Kim from Musings By Kim K challenged me to show my collection of vintage suitcases and doll trunks that I use for storage in the studio. In addition to seeing the collection she wanted to see what was STORED in each one too.
This post made me tidy up the studio which it so desperately needed. I don't have a big studio, but I have 9 vintage suitcase and 4 doll trunks that I use for storage. I like them because they have a cool vintage look and I can often pick them up really inexpensively, as I really don't worry about condition much.
As you can see I have them all stacked and fit together just so. I often attach a label to the suitcase handle to tell me what the contents are.
This suitcase is my favorite. It is only about 16 inches wide and was a gift.
I don't put my feet under my worktable. I have maximized every square inch of the studio for storage.
My collection does not hold any amazing brands or styles..No vintage Louis Vuitton for me. These are workhorse suitcases meant to HOLD things.
Like extra stock of bottle-brush trees.
This is a metal picnic suitcase. It came with some plastic plates and utensils which I kept with the case. It now holds vintage sewing patterns.
One of two suitcases filled with vintage bump chenille. I like that this one has the key to the suitcase safety pinned to the upper lining. If I ever need to lock up this oh-so valuable bump chenille, I have the key!
The suitcases really do have great brand labels and handles. Love the stripes on this one.
It is full of prize ribbons.
My bright red suitcase holds old music books and sheet music.
Most of my vintage crepe paper is in a big cabinet drawer, but this suitcase holds my overflow.
Doesn't everyone have a suitcase of reindeer?
Christmas light reflectors.
Part of my spun head stash.
This little metal doll case is actually a "Dream Girl Dinner Set". It opens into a table and shelves. It also functions as a carry case.
It hold a bunch of flower making parts.
A worn red child's suitcase.
It holds more vintage flower parts. Love the striped interior.
The vintage doll suitcases are probably my favorite way to store items, but they are smaller and don't hold as much as the travel luggage.
A charming child's suitcase with decals.
Adorable leather handle.
A girl can never have enough poker chips. I craft with them not gamble with them!
And last but not least one suitcase of tin baking molds for crafting. Note the cute red gingham lining.
Great to look at. Great storage. Perfect for my studio.
If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of _____ ." It is fun to see what challenges I get...keep them coming!
Happy day!
I think I'd be happy with just ONE of those filled suitcases - but which suitcase would I pick? Too hard to choose - maybe the reindeer! Or the Christmas trees? Spun heads? Well, anyway, looks like a great storage system! Thanks for showing it off.
Posted by: Aimee | March 15, 2011 at 07:27 AM
You certainly didn't disappoint! Thank you for sharing your suitcase & doll trunk collections. I especially loved seeing what items you have tucked in them.
Posted by: Kim K. | March 15, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Shouldn't everyone have a suitcase full of reindeer? Makes sense to me. Your studio is like the world's best vintage candy shop -- I could look through your stash all day long!
Posted by: Into Vintage | March 15, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Oh my ! I've never seen so much fun stuff in one place in all my life ... (well your at least in the running with Elizabeth from etsy's "grandmother's attic") !! E in TN
Posted by: E | March 15, 2011 at 03:22 PM
That was so fun! I loved snooping through all those cool suitcases~ my fave is the turqoise one with the red/white gingham. Soooo adorable!
Hugs,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | March 15, 2011 at 03:38 PM
LOVE the suitcases! I have 7 of them myself and use them to store my supplies as well as some that are dedicated to my family keepsakes. I cannot resist rescuing them when I find them. When I bought my very first one with gorgeous royal blue satin lining I actually used it to pack for a road trip to the coast. When we got there I realized I probably looked pretty dorky lugging it into the hotel. What? These people can't afford a real suitcase?? LOL!
Posted by: Kathy | March 15, 2011 at 09:40 PM
What a great post and loved all the eye candy!! Noticed some cute honeycomb icecream cones. So happy that pair is back together where they belong :) I have a couple vintage suitcases but after reading this post I want to go shopping RIGHT NOW for more! Unfortunately it is 2 am so it will have to wait...haha
Marci
Posted by: Marci | March 16, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Suitcases aren't just for clothes anymore. I store wrapping paper and feedsacks in mine -sometimes extra linens.
Posted by: Lynn | March 16, 2011 at 03:31 AM
I love the little reindeer peeking out of the top of the suitcase!
Show me your collection of Easter baskets. With the sun finally shining today, I am in the mood for Easter and Spring goodies!
Posted by: Lisa | March 16, 2011 at 07:40 AM
Now I know where the rest of that reindeer herd is hiding out!!
Posted by: Nan | March 16, 2011 at 10:24 AM
I think this is my favorite collection of yours, so far... but what, no train cases for storage?? no picnic baskets for storage??
Show us your Picnic baskets (it is almost Spring (technically anyways!) and show us your Train cases! (I personally store most of my goods in those, because they fit Great on bookshelves!!)
If you've done this already, and I somehow missed it, I apologize!
S~
Posted by: Sue | March 17, 2011 at 03:55 AM
I would have to say that this is my favorite collection you've shown! I love both suitcases and doll cases. Seeing what's inside of them really brings out the magpie in me! If you weren't a crafter, I'd turn you in to the Hoarders show, lol! Great stuff, as always!
Now, regarding your detective post, that stick thing really looks like a swizzle stick. I've seen them shaped like that. I can't see you it would be used to pick up tiny things with all those legs on it - I'd think just one leg would do it. Oh, well!
Posted by: SueLovesCherries | March 20, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Aargh! I wish I could edit that comment - it should read, "I can't see HOW . . ."
Posted by: SueLovesCherries | March 20, 2011 at 06:44 AM
Oh my goodness!!!! Such amazing and sweet inspiration!! Kim K, has linked me to this post for inspiration, and you just have loads of it!! Thank you!! :) :) Every time I read and look at one of your posts, I leave with a smile and can't wait for my next thrifty shop!! xo Holly
Posted by: Holly | May 01, 2014 at 05:28 PM