In the process of decorating my craft room, I thought hard
about ways to store my current knitting and craft projects. There is an
abundance of project storage inspiration only, but I was not so keen on the
traditional baskets and sewing boxes. As my craft room must work as an office and
guest room at the same time, something more like a side table had to be found.
It was then, as I roamed the local antique store that the idea struck me. I saw
the most beautiful red suitcases. There is an abundance of suitcase table
inspiration on Pinterest. So, I bought them to create multi-use suitcase
tables.
Getting the Material
Coming home, I immediately assessed my purchase. Both
suitcases were made of cardboard. This meant some issues with their stability
could occur if I just put them on legs. I found the solution to this problem on
YouTube as one crafter used a sheet of plywood to reinforce the bottom
structure of her suitcase table. This
solution though would be a little too heavy for the lid of the suitcase lid. As
the suitcase lid was too wobbly to function as a tabletop on its own, I purchased
some thick cardboard. This is a lighter alternative to plywood and proofs to be
equally as stable in the end. The kind of legs was more of a style issue to me.
Some table legs are easier to install than others. However, as my desk rests on
hairpin legs, I decided that the suitcase table legs will do so, too. This
saves me time finding the right wood colour or, stain to keep the coherent look
of the room. To give the inside of the
suitcases a renewed cover I got some extra fabric.
Assembling the suitcase table
Assembling the tables proved a little difficult when you are
on your own. I do not have a saw and living in a rental, I do not really have
to opportunity to cut the sheet of wood to size, I ordered it a bit smaller
than the suitcases. It takes a bit more time to measure the suitcases and
centre the sheets. But it made it possible to build them with some sort of
stability. The wood sheet is placed inside the compartment. You can place the
suitcases on the sheet with the legs directly screwed on the plywood. But, I
wanted to give the illusion that the suitcase is directly placed on the legs. I
measured and predrilled the wholes. So, screwing the legs suitcase and plywood
together was easier as I could make sure everything is in place and exactly put
together as I wanted.
When screwing everything
together, I recommend help. With the bigger suitcase, I asked my husband to hold
the legs up, while I put the screws in. This way, I was able to hold up the
sheet of plywood while putting the screws in.
Then I started covering the inner compartment of the
suitcase with some fabric and cut 2 sheets of cardboard per suitcase to size,
covering them with the fabric as well. One sheet of cardboard I glued to the
lid of the suitcase to create a stable surface to use as a table. I used the
second sheet to cover up the plywood sheet inside.
All in all, I am so happy with my suitcase tables. They look
cool and fit the style of my craft room perfectly. And best of all, they are
multifunctional, so I can store my current projects and craft supplies in them,
while everything looks put together and tidy, if guests are staying in this
room.
What are your recent craft projects? Have you had a go at
building furniture pieces yourselves? Let’s help each other getting some
inspiration for craft ideas!
If you created netted bead necklace yourself, do not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler
Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog. How about some Crafts?
Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful and craft more :-)
