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Simple Nature Decor

nature inspired ideas to get a trendy and organic look in your home

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For Coastal Chic Learn How To Decoupage A Suitcase with Maps

Filed Under: diy and craft, flowersMay 15, 2014

For coastal chic learn how to decoupage a suitcase with maps.

Decoupage is the art of gluing paper cutouts onto an object such as this suitcase.  I have been wanting to decoupage them for some time now. I was looking for nautical maps and after something digging, I found nautical maps at the Graphics Fairy. They have beautiful maps to choose and the colors on theese maps were perfect for my home.

Supplies For Coastal Chic Learn How To Decoupage A Suitcase with Maps

Supplies

Suitcase

Modpodge glue

Scissors

Nautical maps

Sponge application

Damp sponge

Tweezer

Printables maps for How To Decoupage A Suitcase with Maps

Step 1:

Start by printing the nautical maps with a color printer. I use Epson Stylus 688, the ink doesn’t bleen when applying glue on the printables.

Step 2:

Apply the glue on the printable with a sponge applicator. Each layer is sealed with the glue until the stuck-on appearance disappears and the result looks like a painting. Make sure you pass over the printable with a damp sponge to smooth all the air bubbles. Many people ask me what type of glue do I like. Typically I use ModPodge. If the glue gets thick inside the container I have added a few teaspoons of water and it helps when I apply it on the paper.  Even though I have diluted the glue it’s still working for me. The paper after drying is pretty much stuck on like a painting.

I let the paper dry on the suitcase for a few hours before I turn it over to do the other side.

Step 3:

For smaller pieces line up a new printable map to correlate with the edge of the map so it looks like one continuous map.

Step 4

For the sides, I measured the space and it basically came to half of 8 1/2 by 11 printable.  Make sure that you cut the edges of the printable which is not usable. Apply lots of glue and smooth out with a damp cloth or a clean damp sponge.

Step 5: For hard to reach areas.

Make sure you hands are clean. Cut small pieces of different sizes of paper for those hard to reach areas around the handle, locks, and screws. Add lots of glue and apply with a small tweezer.

Similar Posts!

How to frame coastal maps

How to decoupage a desk

Free Maps

 

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53 Comments

Comments

  1. henrietta says

    May 15, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    What a great idea. It gives the room a vintage feel yet till contemporary.

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 15, 2014 at 3:45 pm

      Hey Henrietta
      thanks for stopping by again.. I greatly appreciate you sweet comments and they make my day..This project was very fun and easy to make..
      Hugs Maria

      Reply
  2. Suzan says

    May 15, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    Hi Maria – I came by because you left such a lovely comment – what beautiful examples of how lovely old suitcases can be – especially love the one in the garden !!!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 15, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      I love your blog and I really glad you stopped by.. I think you entered my Fabulous Friday Link Party last week. Ill put you on my list to send a invite for the next one.. I may do one tomorrow but i have to see if i have time. Its not every week.. The old suitcase was an inspiration from seeing this one website that had some pretty designs. Thanks Maria

      Reply
  3. Linda Todd says

    May 15, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    I used to travel with my work and I should have some suitcases to try these ideas. They look so unique and good. Would have never thought about this.

    Thank you for sharing these ideas.
    Linda

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 15, 2014 at 3:47 pm

      I bet you be surprise that you have some really nice smaller pieces that you can do this.. You can also use a decorative large box as well. Thanks again for stopping by.. Maria

      Reply
  4. Jess says

    May 15, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    This is such a neat idea! 🙂

    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 15, 2014 at 3:48 pm

      Hey Jess, thanks for stopping by.. THe giveaway that you are running when does that end??

      Thanks
      Maria

      Reply
  5. Rhonda says

    May 16, 2014 at 2:27 am

    Stopping by from Turn It Up Tuesday. Love the creativity with the luggage, especially the Luggage Herb Garden. I’m a gardener, I’ll be on the look out for the perfect piece of garden luggage.

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 16, 2014 at 2:31 am

      Thanks for the kind words! I hope you find a perfect suitcase and create this adorable piece for your garden.. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
      Will stop by your blog and explore it. Thanks Maria

      Reply
  6. Donna Wilkes says

    May 17, 2014 at 12:07 am

    What inspirational photos for using vintage luggage – one of my favorite things to do.

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 17, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Hi Donna .. Thanks so much in visiting my blog.. I’m glad you like the post.. Its the garden part thats very inspirational to me..When I’m outside i Get all these interesting ideas and Thats how i got this one. Maria

      Reply
  7. [email protected] Trekker says

    May 17, 2014 at 3:41 am

    Love your interesting use of re-purposed materials.

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 17, 2014 at 11:34 am

      Hey Charlie.. Glad you like my crazy suitcase idea… Its out-there in the rain and the herbs look great! I think eventually the suitcase will become part of the soil but that won’t happen for a few years. I will have to look for another suitcase then. Love your Blog, is that originally newspaper as well.
      Maria

      Reply
  8. Brittnei says

    May 17, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    I’m so pinning this for inspiration at a later time just in case. I love these. I had no idea that some were luggage. Only I knew because of what the post says, but they look so beautiful in the decor of the rest of the room!

