Create a Decorative Suitcase for a Travel-Inspired Mood

Step 1

The mood and style of any room lie in its details and small decorative objects. Our family will not have a vacation this year, and our farthest planned trip is to the country house. To brighten the mood and make up a little for the lack of travel, I had the idea to create this sweet little suitcase, which became a lovely addition to the room.

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Step 3

For this project, use:
• jute;
• thick cardboard;
• a hot glue gun;
• a piece of sturdy fabric;
• a small piece of faux or genuine leather;
• hardware.

Cut two cardboard pieces measuring 13/20 cm. The size is not critical; adjust all measurements to the suitcase size you want. Round the sharp corners slightly with scissors.

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Step 5

Also cut two cardboard strips measuring 66/1.3 cm and 66/4.5 cm. If you do not have a sheet of cardboard that long, tape smaller pieces together. Curl the strips slightly to make them easier to work with.
Wrap the cardboard strips with jute and secure the edges with hot glue.

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Step 7

Start forming the suitcase frame. Glue jute threads along the long upper side.

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Step 9

Repeat on one side edge only.
Begin weaving, crossing the threads in a checkerboard pattern until the whole base is filled. Secure the threads with hot glue at the end of every row.

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Step 12

Glue sturdy fabric to the wrong side of the piece. Glue the wide wrapped-cardboard strip around the edge of one base piece and trim excess edges.
Glue the narrower strip to the other piece.

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Step 14

Use a hot glue gun to attach metal hardware to the future suitcase.

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Step 16

Cut strips of faux or genuine leather to the desired width and glue them to the suitcase. These will become the suitcase straps.

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Step 18

Make a handle from jute and faux leather as well.

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Step 20

This is the little suitcase you will have!

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