) at Goodwill and repainted it to use as a base. The whole building thing has never been a strong point of mine.
SlapDashMom says
I considered attaching it atop a coffee table, but it just didn’t look the same. I think it’s a good idea though. :)
Heather Bryant says
Love it
Lamb says
Thank you for linking up! Your post has been pinned :)
SlapDashMom says
Thanks!!
Determined Momma says
Okay I love how that turned out! And you can use it open or closed for completely different looks. Ah-mazing!
Jacqui Odell says
I love how that looks!!
Diane @ Philzendia says
Cute craft idea. I love how the inside came out. I purchased some modge podge a few months ago, but have yet to use it.
Rose Powell says
I have a serious love for vintage anything. So when I saw your photograph I knew I’d love it! It’s beautiful, relatively simple to make, and well that luggage is awesome! You have a great creative mind to come up with that idea!!! Love that you lined the inside with an old book as well ! You repurposed it into something beautiful and a unique conversational piece! BRAVO! Now pin it!!!!