I told you that my mom had collected a lot of vintage suitcases and as you can tell by our projects I wasn’t kidding. She’s come up with a really cute Sweet Spring Suitcase for my niece Sydney. Enjoy the photos but also scroll down to see how to refinish the inside of a dirty suitcase and shine the outside of one to make it look new!

Take A Peak Inside

Knowing the Easter Bunny would bring a basket, a sweet spring suitcase was created for Granddaughter Sydney Grace. This little green suitcase will be easy to mail and just the right size for a 4 year old to carry around her treasures.

Tutu Bunny is made from heavy muslin and tea stained.  Doesn’t she have a nice tan?  Actually left over from a craft business I owned in the 80’s.  Her clothes are fresh and updated.  Her headband adorned with a fabric flower. I added eyes and a mouth with colored thread as well.  Too cute! Purchase one of our Bunnies in our shop! 

When creating holiday gifts use a variety of colors, try different shades, luster, and materials. I used shiny eggs in some pictures that are metallic, jewel tones and eggshell, pastel eggs in others. Don’t be afraid to try out different looks until you achieve exactly what you like.

The Dream sign – a Ross Dress For Less deal.

Tip: When creating a sweet spring suitcase, take all the pieces with you to match and coordinate.

Easter Treats are packed in the bottom of the suitcase.  Then a layer of fluffy raffeta is added so that Tutu Bunny can have a safe comfortable trip.

The green vintage suitcase was a local thrift store find.   The gross, stained and smelly interior was ripped out.  I have learned so much about how old luggage was made!  This one actually had layers of cardboard.

The interior was re-done with fabric covered foam board, quilt batting and a lot of hot glue.  The old ruffle is in good shape and adds interest.  Notice how there is a little touch of the suitcase green in the fabric?  This allows all the other colors to “make sense” in the design.

Little girls don’t always appreciate the “aged patina” look.  I scrubbed and scraped trying to remove the crud from the latches.

My husband, a knife collector saved the day with this awesome product, Simichrome Polish.  Just apply a very small amount and rub and buff.  Here’s more detail on how to clean a vintage suitcase.

With our collection of Vintage suitcases we have made Laundry Room Storage, Picnic Baskets, Pet beds and now Sydney’s Sweet Suitcase. What are you making with you vintage suitcases? We would love to know.