    Reply
    • Simple Nature Decor says

      May 17, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Brittnei… Im so glad you are pinning this.. the more the happier I get… Love that you stopped by friend and I hope your weekend is filled with fun and laughter..
      Hugs
      Maria

      Reply
  9. Heather {Woods of Bell Trees} says

    May 18, 2014 at 8:39 am

    I don’t know which luggage idea is my favorite! 😀 LOVE!

    Reply
    • Simple Nature Decor says

      May 18, 2014 at 9:36 pm

      I know what you mean.. it was hard for me to decide when i was doing the post..Architectural Design Blog have some really nice things.. .I got inspired to create my own with the ones i have..Thats how i came up with the garden suitcase. Thanks Maria

      Reply
  10. Misty Nicole Overstreet-Roberts (The Lady Prefers To Save) says

    May 19, 2014 at 1:47 am

    Maria, those suitcases with plants are amazing! I am going to be on the look-out for a set for my porch! Thank you for stopping by my page earlier today as well! You have such style, I love it!

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 19, 2014 at 1:52 am

      Hey Misty I hope you get to make one some day, its really easy! It really nice that you stopped by.. I love to meet new people and its such a nice feeling.
      Keep in touch.. Maria

      Reply
  11. Emily says

    May 19, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    Love this idea! I just purchased an old suitcase at a garage sale and I have been trying to figure out what to do with it. Thanks for the inspiration! We would love for you to share with us at Your Designs This Time!
    http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/05/designs-time-no-10/

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 19, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      So happy you visited my blog with your lovely comments.. I would love to share something of my with “designs this time”. Can you give some details.. here is my email [email protected]
      Hugs Maria

      Reply
  12. Beth says

    May 19, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    I absolutely love this design idea! Vintage suitcases are wonderful,,,hatboxes too!

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 19, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      Not enought time to do all this work.. I work 30 hour in business which is not related to decor and its very hard to fit all this in.. But i love meeting people and wish I could do this full time.. Hopefully some day. Hugs Maria

      Reply
  13. Brittany Burke says

    May 19, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    Great blog! You can bet I will continue to stop by. Thank you for checking out Ravishing in Plaid. Really wish I could have participated in the Friday Party. xx Brittany

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 19, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      You are always welcome to stop by and leave me a comment and I will stop by your blog.. later.. It looks like a great stylish blog that I will enjoy to read.
      Maria

      Reply
  14. Brittany Burke says

    May 19, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    Great blog! You can bet I will continue to stop by. Thank you for checking out Ravishing in Plaid…I wish I could participated in the Friday Party. xx Brittany

    Reply
  15. lisa lynn says

    May 22, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    Fun ideas! Thanks for sharing your post on The HomeAcre Hop! I hope you’ll stop by again today 🙂

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 22, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      What a great name for your blog… I love hops and Im going to have one tomorrow so ill send your an invite.
      Thanks Maria

      Reply
  16. Michelle Leslie says

    May 3, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    I love how this turned out Maria and the fact that you left some of the old suitcase exposed adds to its charm. Beautiful idea

    Reply
    • Maria Brittis says

      May 3, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      Yes Thats what I thought too.Have a great and safe week.

      Reply
  17. Maria Brittis says

    May 17, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Thanks so much in using my Garden Suit Case in your post.. It was a nice surprise to wake up to.. Love the post.. Its so wells done..
    Hugs Maria

    Reply
  18. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:58 am

    Kimberly I hit the jack pot with all this loving for my Garden Suitcase.. You gals are just wonderful
    Maria

    Reply
  19. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:56 am

    thanks for featuring me….. will stop by and explore your blog..
    Hugs
    Maria

    Reply
  20. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:55 am

    You rock and Im in love with your blog party.. you have made me a happy camper today.. for loving my garden suitcase post

    Hugs
    Maria

    Reply
  21. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:54 am

    OOOOHHHHH so happy you stopped by to send me some love for the project Garden Suitcase
    Sending love back Maria

    Reply
  22. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:53 am

    I really loving your party and all the attention I am getting for the project i created with a suitcase.
    Maria

    Reply
  23. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:52 am

    Thanks for featuring my Garden Suitcase.. Im just so touched with all the attention I am getting for this suitcase. Its been so much fun.. Love your blog as well..

    Reply
  24. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:35 am

    Good Morning..Hope you are well and I just want to thank you for liking my garden suitcase.. Have a great week Maria

    Reply
  25. Maria Brittis says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Gardens projects are lots of fun to make and I was thilled that you featured min… Maria

    Reply
  26. Maria Brittis says

    May 23, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    OOOOOh!What a great post! Thanks for linking up your fabulous stuff. So many great posts to read and later on today I’m going to sit down with a cup of tea and explore everything! Maria

    Reply

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Hi there! Welcome To Simple Nature Decor. I’m Maria and I am a home decor blogger for over 7 years. I live in beautiful Coastal South Carolina. I love to bring what’s beautiful in nature into your home. My goal is to inspired you to decorate with nature inspired ideas… For collaborations contact me [email protected]

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