INSIDE: Use a vintage suitcase as a photo display on a wall or shelf. Idea for how to re-use old luggage.
I sent my mom on a mission to pick up a $10 beaten down, old suitcase someone in her neighborhood was selling on Craigslist. This was a bit of a gamble considering, as she often says, she can get lost turning around in her driveway! A handful of phone calls to me about directions and maps, she nevertheless found the home and showed up at my door with a vintage suitcase in hand.
With the suitcase now in my crafty hands, I have come to learn that my mother is upset with me that I took the suitcase apart and used the bottom half as a dog bed for our geriatric four-pawed baby. Claims the dog is too old to climb in. (And she’s kinda right; the dog is a little weary of her vintage bed!)
However, mom is on board with what I did with the top of the suitcase. Here’s how this grown daughter made her mama happy…all over a $10 DIY project!
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DIY Vintage Suitcase Wall Photo Display
This old suitcase must’ve had an amazingly adventurous past life because it was in rough shape! What once housed someone’s belongings on some old-time travels would now have a new kind of adventure…as a photo display on my wall.
Supplies:
– Drill with small drill bit
– Fabric
– Iron
– Glue gun
– Bailing wire
– Wire cutter
– Cute paper clips
– Photos/Polaroids/Vintage postcards
– Vintage suitcase
diy vintage suitcase wall art
The original liner paper, which kept someone’s belongings safe and dry, just couldn’t be saved. Don’t you think? First task was to remove the old, albeit cool, paper.
The top of the suitcase was gently removed. I asked my husband if he could remove the top for me. I turned around for all of a minute then found myself with two luggage parts. Who knew I had my own resident Hulk? He just pried the pieces apart!
This equally strong and handy guy was nice enough to also insert a hook on what would typically be the top of the suitcase. This is how the suitcase will hang on a wall, assuming you plan to do so.
We laid out a rough plan for how the bailing wire will be strung within the suitcase. Based on this layout, drill small holes within both sides of the suitcase.
how to decorate with photos using vintage suitcase
I hauled out my clothing iron and flattened out some fabric. While doing this, I also folded down the raw edge of the fabric.
Working in small sections, run a bead of hot glue around the inside of the suitcase and apply the fabric.
At each corner, make a small triangle, fold the fabric down and secure theses corners with additional glue.
Once the inside of the suitcase is lined, poke the bailing wire through the holes previously made on the sides of the suitcase. Make a small twist, at both the beginning and end of the wire, to keep the wire from slipping out.
Talk about re-purpose! This old suitcase-turned-photo-display is fun on a dresser…
…or hung on a wall.
re-purpose old luggage into wall art
Use fun paper clips to hang an assortment of personal photos or postcards. It’s a fun way to display travel memories!
More DIY re-purposed ideas you may like:
- Turn a $5 mirrored tray into a photo holder for vintage photograph
- $20 thrift store coffee table makeover…with a rug
- Transform a large dresser mirror into wall art
- Grandma’s vintage vanity stool redo for child’s desk chair
- Use antique napkins to make a NO SEW table runner
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What a great way to display travel photo’s! I am always on the lookout for old suitcases, but I think they have become so popular in home décor they are snapped up too fast 🙁
Thanks Maureen!
Brilliant! Can be used for a photo display at a event such as a wedding, birthday party, sports awards banquet. …. the possibilities are endless!
Very true, this would be a cute way to display wedding photos.
What a smart makeover! I seriously can’t get over what a great idea this is. I see lots of suitcases in my cart on the next thrift store trip. Thanks for the awesome idea!
LOL, thanks Marie!
What a cute idea, I love ticking you added as a background. I bet the person who sold it to you is kicking themselves for not coming up with this idea on their own. And how lucky you get to send your mom on treasure hunts for you, my mom would gladly do it too but she’d also start bringing more stuff to repurpose (more than she does already LOL).
Oh, my mom shows up at my door with all sorts of goodies…from her own house, garage, backyard. It’s never ending!
Great idea! I would love to find an old suitcase like that!
I’m glad to see old suitcases are still in. I have several on hand I’ll try selling. I love how you repurposed this Victoria! Such a clever idea to display old photos (or new ones), and it will make a great conversation piece too.
I’ve seen old suitcases used in so many ways, but this is awesome. It’s perfect & hold so many pictures. I love this idea! Husbands are great helpers 🙂
How lovely Victoria, no wonder your mom approves of what you did with the top of the suitcase. It’s a really stunning idea
Thank you so much, Michelle!
This is a wonderful idea for vacation pictures. I had to laugh because I could your mother. I am the same way with directions 🙂
I love this project. It’s so special and personalized. I also love the fabric you chose to match the outside of the suitcase. Fabulous project.
I love the carefree vibe that this suitcase brings! This is such a creative(and new!) way to use vintage suitcases.
Thank you Keri!
OMG This is so creative. I love, love, love that fabric you used and it all came together so nicely. I love it both ways but I think hanging it is my favorite!
What a sweet idea. The photos look great hung like that, plus it’s easy to change them round and add new ones.
What a lovely idea, so sweet! and I love the fabric you used!
Victoria your beautiful suitcase repurpose is my feature this week at Sweet Inspiration. Well done on giving it a second life!!
Love, love, love this photo display! So creative & it’s great that your Mom picks up your finds for you! I call my Dad is my picker. He loves negotiating the prices too, lol.
I love this idea, and it turned out so great!. I could totally see this working into my coastal décor!
Clever idea. I like that you made the inside nice again.
Thanks Jeanne. The original was too bad to keep, unfortunately.
This idea is fabulous and fun. It would be comical to put in a guest room, finally luggage you enjoy, instead of lugging around. Love it.
Great idea Leanna!
Such a clever idea, and beautifully done. The lining fabric really finishes this off nicely. I love finding fun ways to display photos.
Oh, that’s a lovely idea. I’m pretty sure I can find some old suitcases at my grandfather’s attic and maybe I can make something similar too. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Just wanted to let you know I found your blog from a link posted by Sum of Their Stories. I subscribed to your blog. You have some great ideas! Thanks.
Thanks so much Laura. Much appreciated!
I’m always looking for a new way to display pictures. This is a really cute idea. Thank you for sharing at To Grandma’s House We Go.
I have a vintage stuitcase collection and some of them would be perfect for this. Great upcycle and love the ticking fabric! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathlen
Ooh I have one of these waiting to be upcycled. Thanks for the reminder!
I love this idea. I’ll be adding old luggage to my list for auction and flea market finds. Thanks for sharing, and we miss you on Sunday’s Best.