Crafting A Vintage Suitcase For Wedding Cards

If you're planning a vintage rustic wedding, you'll want your accessories to reflect that theme. A vintage suitcase is a unique alternative to a traditional wedding card box and can be easily transported to and from the reception. In this article, we'll show you how to upcycle a vintage suitcase into a wedding card box. We'll cover everything from preparing and cleaning the suitcase to giving the inside a new look and repairing or replacing any missing parts.

Prepare and clean the suitcase

To prepare and clean the suitcase, start by removing any existing fabric or paper lining the inside. In the case of the project outlined, the fabric was torn and dirty, so it was easily removed by tugging at it. Once you've stripped the interior, you'll be left with a plain wooden box that you can decorate.

Give the inside a fresh coat of paint. A nice, neutral colour like white is a good option. If you want to add a more personal touch, you can decoupage some craft paper to the inside lid and finish it off with a lace border glued on with tacky glue. You can also add some buttons or other embellishments to cover any seams or tears in the paper.

The suitcase should also have a label indicating its purpose, so you can make a sign with thick cut-out letters painted with a colour of your choice. Attach the sign to the inside of the suitcase with small brad clips.

Give the inside a new look

Now that the suitcase is clean and the inside is bare, it's time to decorate! Start by painting the inside of the suitcase with a nice, fresh coat of white paint. This will help to cover up any remaining dirt or stains and create a blank canvas for your design.

Next, add some decorative paper to the inside lid using a decoupage technique. Choose a paper that fits your wedding theme and colour scheme, such as neutral rose craft paper for a romantic, vintage look. Use a matte finish Mod Podge to attach the paper and create a seamless finish. To really make the paper pop, consider adding a lace border with tacky glue. If there are any seams between the paper, you can hide them with decorative buttons.

To indicate that the suitcase is for gift cards, create a sign with thick cut-out letters. For a rustic look, paint the letters with a raw umber paint and add a light coat of metallic silver to match the paper. Attach the sign to the lace using small brad clips.

Finally, add a personal touch to the bottom of the inside of the box. You can use decoupage to attach lace, then paint over it with a couple of coats of paint to blend with the paper on the lid.

Decorate the suitcase lid

Now that the suitcase is clean and the inside has been decorated, it's time to focus on the lid. The lid is the perfect place to add a personal touch and make your vintage suitcase card box stand out. Here are some ideas to decorate the suitcase lid and make it look stunning:

Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme

Select a theme or colour scheme that complements the vintage style of the suitcase. For example, you could go for a rustic theme with neutral colours, or perhaps a more elegant look with soft pastel shades. The chosen theme or colour scheme will guide the rest of your decorations.

Paint the Lid

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look of the suitcase lid. Opt for a colour that aligns with your chosen theme or colour scheme. You can go for a solid colour or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a distressed or ombre effect.

Add Decoupage or Fabric

Decoupage is a great way to add interest and texture to the lid. Choose some craft paper or fabric in a design that complements your theme. For a vintage look, consider using lace or doilies. Attach the material to the lid using a decoupage medium or mod podge, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Embellish with Embellishments

Embellishments such as pearls, rhinestones, or buttons can add a touch of glamour to the lid. You can also use these embellishments to hide any seams or imperfections. For a more natural look, consider using twine or jute to create a rustic border around the edges of the lid.

Personalise with a Sign

Create a sign to indicate that the suitcase is for gift cards. Use thick letters that match your colour scheme and attach them to the lid with small clips or glue. You can also add the couple's names or wedding date to make it more personalised.

Finish with a Sealant

To protect your hard work, finish the lid with a coat of sealant. This will help to preserve your decorations and ensure that your vintage suitcase card box lasts for years to come.

Remember, the key to decorating the suitcase lid is to have fun and be creative. Don't be afraid to mix and match different ideas to create a unique and personalised card box for your vintage wedding.

Repair or replace missing parts

When upcycling a vintage suitcase into a wedding card box, it is important to repair or replace any missing parts to ensure the suitcase's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here are some steps you can take to address missing components:

Straps and Hinges

If the leather straps that hold the lid in place when open are missing, you can replace them with bracelet chains. Carefully attach the chains to the suitcase using tacks, ensuring they are secure and tight. This will prevent the lid from falling back and provide a stable surface for guests to place their cards.

Fabric Lining

If the inside of the suitcase is damaged or torn, you can remove the existing fabric lining. Start by carefully detaching it from the wooden frame. Then, paint the exposed wooden surface with a fresh coat of paint in a colour of your choice. You can also decorate it with craft paper or fabric using decoupage techniques and a matte finish to protect it.

Suitcase Handle

Should the handle be missing or damaged, consider replacing it with a new one. You can find replacement handles online or in craft stores. Ensure that the new handle is securely attached to the suitcase, following any instructions provided with the replacement.

Latches and Locks

If the suitcase has broken or missing latches or locks, you can replace them with new ones. Look for latches or locks that match the style and colour of the suitcase. You may need to drill new holes to attach the replacement pieces, so ensure you have the right tools for the job.

Suitcase Feet

Vintage suitcases often have small feet or bumpers on the bottom to protect the case when it is placed on the ground. If these are missing, you can replace them with small rubber or plastic bumpers, which can be found at most hardware stores.

Finish with accessories

Now that your vintage suitcase wedding card box is ready, it's time to finish with some accessories to enhance its overall look and make it even more functional. Here are some ideas to elevate your project:

• Lace and fabric: Consider adding a delicate lace border to the upper edge of the suitcase's interior. You can use tacky glue to attach the lace securely. If you want to cover the inside of the suitcase with fabric or paper, opt for neutral colours and patterns, such as a rose craft paper with a matte finish. This will create a soft and elegant backdrop for the cards.
• Signage: Create a sign to indicate that the suitcase is for gift cards. You can cut out thick letters, paint them with raw umber paint, and add a light coat of metallic silver to match the interior. Attach the sign to the lace with small brad clips for a secure hold.
• Replacement parts: If your suitcase is missing any parts, like straps to hold the lid in place, you can get creative with replacements. For example, you could use bracelet chains attached with tacks to keep the lid from falling back when open.
• Decorative elements: To add a touch of glamour, consider gluing lace to the bottom of the inside of the box and then painting over it with complementary colours to blend with the rest of the decor. You can also use mother-of-pearl buttons as decorative elements to hide seams or tears in the fabric.
• Banners and garlands: Etsy offers a variety of banners and garlands that can be draped over your suitcase. These can be customised with words like "Cards" or "Gifts" and come in rustic or elegant styles to match your theme.
• Locks and keys: If you want to keep the cards secure, consider adding a lock and key to your suitcase. This can be a functional and decorative element, with options like acrylic card boxes with personalised locks.

With these accessories, your vintage suitcase wedding card box will be a beautiful and practical addition to your special day.

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