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Retro Suitcase Organizer

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-809 -- More Projects »
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Fill an old suitcase with a memory board, office supplies, books, stationary, etc.
Materials:

old suitcase
warm soapy water
soft cloths
spray furniture polish or paste wax
1/2" thick foam core cut to fit the inside lid and the bottom
spray adhesive
scissors
fabric to cover foam core and inside sides of case
hot glue gun /glue sticks
straight pins
ribbon

Steps:

  1. Brush or vacuum any dirt or loose debris from the suitcase. Wipe clean with a damp soft cloth and let dry.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
  • Clean and polish outside of suitcase. If the inside sides are in good shape and the fabric is acceptable, leave as is. If not, cut and glue pieces of fabric to cover them (figure A).
  • Replace or cover side ribbons on suitcase with new ribbon. Glue over old pieces or remove and add new ones (figure B).
  • Cut fabric slightly larger than the pieces of pre-cut foam core that fit inside the top and bottom, and then attach with spray mount. Wrap excess fabric to back of foam core and hot-glue or tape down (figure C).
  • Cut ribbon into lengths that will wrap around the piece of foam core. Cut for the top up-and-down and side-to-side with excess ribbon to fold to the back.
  • Create a grid pattern with the ribbon over the fabric-covered foam core (figure D). Attach on the back with pins.
  • Attach covered foam core to the inside lid of the suitcase with hot glue around edges. Press gently until secure. The padded lid area is great for cards and notes . Use pushpins to attach or slip behind ribbon grid to secure.
  • Glue the excess covered piece of foam core into bottom of suitcase. The bottom is a good place to put decorative files or boxes of office supplies, letters, bills, etc.

    Tip:

    Create two or three of these cases and line them up on a shelf or table to organize an office. Use one for things to attend to immediately, one for monthly bills and one for ideas for future projects or work-related ideas.

    • Also in this Episode
    Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-809
    •Copper Shelf Valance
    •Retro Suitcase Organizer
    •Postcard Mosaics
    •Ribbon Wrapped Frame
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